Original 1944 United States Silver Coinage | George Washington Portrait | Heraldic Eagle Reverse | World War II Historical Currency
 
 
Offered for sale is a 1944 United States Washington Quarter, a historic twenty-five-cent coin struck during World War II and manufactured from 90% silver and 10% copper.
 
Designed by sculptor John Flanagan, the Washington quarter was introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth.
 
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of President George Washington, surrounded by the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST," with the date 1944 prominently displayed beneath the portrait.
 
The reverse features an American eagle with outstretched wings, perched upon a bundle of arrows with olive branches below. The surrounding inscriptions identify the United States of America and the denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR."
 
This particular example exhibits noticeable circulation wear, dark spotting, scratches, surface abrasions, and uneven golden-gray coloration. Despite these condition issues, the date, portrait, eagle, and principal inscriptions remain recognizable.
 
The accompanying photographs depict the exact coin offered for sale.
 
Historical Background
The Washington quarter entered circulation in 1932, replacing the Standing Liberty quarter.
Although originally introduced as a commemorative design honoring the bicentennial of George Washington's birth, it became the standard United States quarter-dollar design.
 
By 1944, the United States was deeply involved in World War II. American silver coinage continued to circulate throughout the country, supporting everyday transactions during a period of military mobilization and industrial expansion.
 
Unlike the Jefferson nickel, which temporarily adopted a special silver-bearing composition during the war, the Washington quarter retained its established 90% silver composition.
 
Silver Washington quarters continued to be produced through 1964. Beginning in 1965, regular circulating quarters transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition.
 
Today, surviving 1944 quarters are collected for their historical significance, original silver content, and connection to American wartime commerce.
 
Design Features
 
Obverse – Front
Left-facing portrait of George Washington.
Inscription "LIBERTY" above the portrait.
Inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left of Washington.
Date "1944" beneath the portrait.
Original design by John Flanagan.
 
Reverse – Back
Heraldic American eagle with outstretched wings.
Bundle of arrows beneath the eagle.
Olive branches below the arrows.
Inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
National motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
Denomination "QUARTER DOLLAR."
 
The mintmark, if present, is positioned beneath the wreath on the reverse. No mintmark can be conclusively identified in the supplied photographs.