1953-S Washington Silver Quarter // NGC Certified MS67+ // Wood Presentation Box

1953-S Washington Silver Quarter is a coin steeped in remarkable history. As the dark shadow of economic depression fell across the United States in 1931, there was extraordinarily little to celebrate. However, one opportunity did present itself the following year: the 200th birthday of America’s first president. George Washington has been called the “Father of His Country” for his influential leadership in the formative days of the new nation. He led Patriot forces to victory during the Revolutionary War and later presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the U.S. Constitution and a federal government. Washington then served that government as first president from 1789 to 1797.

The Treasury Department had originally proposed that a half dollar be struck to honor Washington, but this was soon changed to the quarter when it was determined that replacing the half dollar would require congressional approval. A design by medalist John Flanagan was ultimately chosen, which featured an obverse depiction of Washington modeled after the famous bust created by French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon. This bust was formed from a life-mask of Washington’s face taken at Mount Vernon in 1785 and is considered a highly accurate reproduction. The reverse of the coin features a bald eagle with outstretched wings clutching a bundle of arrows in its talons. Two olive branches of peace appear below. The Washington quarter was struck yearly in silver until rising bullion prices necessitated a compositional change to copper-nickel clad in 1965.

For the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, a special reverse depicting a colonial drummer boy was issued and all coins featured the dual date of 1776-1976. The popularity of the Washington quarter amongst collectors has exploded in recent years, largely due to the introduction of the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999, which featured different reverses honoring each of the 50 states, 5 territories, and Washington, D.C. over an 11 year period.

The America the Beautiful Quarters Program launched in 2010 showcases different National Park Service sites for each of 56 jurisdictions and will continue through 2021. Offered here is an exceptional mint state example of the original Washington quarter from its first year of issue.

You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.