1942-D Washington Quarter Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?

The 1942-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these silver treasures in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery because their value far exceeds their twenty-five-cent face value.

Condition	Estimated Value
Good to Very Good (G-VG)	$8.00 – $10.00
Fine to Very Fine (F-VF)	$11.00 – $15.00
Extremely Fine (XF)
Uncirculated / Mint State (MS60+)	$35.00 – $600.00+

Why the 1942-D Washington Quarter is Special

If you just stumbled upon a 1942 quarter with a small “D” on the back, you are holding a piece of American history. These coins were minted during the height of World War II, a time when the United States was ramping up industrial production for the war effort. To know exactly what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and mint mark immediately.

The “D” signifies that the coin was minted in Denver. While millions were produced, many were lost to the melting pots over the decades because of their high silver content. Unlike the quarters we use today, which are made primarily of copper and nickel, the 1942-D is composed of 90% silver. This provides a “melt value” floor, meaning the coin will always be worth its weight in silver, even if it is badly damaged.

To get a better sense of how rarity affects the price, you can check the latest 1942-D Washington Quarter auction records and price data. Collectors look for specific details in the hair of George Washington and the feathers of the eagle on the reverse to determine the coin’s desirability.

Identifying the 1942-D Mint Mark and Silver Content

The first thing every casual collector should do is verify the mint mark. On the Washington Quarters minted between 1932 and 1964, the mint mark is located on the reverse (the back) of the coin. Look directly below the wreath that the eagle is perched upon. If you see a small “D,” it was struck in Denver. If the area is blank, it was struck in Philadelphia.

Because these coins are 90% silver, they have a distinct ring when dropped on a hard surface compared to the “thud” of a modern clad coin. However, we don’t recommend dropping your coins, as scratches can lower the value! Instead, weigh it. A standard 1942 silver quarter should weigh approximately 6.25 grams.

When you find a silver coin, the urge to clean it is strong, but please resist. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or cloths can leave micro-scratches that professional graders will spot instantly. A “cleaned” coin often loses 50% or more of its collector value. For a fast assessment of your coin’s condition without touching it, the CoinKnow app uses advanced image recognition to help you identify the state of your find.

1942-D Washington Quarter Value by Grading Standards

The price of a 1942-D quarter is almost entirely dependent on its “grade.” Grade refers to the level of wear and tear the coin has sustained. In the numismatic world, coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most coins found in old piggy banks fall into the “Circulated” category, while those that look brand new are “Uncirculated” or “Mint State.”

You can find more detailed breakdowns on this 1942 Washington Quarter value chart to see how slight differences in condition impact the final price. Below is a simplified guide to help you estimate your coin’s grade at home.

Grade Name	Visual Characteristics	Retail Value
Good (G)	Heavy wear, rims are flat, letters are faint.	$8.50
Fine (F)	Washington’s hair is visible but smoothed out.	$11.00
Extremely Fine (XF)	Most details are crisp, only slight wear on high points.	$18.00
Choice Mint State (MS65)	No wear, original mint luster, few distracting marks.	$125.00

Key Varieties and Errors to Look For

While most 1942-D quarters are standard strikes, there are some rare “error” versions that can be worth thousands. Errors occur during the minting process and are highly sought after by specialists. The most famous for this era is the Doubled Die error. If you notice a “doubling” effect on the letters or the date, you might have a rare variety.

Common errors include “off-center strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side, or “die cracks,” which look like raised jagged lines across the surface. These unique features turn a $10 silver coin into a high-value collector’s item. If you suspect your coin has an error, using CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin against a database of known error types to see if you’ve hit the jackpot.

Another factor is “Toning.” Over time, silver reacts with the environment and can turn shades of blue, purple, or gold. If the toning is beautiful (known as Rainbow Toning), it can significantly increase the demand and price among collectors. However, if the toning is ugly or dark (terminal oxidation), it might actually hurt the value.

The Denver Mint Advantage

Historically, the Denver Mint (D) produced fewer coins than the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark). In 1942, the Denver Mint produced approximately 17.4 million quarters. While this sounds like a lot, it is significantly less than the 71 million produced in Philadelphia that same year. Because of the lower mintage figures, Denver quarters from this era often carry a slight premium over their Philadelphia counterparts.

The survival rate of high-grade Denver quarters from 1942 is relatively low. Most went into immediate circulation to support the wartime economy. Finding one today that still looks like it just came from the mint is a rarity. Collectors are always looking to complete “date and mint mark sets,” so the 1942-D is a staple requirement for anyone building a Washington Quarter collection.

If you are thinking about selling your coin, keep in mind that coin shops usually pay less than “retail” value because they need to make a profit. To get the best price, you should document the coin’s condition clearly. Tools like CoinKnow can help you keep a digital inventory of your collection, making it easier to show potential buyers what you have without traveling to multiple shops.

Summary of the 1942-D Quarter Value

In conclusion, the 1942-D Washington Quarter is a “must-have” for many collectors and a fantastic find for the lucky individual who discovers one in their possession. At a minimum, its 90% silver content ensures it is worth much more than 25 cents. At a maximum, a pristine, uncirculated specimen can be a centerpiece of a collection worth hundreds of dollars.

Feature	Detail
Metal Content	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Silver Weight	0.1808 troy oz
Mintage	17,487,200
Mint Mark Location	Reverse, below wreath

Check your coins carefully, look for the “D” mark, and evaluate the condition. Whether it’s a worn-down silver piece or a shiny treasury, the 1942-D Washington Quarter remains a shining example of American coinage history.

FAQs

Q: How much silver is in a 1942-D Washington Quarter?

A: Every 1942-D quarter is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1942-D quarter?

A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side (back) of the coin. Look at the very bottom, just below the center of the wreath that the eagle is holding. A “D” indicates Denver.

Q: Is it worth getting a 1942-D quarter professionally graded?

A: Generally, it is only worth the cost of professional grading (which can be $30-$50) if the coin is in Mint State (uncirculated) condition. If the coin has visible wear, the grading fee might be more than the coin is worth.

Q: Can I find a 1942-D quarter in my pocket change?

A: It is very rare but possible. Most silver quarters were pulled from circulation in the mid-1960s when the U.S. switched to copper-nickel “clad” coins. However, sometimes “estate” coins are accidentally spent, and they end up back in circulation.