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The Certified 1960 Washington Quarter, graded MS65 by NGC, is a beautiful representation of a key period in American numismatic history, standing at the crossroads of a coinage era. The Washington Quarter, first issued in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth, has since become one of the longest-running and most widely recognized U.S. coin series. The 1960 issue marks a time when the United States was experiencing post-World War II prosperity and a rising interest in the country’s silver coinage. With its sharp details, brilliant luster, and minimal contact marks, this MS65 coin is an attractive choice for collectors who value high-grade examples from the Washington Quarter series.
The obverse of the 1960 Washington Quarter features the familiar left-facing portrait of George Washington, designed by sculptor John Flanagan. Washington’s profile is dignified and commanding, paying homage to his leadership as the first president of the United States. The inscription "LIBERTY" is positioned above Washington’s head, while the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears to the left of his profile. The date "1960" is prominently displayed at the bottom. The design is simple and refined, with a focus on Washington’s image as a symbol of national unity and strength. On this MS65 example, the obverse displays razor-sharp details, particularly in Washington’s hair and facial features. The surfaces are smooth, and the coin’s brilliant luster enhances its visual appeal, with only minor contact marks that are barely noticeable, further contributing to the coin’s high-grade status.
The reverse of the 1960 Washington Quarter features a striking depiction of a bald eagle, the national emblem of the United States, perched on a bundle of arrows. The eagle’s wings are partially spread, symbolizing the nation’s readiness to defend itself. Below the arrows is an olive branch, representing the desire for 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 elegant, showcasing the classical elements of American coinage. On this MS65 coin, the reverse exhibits sharp details, particularly in the eagle’s feathers and the arrows. The luster is bright and uniform, giving the reverse a radiant appearance that complements the sharpness of the strike. The clean surfaces and strong strike make this reverse a key feature of this high-grade example.
The 1960 Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the nation’s oldest minting facility, which did not include a mintmark on its coins at the time. The Philadelphia Mint played a crucial role in producing much of the country’s circulating coinage throughout the 20th century. The total mintage for the 1960 Washington Quarter was 29,164,000, a moderate figure for the series. While not an extremely rare issue, finding examples in MS65 condition is more challenging, as many of these coins saw heavy circulation. The sharp strike and excellent preservation of this coin make it a standout example of a mid-century Washington Quarter.
The Washington Quarter series has been 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 initially intended as a commemorative coin, but its success as a circulating coin ensured its longevity. John Flanagan’s design, based on a bust of Washington by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, has been praised for its classic and dignified portrayal of the first president. The 1960 issue represents a key period in American coinage, as the country was in the midst of economic growth and modernization during the post-war years.
The 1960 Washington Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for U.S. silver coinage until the Coinage Act of 1965, which ended the use of silver in circulating quarters. 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 not only a collectible item but also a tangible piece of American economic history. Over time, many silver Washington Quarters were heavily circulated or melted down for their silver content, particularly after the U.S. transitioned to clad coinage. As a result, well-preserved examples like this MS65 coin are becoming increasingly rare and valuable, especially for collectors who focus on high-grade silver coins from the 1960s.
The MS65 grade assigned by NGC indicates that this 1960 Washington Quarter is in near-gem condition, with only minor imperfections visible under magnification. Coins in this grade exhibit strong eye appeal, with sharp details, brilliant luster, and minimal contact marks or abrasions. MS65 coins are highly prized by collectors because they offer a nearly flawless appearance without the premium prices associated with higher grades like MS66 or MS67. This example’s clean surfaces, strong strike, and radiant luster make it an outstanding addition to any collection of mid-century Washington Quarters.
The Certified 1960 Washington Quarter MS65 NGC is a remarkable piece of American numismatic history, combining historical significance, aesthetic beauty, and excellent 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 1960 issue holds a special place in American coinage history, symbolizing both the legacy of George Washington and the enduring appeal of American coin design. Whether collected for its historical importance, investment potential, or visual appeal, this MS65 quarter is a valuable addition to any collection.