The 1948 Washington Quarter is a classic silver coin that attracts both investors and collectors. Struck in 90% silver, this post-World War II issue combines intrinsic bullion value with historical significance, making it a steady collectible in today’s market.
While most examples are affordable, higher-grade specimens and error coins command strong premiums. Let’s break down the values by variety, grade, and known minting mistakes.
1948 Quarter Value by Variety
Here’s the official 1948 Washington Quarter value chart by mint mark and condition:
| Type | Good | Fine | About Uncirculated | Mint State (MS) | Proof (PR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 (No Mint Mark) | $6.00 | $6.17 | $7.00 | $21.50 | — |
| 1948-D (Denver Mint) | $6.00 | $6.17 | $7.00 | $26.50 | — |
| 1948-S (San Francisco) | $6.00 | $6.17 | $7.00 | $24.33 | — |
History of the 1948 Quarter
Understanding the 1948 quarter requires looking at a pivotal moment in American coinage history. By 1948, the Washington quarter had already been in production for 15 years, but this year holds a unique place that many collectors tend to overlook.
The Washington Quarter design, introduced in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday, was initially planned as a one-year commemorative issue. However, the public quickly embraced John Flanagan’s classic portrait of Washington, leading to its adoption as the permanent replacement for the Standing Liberty quarter.
In 1948, three mints contributed to the nation’s quarter supply:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark): Over 35 million coins
- Denver (D): Roughly 16 million coins
- San Francisco (S): Around 15 million coins
This production reflected the post-World War II economic boom. Americans were spending again, businesses needed small change, and the U.S. Mint worked overtime to meet rising demand after years of wartime metal restrictions.
Yet, the true intrigue lies not just in mintages but in survival rates. While tens of millions were struck, most circulated heavily in the prosperous late 1940s. As a result, high-grade examples are far scarcer than their original mintage numbers suggest, making them highly desirable for collectors today.
Key Features of the 1948 Quarter
The 1948 Washington Quarter showcases all the classic traits of John Flanagan’s design, first introduced in 1932. Like all quarters minted from 1932 to 1965, it was struck in 90% silver, giving it both monetary and collectible value today.
Obverse Design
On the obverse, a portrait of George Washington dominates the center.
- The word LIBERTY runs along the top edge.
- The date 1948 is centered at the bottom.
- The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears just to the left of Washington’s neck.
This side reflects the stability of Flanagan’s original vision, which became a lasting icon of U.S. coinage.
Reverse Design
The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with wings fully spread.
- Above the eagle: the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in two lines, along with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
- Below: the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR.
- In the eagle’s claws: a bundle of arrows, symbolizing strength and defense.
- Around the bottom: an olive branch wreath, representing peace.
- Mint marks (“D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco) appear just below the wreath’s bow, while Philadelphia coins carry no mark.
Technical Specifications
- Face Value: $0.25
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 6.25 g (0.2009 troy oz)
- Silver Content: 5.62 g (0.1808 troy oz)
- Diameter: 24.3 mm (0.9567 in)
- Thickness: 1.75 mm (0.0687 in)
1948 Quarter Grading Guide
| Grade | Description | Key Details to Check | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G–4) | Heavy wear, major details flat | Date and motto readable, Washington’s hair above ear completely smooth, eagle’s breast flat | ~$6 |
| Fine (F–12) | Moderate wear, some detail remains | Partial hair definition, eagle’s wings still outlined, luster gone | ~$6–7 |
| About Uncirculated (AU 50–58) | Nearly full detail with light wear | Washington’s hair mostly visible, eagle’s breast shows slight wear, partial luster remains | ~$7–20 |
| Mint State (MS 60–67+) | No wear, sharp strike | Full hair detail above ear, eagle’s breast feathers sharp, strong original luster | $21–$3,000+ |
1948 Quarter Value Guides
1948 No Mint Mark Quarter Value
The 1948 No Mint Mark quarter (Philadelphia issue) is perhaps the most paradoxical coin of the series. With an original mintage of over 35 million coins, it was by far the most common in circulation. Yet today, it commands the highest premiums in Mint State condition, with auction results exceeding $3,400 for top-graded examples.
This counterintuitive situation is explained by post-war circulation patterns. During the late 1940s, Americans were spending freely in a booming economy. Very few quarters were saved directly from the mint, meaning most high-quality pieces disappeared into daily commerce. The result: a coin once “ordinary” now stands as a scarce survivor in premium grades.
1948 No Mint Mark Quarter Price/Grade Chart
| Grade | Approx. Value | Recent Auction Records |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G–4) | $6 | — |
| Fine (F–12) | $6.17 | — |
| About Uncirculated (AU–50) | $7 | — |
| Mint State (MS–60 to MS–65) | $21 – $600 | Apr 2023 (HA) – MS67, $101 |
| MS–66 | $85 – $240 | Oct 2024 (SB) – MS66, $85 |
| MS–67 | $114 – $810 | Apr 2023 (HA) – MS67, $810 |
| MS–68 | $1,680 – $6,000 | Aug 2024 (HA) – MS68, $4,920; Nov 2023 (SB) – MS68, $6,000 |
1948-D Quarter Value
The 1948-D Washington Quarter strikes the balance between rarity and affordability, making it a favorite among collectors. With a mintage of 16.8 million coins, the Denver issue sits squarely between the Philadelphia (most common) and San Francisco (least produced) varieties.
Unlike the Philadelphia quarter, which suffers from survival scarcity at the highest grades, the 1948-D holds a strong position in rarity rankings—currently 59th among all Washington quarters. This middle ground ensures it remains accessible to everyday collectors while still carrying premium value in Mint State.
1948-D Quarter Price/Grade Chart
| Grade | Approx. Value | Recent Auction Records |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G–4) | $6 | — |
| Fine (F–12) | $6.17 | — |
| About Uncirculated (AU–50) | $7 | — |
| Mint State (MS–65) | $31 – $384 | Jan 2023 (DL) – MS65, $31; Jan 2024 (HA) – MS65, $384 |
| MS–67 | $149 – $720 | Oct 2023 (HA) – MS67, $720; Sep 2024 (SB) – MS67, $288 |
| MS–68 | $2,040 | May 2023 (HA) – MS68, $2,040 |
1948-S Quarter Value
The 1948-S Washington Quarter stands out as a case study in how regional circulation patterns shape modern rarity. With a mintage of 15.96 million coins, it had the lowest original production among the three 1948 issues. However, survival rates tell a different story.
Unlike the Philadelphia or Denver quarters, the San Francisco issue saw heavy, prolonged use in California’s booming post-war economy. As a result, collectors estimate only about 10% survived in collectible condition. This explains why, despite the lowest mintage, the 1948-S ranks 107th in Washington quarter rarity—proof that survival, not just production numbers, determines true scarcity.
1948-S Quarter Price/Grade Chart
| Grade | Approx. Value | Recent Auction Records |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G–4) | $6 | — |
| Fine (F–12) | $6.17 | — |
| About Uncirculated (AU–50) | $7 | — |
| Mint State (MS–65) | $45 – $426 | Jul 2024 (SB) – MS65, $45; Jan 2024 (HA) – MS65, $426 |
| MS–66 | $65 – $85 | Jun 2024 (SB) – MS66, $65; Mar 2025 (SB) – MS66, $85 |
| MS–67 | $120 – $222 | Aug 2024 (SB) – MS67, $120; Aug 2023 (HA) – MS67, $222 |
| MS–68 | $2,640 | Mar 2024 (HA) – MS68, $2,640 |
Rare 1948 Quarter Error List
1. 1948-S/S RPM FS-501
The 1948-S/S RPM FS-501 is one of the most dramatic repunched mint mark (RPM) errors in the Washington quarter series. This variety features the “S” mint mark punched multiple times in slightly different positions, leaving a bold, overlapping effect.
The error occurred when a San Francisco Mint worker misaligned and re-punched the mint mark, producing clear traces of both the original and final impressions. Unlike more subtle doubled dies that require magnification, the 1948-S/S FS-501 variety is visible to the naked eye, which adds to its collector appeal.
Why Collectors Value the 1948-S/S RPM FS-501
- Bold Appearance: Easily identifiable without magnification.
- Market Recognition: Listed in major numismatic references and popular among registry collectors.
- Accessibility: Less rare than ultra-obscure varieties, but valuable enough to stand out.
- Auction Demand: Certified examples consistently bring strong premiums.
This makes the FS-501 one of the most accessible yet rewarding Washington quarter errors for both intermediate and advanced collectors.
1948-S/S RPM FS-501 Price/Grade Chart
| Grade | Approx. Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fine (F–12) | $20 – $40 | Clear mint mark doubling visible |
| About Uncirculated (AU–50) | $75 – $120 | Light wear, doubling remains bold |
| Mint State (MS–63) | $200 – $325 | Auction premiums rising |
| MS–65 | $400 – $750 | Popular with registry collectors |
| MS–67 | $1,200+ | Rare, top population coins can exceed this |
Where to Sell Your Quarter Coin?
Now that you know the value of your quarter, the next step is deciding where to sell it. There are several trusted options—both online and in person—that can help you get the best price depending on your coin’s rarity and condition.
To see the full list of recommended places, along with their advantages and disadvantages, check our complete guide on where to sell your quarter coins.
FAQ About the 1948 Washington Quarter
1. Why is the 1948 Quarter important for collectors?
The 1948 Washington Quarter was part of the early postwar coinage era, struck in 90% silver. While not a key date, it holds significance as demand for coinage grew during America’s economic boom after World War II.
2. Which mints produced the 1948 Quarter?
It was minted at Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). The Philadelphia issue had the highest mintage, while the 1948-S is scarcer in higher Mint State grades.
3. Are there notable errors or varieties in the 1948 Quarter?
Yes. The most famous is the 1948-S/S RPM FS-501, a dramatic repunched mintmark variety where the “S” was struck multiple times. Other collectible errors include doubled dies, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets.
4. How much is a 1948 Quarter worth today?
Circulated examples are typically worth $5–$15, just above silver melt. Mint State coins (MS65) can range from $100–$250, while superb gems (MS67+) can exceed $1,000. Rare errors like the 1948-S/S RPM can command several thousand dollars at auction.
5. What should collectors look for when buying a 1948 Quarter?
Look for originality—coins with full mint luster, natural toning, and sharp details in Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers are highly desirable. Always examine San Francisco issues for RPMs, and consider certification from PCGS or NGC for high-grade or error coins.
