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The Certified 1950 Washington Quarter, graded MS66 by NGC, is a prime example of a mid-20th-century U.S. coin that reflects both the aesthetic appeal and historical importance of the long-running Washington Quarter series. First introduced in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of George Washington's birth, the Washington Quarter has remained in production for decades, becoming one of the most recognizable and enduring coin designs in American history. By 1950, the Washington Quarter had firmly established itself as a staple of U.S. coinage, and coins from this period are cherished by collectors for their high silver content and beautiful design. In MS66 condition, this coin exhibits excellent luster, sharp details, and minimal contact marks, making it a highly desirable piece for those who appreciate near-gem examples of this iconic coin.
The obverse of the 1950 Washington Quarter features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, designed by sculptor John Flanagan. Washington’s profile is simple yet dignified, capturing the essence of his leadership and legacy as the first president of the United States. The inscription "LIBERTY" is placed above Washington’s head, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed to the left of his portrait. The date "1950" is prominently displayed at the bottom. The overall design is clean and uncluttered, allowing Washington’s portrait to be the focal point. In this MS66 example, the obverse retains sharp details, especially in Washington’s hair and facial features. The coin’s surfaces are smooth and exhibit a brilliant luster that enhances its visual appeal. Any minor contact marks are barely visible, giving the coin a near-flawless appearance that collectors seek in high-grade examples.
The reverse of the 1950 Washington Quarter features a striking depiction of a bald eagle, symbolizing the strength and freedom of the United States. The eagle is perched on a bundle of arrows, representing military preparedness, while an olive branch below the eagle’s talons symbolizes peace. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are placed above the eagle, while the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR" is inscribed at the bottom. The reverse design is balanced and symmetrical, with a classic style that has remained largely unchanged over the years. On this MS66 coin, the reverse displays excellent detail in the eagle’s feathers and the arrows. The brilliant luster of the reverse complements the sharpness of the strike, making this coin a standout example from the Washington Quarter series.
The 1950 Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not include a mintmark on its coins. The Philadelphia Mint was the primary mint for the production of U.S. coinage, and its coins are known for their high quality. The total mintage for the 1950 Washington Quarter was 24,920,124, making it a relatively common issue within the series. However, finding high-grade examples like this MS66 piece can be more challenging, as many of these coins saw heavy circulation. The exceptional preservation of this coin, along with its strong strike and vibrant luster, sets it apart from lower-grade examples and makes it a highly desirable addition to any collection.
The Washington Quarter series has become one of the most collected U.S. coin series, both for its historical significance and its aesthetic appeal. Introduced during the Great Depression, the Washington Quarter was designed to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday and was initially intended as a commemorative coin. However, its popularity led to it becoming a regular circulating coin, replacing the Standing Liberty Quarter. Flanagan’s design, which was based on a bust of Washington by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, has remained in use for decades, with only minor modifications over the years. The 1950 issue, struck nearly two decades after the series began, represents a key period in American coinage as the country transitioned from the challenges of World War II to the postwar era of prosperity.
The Washington Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for U.S. silver coinage during the early to mid-20th century. Each coin weighs 6.25 grams and has a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The high silver content adds intrinsic value to the coin, making it both a collectible item and a piece of American economic history. Over time, many silver Washington Quarters were heavily circulated or melted down for their metal content, particularly after the Coinage Act of 1965, which removed silver from U.S. quarters. As a result, well-preserved examples like this MS66 coin are increasingly rare and valuable, especially for collectors who focus on high-grade silver coins from this period.
The MS66 grade assigned by NGC indicates that this 1950 Washington Quarter is in near-gem condition, with only minor imperfections that are not immediately visible without magnification. Coins in this grade exhibit strong eye appeal, with sharp details, bright luster, and minimal contact marks or abrasions. MS66 coins are highly prized by collectors because they offer a nearly flawless appearance without the premium prices associated with even higher grades like MS67 or MS68. This coin’s clean surfaces, strong strike, and vibrant luster make it an outstanding example of a mid-century Washington Quarter.
The Certified 1950 Washington Quarter MS66 NGC is a remarkable piece that combines historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and exceptional preservation. Its sharp details, brilliant luster, and minimal imperfections make it a highly desirable coin for collectors of U.S. silver coins. As part of the long-running Washington Quarter series, the 1950 issue holds a special place in American numismatic history, symbolizing both the legacy of George Washington and the enduring beauty of American coin design. Whether collected for its historical significance, aesthetic appeal, or investment potential, this MS66 quarter is a valuable addition to any collection.