1935-S Washington Quarter : A Collector’s Guide

The 1935-S Washington Quarter is a highly collectible coin sought after by numismatists due to its historical significance and scarcity. Here's a comprehensive collector's guide to this specific coin: 

Historical Context: The 1935-S Washington Quarter was minted during the Great Depression, a period of economic hardship in the United States. The San Francisco Mint, indicated by the "S" mint mark on the coin, played a crucial role in producing coinage during this challenging time.  

Design: The obverse (front) of the 1935-S Washington Quarter features a left-facing bust of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This iconic design, created by John Flanagan, has been used on the quarter since 1932.  

The reverse (back) displays an eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing America's readiness for war and desire for peace. 

The 1935-S Washington Quarter had a total mintage of approximately 7,000,000 coins. While this mintage figure is relatively high compared to some other dates in the series, the 1935-S quarter is still considered desirable by collectors due to its age and scarcity in higher grades. 

Collector Value: Despite its relatively high mintage, the 1935-S Washington Quarter is sought after by collectors, especially in higher grades. Examples in excellent condition, particularly those with full mint luster and sharp details, command premium prices in the numismatic market.  

Grading and Authentication: When collecting the 1935-S Washington Quarter, it's essential to ensure the coin's authenticity and condition. Coins should be graded by reputable third-party grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), to verify authenticity and assess condition accurately. 

Varieties and Die Variations: Like many coins of its era, the 1935-S Washington Quarter has varieties and die variations that can add interest to a collector's pursuit. Varieties may include differences in the design or minting process, such as repunched mint marks or doubled dies. 

Collecting Strategies: Collectors may pursue various strategies when acquiring the 1935-S Washington Quarter. Some aim to assemble a complete set of Washington Quarters, including all mint marks and major varieties. 

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