Price Guide for 1946 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: $11.00 – $19.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.00 – $15.00Uncirculated: $4.99 – $1,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $2,550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,920.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $24.00 – $37.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $1,425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $6,462.50
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eBayCirculated: $9.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,552.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $9.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $3,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $3,819.00
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eBayUncirculated: $19.00 – $559.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $2,300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $41.00Uncirculated: $59.00 – $576.00
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eBayUncirculated: $26.00 – $132.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9.00 – $17.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $95.00 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $9.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $375.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00Uncirculated: $1,260.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $90.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $1,300.00
Design and Specifications of the 1946 Quarter
The 1946 Quarter marked the first year of production for the Washington Quarter design after World War II. This coin represents a transitional period in American history, as the nation shifted from wartime to peacetime economy. The Washington Quarter, first introduced in 1932, continued to be minted in 90% silver until 1964.
| Weight | 6.25 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head (Standing Liberty), designed by Hermon A. MacNeil |
| Reverse Design | Eagle in flight, designed by John Flanagan |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1946 Quarters significantly impacts their value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after by collectors. The Denver and San Francisco issues are particularly valuable in high grades due to their lower mintages.
Strike quality is an important factor, with well-struck coins commanding premiums. Luster is crucial for uncirculated examples, with coins exhibiting full, cartwheel luster being most desirable. Toning can also add value, especially if it’s attractive and natural.
Mintage: 53,436,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 9,072,800
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 4,204,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Silver content adds inherent value to these coins, making them desirable to both collectors and silver investors. The San Francisco issue is the key date for this year, with its low mintage making it more valuable across all grades.
Full Head details on the obverse can increase value, particularly for higher-grade coins. While not as critical as in earlier Washington Quarter years, it’s still a factor that advanced collectors consider.
The historical significance of being the first post-World War II issue adds interest for some collectors, potentially increasing demand for high-grade examples from all mints.
