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The 1945-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in worn condition to over $15,000 in rare, high-grade mint states. Whether you found one in an old jar or inherited a collection, this silver coin from the final year of World War II holds significant value beyond its face value.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Fine (Circulated) | $6 – $12 |
| Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated | $15 – $25 |
| Mint State 63 (Uncirculated) | $35 – $50 |
| Mint State 67+ (Rare Elite Grade) | $500 – $15,000+ |
Historical Significance of the 1945-S Washington Quarter
The year 1945 was a monumental turning point in global history, marking the end of World War II. For coin collectors, the quarters minted during this era are special because they are composed of 90% silver. If you are struggling to identify your find, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm if you have the San Francisco “S” mint mark version, which often carries a premium over the Philadelphia or Denver issues.
The “S” mint mark indicates the coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. During this time, the United States was transitioning back to a peacetime economy, and the demand for coinage was high. The 1945-S Washington Quarter features the classic profile of George Washington designed by John Flanagan. For many Americans, these coins represent a piece of “Victory” era history that they can hold in their palm.
If you aren’t sure about the quality of your coin, CoinKnow can provide an instant analysis of its condition. Understanding whether your coin is a common “filler” or a high-end treasure is the first step in successful coin collecting. Because these coins contain precious metal, their “melt value” provides a solid floor for their price, but their numismatic value can soar much higher.
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Metal Composition and Pure Silver Content
One of the most important things to know about the 1945-S Washington Quarter is that it is not made of the copper-nickel alloy used in today’s quarters. Up until 1964, Washington Quarters were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. This means every 1945-S quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
Even if the coin is heavily scratched or worn smooth, it will always be worth its weight in silver. When silver prices rise, the baseline value of these vintage quarters goes up. However, collectors are usually willing to pay more than just the silver price for a clean, undamaged 1945-S specimen.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Featue | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 6.25 Grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Actual Silver Weight (ASW) | 0.1808 oz |
Identifying the S Mint Mark and Varieties
To determine the 1945-S Washington Quarter value, you must first locate the mint mark. On quarters from 1945, the mint mark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin, directly below the center of the laurel wreath that the eagle is perched upon. A small “S” indicates the San Francisco Mint, while a “D” indicates Denver. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.
Interestingly, the 1945-S is known for several “Micro S” and “Large S” varieties. The “Micro S” used an older punch intended for smaller coins like dimes. While the Micro S is popular among specialists, the standard 1945-S is what most people find. You can check the 1945 Washington Quarter price history to see how these different mint marks compare in the current market.
Professional collectors also look for “Full Breast Feathers” on the eagle. This indicates a very strong strike, which is relatively rare for the 1945-S issue. Most San Francisco strikes from this year are known for being slightly “soft” or blurry in the details due to high production speeds and worn dies.
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Grading the 1945-S Washington Quarter
Grading is the process of determining how much wear and tear a coin has suffered. For the average person, distinguishng between “About Uncirculated” and “Mint State” can be difficult. This is where CoinKnow helps by allowing you to compare your coin against high-resolution images of graded samples.
In “Good” condition, Washington’s hair will be flat and the eagle’s feathers will be mostly gone. In “Extra Fine” (EF) condition, the details in the hair near the ear are visible, and the eagle’s breast feathers show some definition. “Mint State” (MS) coins have never been used in commerce and still possess their original “luster,” which is the frosty sheen created during the minting process.
For those looking for high-end investment pieces, the market value of a 1945 quarter depends almost entirely on the numerical grade assigned by services like PCGS or NGC. A 1945-S in MS67 is a rare find, but an MS68 is a multi-thousand dollar rarity that only a few collectors will ever own.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade Label | Visual Description |
|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavily worn; outlines are clear but details are flat. |
| XF-45 (Extremely Fine) | Slight wear on high points (hair, eagle’s wing tips). |
| MS-63 (Choice Mint State) | No wear; some distracting marks or scratches; good luster. |
| MS-66+ (Gem Mint State) | Superb luster, very few marks, excellent eye appeal. |
Recent Auction Records and Market Trends
The market for 1945-S Washington Quarters has remained steady because it is a “Title Year” (the end of WWII). Collectors who are building “Short Sets” (quarters from 1941–1964) often look for the 1945-S to complete their albums. Because over 58 million of these were minted in San Francisco, they are not considered “key dates,” but they are highly desirable in top conditions.
In recent years, an MS68 graded 1945-S Washington Quarter sold for over $16,000 at a major auction. Most everyday people won’t find an MS68 in their pocket change, but finding an MS63 or MS64 in an old collection is quite common. Using CoinKnow allows you to track these auction trends so you don’t accidentally sell a valuable coin for its basic silver price.
Prices for silver coins are currently in a “bull market,” meaning interest is high. Even if your 1945-S is somewhat worn, its value as a vintage silver asset makes it much more valuable than a modern 25-cent piece. Keep an eye on both the silver spot price and the collector demand to choose the best time to sell.
How to Store and Protect Your 1945-S Quarter
If you have discovered a high-quality 1945-S Washington Quarter, proper storage is vital. Silver reacts with sulfur in the air, which causes “tarnish” or toning. While some collectors love “rainbow toning”—vibrant colors that can actually increase a coin’s value—ugly black tarnish can decrease it.
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Never clean your coins! This is the most important rule in coin collecting. Cleaning a silver coin with polish or even soap and water creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. A cleaned coin often loses 50% or more of its numismatic value. Instead, place your quarter in a PVC-free plastic “flip” or a cardboard 2×2 holder to keep it safe from the elements.
Store your collection in a cool, dry place. Humidity is the enemy of silver. If you believe your coin might be one of the rare high-grade examples worth thousands, consider sending it to a professional grading service. Having a certified “slabbed” coin makes it much easier to sell at a fair price later on.
FAQ
Q: Is a 1945-S quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Washington Quarters minted in 1945 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain about 0.18 ounces of pure silver.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1945-S quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin. Look just below the wreath that the eagle is standing on, above the word “Quarter.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: How much is a worn 1945-S quarter worth?
A: A 1945-S quarter in heavily circulated (worn) condition is typically worth between $6 and $10, primarily based on its silver content.
Q: What is the “Micro S” variety?
A: The “Micro S” is a variety where the San Francisco mint mark is noticeably smaller than usual. It was created when a punch intended for a dime was used on the quarter die. It generally carries a small price premium.
Q: Should I clean my 1945 silver quarter to make it look new?
A: No! You should never clean old coins. Cleaning ruins the natural surface and luster of the coin, significantly reducing its value to collectors.