Numismatic

1971-S Washington Quarter Gem Proof

---

The 1971-S Washington quarter represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of United States coinage. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this specimen is a Gem Proof, a designation that highlights its sharp details and reflective surfaces. The coin is composed of an outer layer of copper and nickel bonded to a core of pure copper, a metallurgical makeup adopted following the Coinage Act of 1965, which eliminated silver from the nation's circulating quarters. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing profile of George Washington, the nation's first president. This iconic portrait was originally introduced in 1932 to honor the bicentennial of Washington's birth, replacing the previous Standing Liberty design. The inscriptions on this side include the word LIBERTY and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the clear S mint mark designating its San Francisco origin. On the reverse, a powerful heraldic eagle is depicted with its wings spread, clutching a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The traditional Latin motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, is positioned above the eagle, while the legends UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR frame the central design. This combination of classic artistry and modern composition makes the 1971-S proof quarter a compelling piece for study.