1941 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1941 quarter stands as a pivotal piece of American numismatic history, minted during the year the United States officially entered World War II. While the war started in 1939 for the rest of the world, the U.S. didn’t formally join until December 1941, making these 90% silver quarters the last “normal” currency before wartime transformed American society.

This coin also crossed a historic production milestone—it became the first Washington Quarter ever struck in quantities exceeding 100 million in a single year. That record wouldn’t be broken again until 1964, when over one billion quarters were produced. Today, these historically significant quarters range from around $7 in circulated condition to over $28,000 for pristine gems, with their silver content adding a floor of intrinsic value regardless of grade.

 

1941 Quarter Value By Variety

The 1941 quarter’s value depends on three key factors: which mint struck it, its condition grade, and whether it carries a known error or variety designation. There are four main collectible types: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S), and Philadelphia Proof (PR).

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1941 Quarter Worth Money

The auction records for 1941 quarters reveal how dramatically condition and mint mark drive value. A PCGS MS68 Philadelphia example sold for $23,500 at Heritage Auctions in January 2013—still the all-time auction record for that variety.

The 1941-S variety delivered an even bigger headline when a PCGS MS68 example sold for $28,750 through David Lawrence Rare Coins in August 2022. The 1941-D holds its own top record of $20,700 for a PCGS MS68 CAC coin at Heritage Auctions in July 2008. Even the 1941 Proof quarter has produced significant results, with a PCGS PR68 bringing $15,863 at Heritage Auctions in January 2013.

 

History of the 1941 Quarter

Washington quarters debuted in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s bicentenary—200 years after his birth. The coin was initially planned as a one-year commemorative, but officials decided to make it a permanent part of American coinage.

The design competition produced a fascinating backstory. A bicentenary committee had selected sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser’s portrait for the obverse. Fraser (1889–1966) was one of the most prolific female sculptors of the early 20th century and was highly regarded in numismatic circles. However, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon overruled the committee’s choice, selecting sculptor John Flanagan’s left-facing Washington bust instead. Fraser’s rejected design wasn’t forgotten—it eventually appeared on the 1999 George Washington Commemorative $5 Gold Coin, and 90 years after the original dispute, it was finally used as the obverse for the American Women Quarters Program starting in 2022.

The year 1941 saw unprecedented production volumes at Philadelphia, with over 79 million quarters struck—more than double any previous annual output in the Washington Quarter series. PCGS CoinFacts notes that many uncirculated examples were saved at the time of issue, making this one of the more common Washington quarters from the 1940s in Gem condition. San Francisco and Denver facilities also produced quarters that year, while Philadelphia additionally created a small number of specially struck proof coins for collectors. Proof production ran from 1936 through 1942, when World War II pressures forced a suspension that lasted until 1950.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

Is Your 1941 Quarter Rare?

Use our Coin Value Checker App to instantly assess the rarity level of any quarter in your collection.

 

Key Features of the 1941 Quarter

The 1941 quarter tells a fascinating story through its design—one that captures America on the brink of monumental change. As collectors examine these pre-war silver quarters today, they hold pieces minted during one of the most pivotal years in American history.

One detail often overlooked by beginners: the text on 1941 quarters appears slightly less sharp than on later issues. The Mint updated its dies in 1944 to produce a crisper finish and a marginally larger date—so the “softer” look of pre-1944 Washington quarters is normal, not damage.

The Obverse Of the 1941 Quarter

The obverse (or “heads” side) of the 1941 quarter shows a bust of the first U.S. president, depicted in profile and facing left. The design was based on a sculpture by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon, made from a plaster-of-Paris life mask taken of Washington around 1785.

John Flanagan’s initials “JF” appear at the base of the bust, a small but important detail that helps authenticate genuine examples. The word “LIBERTY” arches above Washington’s head, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left, just below his chin.

The Reverse of the 1941 Quarter

The reverse of the 1941 quarter carried the same design used on every Washington quarter through 1998—also Flanagan’s work. It shows a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows symbolizing military readiness.

“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” follows the upper edge, with the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “From the many, one”) just below it. An olive branch appears below the eagle, representing peace, and “QUARTER DOLLAR” follows the lower rim. The mint mark for Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) examples appears below the olive branch, to the right of center.

Other Features of the 1941 Quarter

The 1941 quarter measures 24.3 millimeters in diameter—the same as all Washington quarters. It contains 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a weight of 6.30 grams, noticeably heavier than today’s clad quarters at 5.67 grams.

The reeded edge—those fine grooves running around the coin’s rim—was actually an anti-counterfeiting measure introduced in the 18th century to prevent people from shaving precious metal off the edge. The silver content alone currently gives each 1941 quarter a melt value of roughly $9, meaning even worn examples are worth more than face value.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1941 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia’s dominance is immediately apparent in the production numbers: nearly 79 million quarters versus Denver’s 16.7 million and San Francisco’s 16 million. The proof mintage of exactly 15,287 pieces stands in a completely different category—those were struck specifically for collectors on polished planchets.

Survival patterns reveal the real rarity story. Philadelphia quarters survived at an exceptionally high rate, with an estimated 7.9 million examples still existing today. Denver’s survival rate is similar, but PCGS CoinFacts expert David Hall notes the 1941-D is genuinely scarce in Gem condition (MS65 and above) due to the difficulty of finding sharply struck, problem-free examples from that facility. The San Francisco issue presents the biggest mystery—despite similar mintage to Denver, only about 10% of the original production is estimated to survive, leaving roughly 1.6 million examples and making the 1941-S legitimately scarce in upper Mint State grades.

The 1941-S also comes in two recognized mintmark size varieties. Collectors and researchers have catalogued a Small S (the common type) and a Large S (also called the “trumpet S”), with the Large S designated as FS-501 and FS-503 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide reference. The Large S variety was used on dies produced late in the year, representing a small fraction of the total mintage. Neither variety currently commands a dramatic premium over the other, but identifying one makes any 1941-S a more interesting find.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1941 Quarter Value

Determining your 1941 quarter’s value depends on three key factors: mint mark (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco), condition grade, and silver content. While you can research prices online, accurately grading your coin’s condition requires expertise that takes years to develop.

The CoinValueChecker Grade Score system provides detailed analysis of these key characteristics, helping collectors identify everything from circulated examples to pristine Mint State specimens. Use our Coin Value Checker App to instantly check the grade of your 1941 quarter and compare it against professional standards.

 

1941 Quarter Value Guides

The 1941 quarter was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities, creating four distinct collectible varieties. Philadelphia struck the bulk of circulation coins without a mint mark, while Denver and San Francisco added their respective “D” and “S” mint marks below the eagle on the reverse.

Philadelphia also produced a limited number of specially struck proof coins for collectors, featuring mirror-like surfaces and sharp details. MS (Mint State) is a grading term meaning the coin never circulated—MS grades run from 60 to 70, with MS70 being perfect. Each variety carries different rarity levels and market values, making mint mark identification crucial.

1941 Quarter Types:

• No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• D Mint Mark (Denver)
• S Mint Mark (San Francisco)
• PR (Proof, Philadelphia)

 

1941 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1941 Philadelphia quarter was struck in unprecedented numbers—over 79 million pieces, more than double any previous year’s output for the Washington Quarter series. Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark, following a Mint tradition dating back to its founding as the nation’s first federal mint.

In circulated condition, a typical 1941 no-mint-mark quarter is worth around $7 to $9, essentially a small silver premium. The value curve bends sharply upward in Gem Uncirculated territory: MS65 examples trade around $45, MS67 examples bring approximately $5,040, and the handful of MS68 coins are valued at around $17,000 each. PCGS CoinFacts confirms that while common in lower grades, the 1941 Philadelphia becomes genuinely scarce at MS68, with only five examples graded at that level by PCGS.

Our comprehensive auction data below reveals the pricing evolution and collector demand patterns for these historic Philadelphia quarters across major numismatic marketplaces.

Current market activity trends show collector interest levels that continue to drive values for these pre-war silver classics.

 

1941-D Quarter Value

The 1941-D quarter carries Denver’s distinctive “D” mint mark below the olive branch on the reverse. With a mintage of 16,714,800—roughly one-fifth of Philadelphia’s output—the Denver quarter commands higher base values across most grades.

One important detail about the 1941-D noted by numismatic experts: Denver was known during this era for producing weakly struck coins, and finding a sharply detailed example is genuinely challenging. Approximately 10% of the original mintage survives today, with around 20,000 in Mint State condition. The finest known 1941-D examples are four coins graded MS68, each valued at approximately $13,500—and the all-time auction record is $20,700 for a PCGS MS68 CAC example sold at Heritage Auctions in July 2008.

Historical auction records below demonstrate how these Denver quarters have performed in the marketplace, tracking price trends and collector enthusiasm across different grade levels.

Real-time market activity reveals collector engagement that continues to influence 1941-D quarter values in today’s numismatic marketplace.

 

1941-S Quarter Value

The 1941-S quarter is arguably the most intriguing regular-issue variety from this year. San Francisco produced 16,080,000 quarters—comparable to Denver’s output—yet only about 10% are estimated to survive today, a dramatically lower retention rate than the Philadelphia or Denver issues.

The top-tier results for the 1941-S are staggering. A PCGS MS68 example sold for $28,750 at David Lawrence Rare Coins in August 2022—surpassing both the Philadelphia and Denver auction records for the same year. PCGS CoinFacts expert David Hall notes the 1941-S is “moderately scarce in Gem condition, about as scarce as the other D Mint and S Mint Washington quarters of the early 1940s.” Collectors should also look for the Large S mintmark varieties (FS-501 and FS-503 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide)—interesting die varieties applied late in the year that sharp-eyed collectors still actively seek.

The auction history below reveals how the market has recognized and rewarded the true scarcity of these San Francisco quarters, with price trends that reflect their proven rarity.

Current market activity shows the sustained collector interest and market dynamics that continue to drive demand for these increasingly scarce West Coast quarters.

 

1941 Proof Quarter Value

The 1941 proof quarter was struck for collectors on specially polished planchets using dies prepared to an unusually high finish. Only 15,287 were produced—and these were among the last proof coins the Philadelphia Mint would strike before World War II forced a suspension of proof production from 1943 through 1949.

Proof coins are graded on the PR scale (PR60–PR70). The most valuable 1941 proofs carry Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations—terms that describe the frosted, raised design elements contrasting against mirror-like fields. Pre-war proof Washington quarters rarely achieve the dramatic CAM or DCAM frost seen on post-1960s proofs, so examples with any frost designation are particularly sought after. The all-time auction record is $15,863 for a PCGS PR68 example sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2013. A PR67 currently trades around $240–$250, while a PR65 can still be obtained for approximately $115–$155.

Premium auction results below demonstrate how collectors have consistently recognized and rewarded the exceptional quality and limited availability of these specially struck proof quarters.

Current marketplace activity reveals the enduring appeal that keeps these proof quarters in high demand among serious numismatists and quality-focused collectors.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1941 Quarter Error List

Error coins from 1941 represent some of the most intriguing varieties in Washington Quarter collecting. These were created by mechanical imperfections during the minting process—specifically misaligned die impressions that produced doubled images on the coin’s surface. PCGS has catalogued multiple confirmed varieties for 1941, each with its own designation number.

1. 1941 Doubled Die Obverse Errors

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error occurs when a coin die receives two slightly misaligned hub impressions during manufacture, creating a “shadow” doubling visible on the coin. For the 1941 Philadelphia quarter, PCGS has catalogued three separate DDO varieties: FS-101, FS-102, and FS-103.

The doubling is typically most visible in Washington’s portrait, the word “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Collectors prize examples where the doubling can be seen without magnification, particularly in Washington’s hair details. Values vary significantly based on the prominence of the doubling and the coin’s overall condition.

2. 1941 DDR (FS-801) Errors

The 1941 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) FS-801 shows doubling on the eagle and surrounding text, most visibly in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The same die-hubbing process causes this error, but it affects the reverse (tails) side of the coin.

This variety is generally scarcer than the obverse counterparts, and authenticated examples are highly sought after by error specialists. The eagle’s feather and wing details often show the clearest doubling, giving collectors a reliable place to check. Stronger examples where the doubling is easily visible command the largest premiums.

3. 1941-D DDO (FS-101) Errors

Denver’s 1941 DDO FS-101 combines branch-mint appeal with a recognized die variety, making it compelling for advanced collectors. The doubling typically appears in Washington’s portrait and the obverse inscriptions, with characteristics slightly different from the Philadelphia version due to separate die preparation at each facility.

Denver quarters already carry higher base values than Philadelphia issues due to lower mintage, so the added error premium creates a more valuable collectible. An NGC-certified 1941-D DDO example sold for just over $500 at auction in August 2022, showing that even lower-grade error specimens attract real market attention.

4. 1941-D DDR (FS-801) Errors

The 1941-D DDR FS-801 is one of the most elusive error varieties from this year. Denver mint doubled die reverses from 1941 are notably scarce, with only a handful of confirmed examples known to the hobby.

Authentication is absolutely critical for these pieces—their rarity and value make them frequent targets for misidentification or alteration. Genuine examples show clear doubling in the eagle’s wing details and lettering, best examined under proper numismatic magnification of at least 5x–10x.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where to Sell Your 1941 Quarter

Whether you’ve discovered a 1941 quarter in a drawer or inherited a collection, understanding its true value requires examining mint marks, condition, and error possibilities carefully. What looks like an ordinary silver coin could carry a premium that far exceeds its silver melt value.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons).

 

1941 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about the 1941 Quarter

1. How much is a 1941 quarter worth today?

A typical circulated 1941 quarter in average condition is worth around $7 to $14, mostly reflecting its silver content. Uncirculated examples graded MS65 bring approximately $45 to $75 depending on the mint, while high-grade gems in MS67 or MS68 can be worth anywhere from $650 to over $28,000.

2. Is a 1941 quarter made of silver?

Yes—all quarters struck from 1932 through 1964 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The 1941 quarter contains .1808 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it a current melt value of approximately $9 based on recent silver prices. The composition changed in 1965, when the Mint switched to a copper core clad in 75% copper/25% nickel.

3. What is the rarest 1941 quarter variety?

Among regular-issue coins, the 1941-S is the scarcest in high Mint State grades due to its low survival rate—only about 10% of the original 16 million struck are estimated to survive. Among errors, the 1941-D DDR FS-801 is extremely rare, with only a handful of confirmed authenticated examples known to collectors.

4. Where is the mint mark on a 1941 quarter?

The mint mark appears on the reverse side, below the olive branch and to the right of center, just above the “QUARTER DOLLAR” inscription. A “D” means Denver; an “S” means San Francisco. Philadelphia quarters from 1941 have no mint mark at all.

5. What is the all-time auction record for a 1941 quarter?

The overall record for any 1941 quarter variety belongs to the 1941-S: a PCGS MS68 example sold for $28,750 at David Lawrence Rare Coins in August 2022. For the Philadelphia issue, a PCGS MS68 sold for $23,500 at Heritage Auctions in January 2013. The 1941-D record is $20,700 for a PCGS MS68 CAC at Heritage Auctions in July 2008.

6. What does Proof mean, and how can I tell if my 1941 quarter is a Proof?

A Proof coin is one struck on specially polished planchets using highly prepared dies, producing mirror-like fields (the flat background areas) and sharply defined design details. Only 15,287 proof quarters were made in 1941. You can identify them by their deeply reflective surfaces and needle-sharp details—but because they look similar to very nice uncirculated coins, confirmation by PCGS or NGC (the Professional Coin Grading Service and Numismatic Guaranty Company, the two leading third-party grading services) is the most reliable method.

7. What is a CAM or DCAM designation on a 1941 proof quarter?

CAM stands for Cameo, and DCAM stands for Deep Cameo (sometimes called Ultra Cameo). These terms describe proof coins where the raised design elements (Washington’s portrait, the eagle) appear frosted and white against mirror-like fields, creating a dramatic contrast. Pre-war proof quarters from 1941 rarely achieve this designation because the dies were not specially treated to produce frost, making CAM and DCAM examples significantly rarer and more valuable than standard proof examples.

8. Does the 1941-S large S mintmark variety add value?

The 1941-S exists in two recognized mintmark size varieties: the common Small S and the rarer Large S (catalogued as FS-501 and FS-503 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide to United States Coins). The Large S was applied to dies produced late in the production year, representing a smaller portion of the total mintage. Currently, neither variety commands a dramatic price premium over the other, but the Large S is an active “cherrypick” target—meaning sharp-eyed collectors actively search rolls and collections for these underappreciated varieties.

9. How do I tell if my 1941 quarter has a doubled die error?

Use a magnifying loupe of at least 5x–10x magnification and look closely at Washington’s portrait, the word “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date numerals. A genuine DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) will show a distinct shadow or doubling alongside these design elements—not just a blurry or worn appearance. The most valuable examples show doubling visible to the naked eye. For the reverse, examine the eagle’s wings and the inscriptions for similar separation or shadowing.

10. Should I clean my 1941 quarter before selling it?

Never clean a coin you intend to sell to a collector or auction house. Cleaning—even gentle polishing or rinsing—removes the coin’s original surface and luster in ways that professional graders can immediately detect under magnification. A cleaned coin is categorized as “improperly cleaned” by PCGS and NGC, which assigns it a details grade and dramatically reduces its value. A lightly circulated original coin is always worth more than a cleaned one in the numismatic market.