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The 1934 Medium Motto Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in worn condition to over $5,000 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these coins in your change or an old jar is an exciting discovery, as they are composed of 90% silver and carry significant historical value for collectors today.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good / Very Good (Worn) | $8 – $12 |
| Fine / Very Fine | $15 – $25 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $35 – $60 |
| Mint State (MS60+) | $100 – $500+ |
| Rare High Grade (MS67) | $3,000 – $5,000+ |
Historical Significance of the 1934 Washington Quarter
The 1934 Washington Quarter represents the second year of one of the most iconic coin series in American history. Originally intended as a one-year commemorative to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, the design was so popular that it replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter permanently.
In the mid-1930s, the United States was still grappling with the Great Depression. Because of the economic slowdown, no quarters were minted in 1933. When production resumed in 1934, the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced several distinct varieties of the motto “In God We Trust.”
If you are unsure which variety you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the lettering to distinguish between the rare and common types. These silver quarters are a physical piece of American resilience, and the CoinKnow app can provide instant context on how many of these coins are still surfacing in the market today.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Identifying the 1934 Medium Motto Variety
The key to unlocking the 1934 Medium Motto Washington Quarter value lies in the lettering of the phrase “In God We Trust.” There are three distinct types for this year: Light, Medium, and Heavy Motto. The Medium Motto is often considered the most difficult to identify for beginners because it sits right in the middle.
On the Medium Motto variety, the letters are more well-defined than the Light version but not as thick as the Heavy version. Specifically, the “W” in “WE” is the best indicator. In the Medium Motto, the central peak of the “W” sits at a mid-level heights, and the letters have finished, sharp corners.
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Check the overall strike of the coin. Because these were transition years for the dies, some strikes look “mushy.” Identifying the crispness of the Motto helps determine if you have a coin worth a few dollars or a few hundred. Using CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution reference images for an accurate match.
| Motto Type | Key Visual Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Light Motto | Very thin letters, “In God We Trust” looks faded. |
| Medium Motto | Letters are clear, the “W” central point is mid-height. |
| Heavy Motto | Very bold, thick letters; the “W” peaks high. |
Current Market Value and Pricing Tiers
The market for silver quarters is currently split between “junk silver” buyers and numismatic collectors. Worn 1934 quarters fluctuate based on the spot price of silver. However, once a coin reaches “Extremely Fine” or “About Uncirculated” status, its rarity as a collectible takes over.
For those looking for premium specimens, the 1934 Washington quarter auction prices show that collectors are willing to pay a massive premium for coins that haven’t been scratched or cleaned. Even a slight “cleaning” (which looks shiny but has tiny hairline scratches) can cut a coin’s value by 50% or more.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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If your coin is still in a beautiful, lustrous state, it might be worth grading by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. A 1934 Medium Motto in MS66 can easily fetch over $1,000 at a major auction house. You can find more detailed historical pricing for 1934 quarters to see how the market has trended over the last decade.
Mint Marks and Their Impact on Price
In 1934, the Washington Quarter was minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark). While the Philadelphia mint produced millions of Medium Motto varieties, the Denver mint is significantly scarcer.
The mint mark can be found on the reverse (back) of the coin, located right below the eagle’s wreath. If you see a small “D,” you have a much more valuable coin. The Denver mint marks of the 1930s are highly sought after because production numbers were lower during the Depression era.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Even in lower grades, a 1934-D Medium Motto carries a premium over the Philadelphia version. Collectors often use the CoinKnow app to verify the placement and font style of the mint mark to ensure they haven’t found a “repped” or altered mint mark.
| Mint Branch | Mintage (Total) | Avg. Value (Fine) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mark) | 31,912,052 | $15 |
| Denver (D) | 3,527,200 | $65 |
Determining the Grade of Your 1934 Quarter
Grading is the process of evaluating a coin’s wear and tear. For the 1934 Medium Motto Washington Quarter, the first places to look for wear are George Washington’s hair around his ear and the feathers on the eagle’s breast.
In “Good” condition, the outline of Washington’s head is visible, but the finer details of the hair are worn smooth. By the time you reach “Extremely Fine,” most of the hair lines are visible, and there is only slight wear on the highest points of the design.
“Mint State” coins have no wear at all and still possess the original “mint luster”—the frosty or satiny shine found on newly minted coins. Because silver is a soft metal, these coins were easily scratched in bags, making high-grade examples quite rare and driving up the 1934 Medium Motto Washington Quarter value for top-tier collectors.
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Where to Sell Your 1934 Silver Quarter
If you believe you have a valuable 1934 Medium Motto, you have several options for selling. Local coin shops are the fastest way to get cash, but they usually pay “wholesale” prices (around 60-70% of the actual value) because they need to make a profit.
Online auctions like eBay are popular for mid-range coins, but you must be careful with photography and shipping. For coins estimated to be worth over $500, professional auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers are the best route to ensure you get the maximum value from serious collectors.
Before selling, always double-check your coin’s variety and grade. Many people mistake a common Light Motto for a Medium Motto. Using a digital tool like CoinKnow can provide you with a second opinion before you walk into a shop, ensuring you aren’t leaving money on the table.
FAQ
Q: Is every 1934 quarter made of silver?
A: Yes, all Washington Quarters minted between 1932 and 1964 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. They are inherently valuable for their metal content, even if they are in poor condition.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: How can I tell the difference between the Light and Medium Motto?
A: The Light Motto looks very “flat” or “ghostly,” with the letters almost blending into the background. The Medium Motto has sharp edges on the letters, and the middle part of the letter “W” is at a medium height, whereas the Heavy Motto “W” is very tall.
Q: Should I clean my 1934 quarter to make it look better?
A: Never clean an old coin! Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that collectors can easily spot. A cleaned coin can lose 50% to 90% of its numismatic value. It is always better to leave the coin in its natural state.
Q: What is the most expensive 1934 quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade 1934 quarters in MS67 or MS67+ conditions have sold for upwards of $5,000 to $10,000 at major auctions, especially if they have beautiful “toning” (natural rainbow-like colors on the silver).