1940 D Washington Quarter Value and Price Guide for Collectors
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The 1940-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $8 in worn condition to over $500 in high-grade mint state. While most coins found in change are common, finding a silver quarter from the Denver Mint in 1940 is an exciting discovery for any casual collector or history buff.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|———–|—————–|
| Good to Fine | $8.00 – $10.00 |
| Very Fine to Extremely Fine | $12.00 – $25.00 |
| About Uncirculated | $30.00 – $45.00 |
| Mint State (MS60-MS63) | $55.00 – $95.00 |
| High Grade (MS65+) | $150.00 – $3,500+ |
Understanding the Scarcity and History of the 1940-D Quarter
The 1940-D Washington Quarter holds a special place in American numismatics because it represents the pre-World War II era of the U.S. Mint. During this time, the Denver Mint was producing significantly fewer coins compared to the main Philadelphia facility. If you have recently discovered one of these silver treasures, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and general state of the coin.
Unlike modern quarters made of copper and nickel, the 1940-D is composed of 90% silver. This means that even if the coin is heavily scratched or worn down, it still retains “melt value” based on the current price of silver bullion. However, the numismatic value—what collectors are willing to pay—often far exceeds the raw metal price.
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When you use the CoinKnow app to scan your collection, you might find that the Denver “D” mark makes this specific year more desirable than the 1940 Philadelphia version. In the early 1940s, the economy was beginning to recover, and circulation was increasing, yet the 1940-D remains one of the lower-mintage dates of that decade.
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| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Mintage Total | 2,797,600 |
| Mint Mark | D (Denver) |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Silver Content | 0.1808 troy oz |
How Condition Impacts the 1940-D Silver Quarter Value
The grading of a 1940-D Washington Quarter is the most critical factor in determining its market price. Professional graders look at the detail in George Washington’s hair and the feathers on the eagle’s breast on the reverse. Most coins found in old jars or inherited collections will be in “Circulated” condition, meaning they have visible wear.
For those looking for precise market data, the current 1940-D Washington Quarter price trends indicate that samples in MS65 grade or higher are where the value truly skyrockets. At this level, the coin looks exactly as it did the day it left the mint, with no signs of wear and a bright, original luster.
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If your coin looks shiny but has small scratches (bag marks), it might grade as an MS60 or MS62. Using a tool like CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin’s luster against high-resolution images of certified grades. Remember, cleaning your coin will actually lower its value, so keep it in its original state to protect its worth.
| Grade Classification | Visual Description | Retail Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G4) | Heavily worn; outlines are clear but flat. | $8.25 |
| Fine (F12) | Hairlines around the ear are visible. | $10.50 |
| Extra Fine (EF40) | Only slight wear on the highest points. | $24.00 |
| Mint State (MS63) | No wear; strong luster with few marks. | $90.00 |
Identifying Rare Varieties and Errors on 1940 Quarters
While mintage figures give us a baseline, error coins can be the “lotto tickets” of the coin world. For the 1940-D series, collectors often look for Repunched Mint Marks (RPM) or doubled dies. A doubled die occurs when the coin is struck by a hub that has a misaligned image, resulting in a slight “ghosting” or doubling of the letters or numbers.
While rare, a 1940-D with a clear error can sell for hundreds of dollars more than a standard strike. If you suspect you have an error, checking the 1940-D quarter value for error varieties is a great way to see what recently sold at auction. Errors are often missed by the untrained eye, making them a fun challenge for new hobbyists.
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Check the date “1940” and the word “LIBERTY” under a magnifying glass. If the edges of the numbers look thicker than usual or show a secondary line, you might have a doubled die. High-quality photos uploaded to CoinKnow can sometimes help highlight these features that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Mint Mark Location and Significance
To find the mint mark on a 1940 Washington Quarter, you need to look at the reverse (the back) of the coin. Look directly below the eagle’s tail feathers and above the “ER” in the word “QUARTER.” If you see a small “D,” it was minted in Denver. If the space is blank, it was minted in Philadelphia.
The “D” mint mark is significant because the Denver Mint’s production of 2.7 million coins was relatively low compared to the 35 million produced in Philadelphia that same year. This scarcity of the 1940-D makes it more valuable in almost every grade. Even a worn Denver quarter is worth more than a Philadelphia quarter of the same year.
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Collectors often attempt to build “Dansco” albums where they collect one quarter from every year and every mint. Because of this demand, the 1940-D is a “key” to completing the early 1940s portion of the set. This consistent demand from hobbyists ensures that the value of these coins remains stable even when the silver market fluctuates.
| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Rarity Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | Common |
| Denver | D | Scarce |
| San Francisco | S | Common/Moderate |
Why the 1940-D Washington Quarter is a Great Investment
For many Americans, the 1940-D Washington Quarter is an entry point into coin collecting. It is affordable enough for a beginner to purchase, yet rare enough that finding one in the wild feels like a true achievement. The coin’s 90% silver content provides a “price floor,” meaning the value will never drop to zero as long as silver has value.
Furthermore, the historical context of 1940—just before the United States entered WWII—adds a layer of nostalgic value. Quarters from this era were used to buy newspapers, trolley rides, and snacks by the “Greatest Generation.” Keeping these coins in your family collection is a way of preserving a piece of American history.
If you are looking to sell, always check recent auction results. The value of silver quarters can change based on collector trends and the spot price of precious metals. Using a digital guide or an app helps you stay updated on whether it’s a “buyer’s market” or a “seller’s market” for your 1940-D quarters.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 1940-D Quarters
Q: How much silver is in a 1940-D Washington Quarter?
A: Each 1940-D quarter is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This makes the coin inherently valuable even if it is in poor condition.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1940 quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side, directly below the eagle and above the word “QUARTER.” A “D” indicates the Denver Mint, an “S” indicates San Francisco, and no mark indicates Philadelphia.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1940-D quarter professionally graded?
A: Professional grading (by companies like PCGS or NGC) is usually only worth the cost if the coin is in Mint State condition (looks brand new) or if it is a suspected rare error. For circulated coins worth under $30, the grading fees may exceed the value of the coin.