Semi-Numismatic

1940-S Washington Quarter AU

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Struck in the era just before the United States entered the Second World War, this 1940 Washington quarter represents a classic moment in mid-twentieth-century American coinage. Minted at the San Francisco facility, this twenty-five cent piece carries the 'S' mint mark, indicating its West Coast origin. Composed of 90% silver, the coin contains approximately 0.1788 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse of the quarter displays the familiar left-facing profile of George Washington, the nation's first president. This portrait, created by sculptor John Flanagan, has become one of the most recognized images in American pocket change. The design is accompanied by the traditional national motto, 'IN GOD WE TRUST', placed to the left of Washington's portrait, with the date 1940 inscribed below. On the reverse, Flanagan's design features a powerful heraldic eagle. The bird is depicted with its wings spread wide, clutching a bundle of arrows in its talons, which are framed by an olive branch below. This combination of symbols represents both the nation's strength and its desire for peace. This particular specimen survives in About Uncirculated condition, preserving much of the original detail and luster from the San Francisco Mint.