Price Guide for 1938 Quarter Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00 – $173.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $127.50Uncirculated: $24.00 – $1,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $95.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $16,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $75.00Uncirculated: $39.00 – $5,170.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.75 – $130.50Uncirculated: $40.00 – $1,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9.00 – $90.00Uncirculated: $95.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $299.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $82.00 – $920.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $115.00 – $8,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1938 Quarter
The 1938 Washington Quarter was part of the series that began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This coin represents a significant year in American numismatics, as it was the last year the Philadelphia Mint did not use a mint mark on circulating coinage until 1980.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Standing Liberty, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil |
| Reverse Design | Eagle in flight, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1938 Washington Quarters. Coins in circulated conditions are generally worth their silver melt value, but those in uncirculated condition command significant premiums.
For all mint marks, coins graded MS65 or higher are considered scarce and valuable. The San Francisco issue, in particular, is challenging to find in gem condition, making high-grade examples especially desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 9,472,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, as a representative of the early Washington Quarter series
Mintage: 7,020,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher than Philadelphia due to lower mintage
Mintage: 2,832,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and scarcity in high grades
Strike quality is an important factor for 1938 quarters, particularly for the San Francisco issue, which often has weaker strikes. Well-struck examples with full head details on Washington are more valuable.
Original luster and attractive toning can significantly enhance a coin’s appeal and value. Quarters with rich, colorful toning are highly sought after by collectors.
While not typically considered a key date, the 1938-S quarter’s lower mintage makes it a semi-key date in the series, potentially commanding higher premiums in higher grades.
