1942 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1942 Washington quarter carries powerful historical importance from the World War II era. These coins were minted during wartime when silver demand surged for the war effort, yet they maintained their 90% silver composition. This makes them both historically significant and intrinsically valuable due to their precious metal content.

According to current market data, 1942 quarter values range from $5.49 for Good condition coins to $103.29 for high-grade Mint State (MS) examples — and that’s before you factor in rare errors. The variation depends heavily on condition, mint mark, and rarity factors that collectors carefully consider when evaluating these pieces.

Let’s dive into what makes a 1942 Washington Quarter valuable and how you can identify the key markers that separate common coins from genuine treasures.

 

1942 Quarter Value By Variety

The 1942 Washington Quarter comes in several distinct varieties that can significantly impact its collector value, with certain combinations of mint marks and die characteristics commanding premium prices in today’s market.

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 1942 Quarter Worth Money

The 1942 Washington Quarter series includes some of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics, with exceptional specimens commanding extraordinary prices at auction.

Leading the pack is the magnificent 1942-S in MS-68 condition, which achieved a record-breaking $18,975 at Heritage Auctions in January 2004 — a benchmark that still stands for business-strike 1942 quarters. A PCGS-certified MS-68 Philadelphia example with attractive toning sold for $8,718.75 at GreatCollections, demonstrating that the “common” Philadelphia issue can surprise collectors in top condition.

Error varieties also dominate the top rankings. The 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) — where strong doubling is clearly visible on the word “LIBERTY” — trades for $225 or more even in VF grades, and soars to $8,000+ in Gem Uncirculated.

These remarkable auction results highlight how condition rarity, combined with the historical significance of America’s wartime coinage, creates extraordinary value. The dramatic price differences between grades underscore the critical importance of preservation and professional grading in determining a coin’s worth.

 

History of the 1942 Quarter

The 1942 Washington Quarter represents a pivotal moment in American coinage history, struck during the nation’s entry into World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the United States entered the war, fundamentally transforming the industrial and economic landscape that influenced coin production.

This quarter was produced under the Washington Quarter series, which had begun in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. By 1942, the design by sculptor John Flanagan had become firmly established, featuring Washington’s profile on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.

What few people realize is that 1942 marked a remarkable production surge. Total mintage across all three facilities reached nearly 140 million coins — more than double the 1941 output of around 65 million, and a record that would only be broken by wartime peak years in 1943-1945.

PCGS CoinFacts notes that 1942 was the first Washington quarter ever to exceed 100,000,000 coins in a single year at the Philadelphia Mint alone. Ironically, this massive mintage may have discouraged dealers from saving rolls at the time — making pristine Gem examples today surprisingly scarce and valuable.

The 1942 issues were struck at three mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Importantly, this was also the final year before proof coin production was suspended entirely due to the war effort — proofs would not resume until 1950.

Today, 1942 quarters serve as tangible connections to America’s wartime era, combining historical significance with numismatic appeal.

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

 

Is Your 1942 Quarter Rare? Rarity Guide

The 1942 quarter varieties show interesting rarity patterns that reflect both mintage figures and collector demand. The Philadelphia issue (no mint mark) leads with a rarity score of 38, earning “Rare” status and ranking 37th among all Washington quarters. The San Francisco quarter follows closely with a score of 36, also achieving “Rare” classification at rank 42.

Surprisingly, the 1942-D quarter scores lower at 31 points, placing it in the “Scarce” category at rank 60 among Washington quarters — making it the most common of the business strikes. PCGS authority David Hall has noted that the 1942-D is “not a rarity in Gem condition” and can be readily found with frosty, attractive luster, which helps explain its lower rarity score.

The 1942-S, however, tells a different story. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, PCGS CoinFacts records that the 1942-S was “considered the rarest Washington quarter of the 1940s.” Die erosion and subsequent repolishing at the San Francisco Mint resulted in many poorly detailed coins, meaning well-struck, high-grade 1942-S quarters remain scarce and command significant premiums.

The 1942 Proof quarter rounds out the group with a score of 29, classified as “Scarce” with a mintage of just 21,123 pieces — the highest pre-war proof mintage before production stopped entirely until 1950.

 

Key Features of the 1942 Quarter

John Flanagan’s Washington quarter design continued into its tenth year of production in 1942. During this wartime period, three mints operated at full capacity to meet economic demands. The Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities each produced quarters with consistent design elements, while a special proof version was also struck for collectors.

The obverse of the 1942 quarter

The 1942 quarter obverse features George Washington’s profile surrounded by:

• LIBERTY from above
• 1942 (the date) from below
• IN GOD WE TRUST from the left. The JF initials are placed at the President’s neck base.

The reverse of the 1942 quarter

The reverse design showcases the classic American eagle motif with detailed elements including:

• A centrally positioned bald eagle with outstretched wings
• Two olive branches and arrows clutched in the eagle’s talons
• QUARTER DOLLAR
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• E PLURIBUS UNUM
• The mint mark D, S, or blank space (for Philadelphia)

One helpful tip for beginners: the mint mark on a 1942 quarter is found on the reverse (back) of the coin, positioned just above the “R” in QUARTER and below the eagle’s tail. Philadelphia coins have no letter there at all.

Other features of the 1942 quarter

The 1942 quarters maintain Washington’s profile on the obverse with a face value of twenty-five cents. They are composed of 90% silver, containing 0.1808 troy ounces/5.623 g of silver from a total coin weight of 0.20094 troy ounces/6.25 g.

Each of these round specimens features a reeded edge with uniform specifications: thickness of 0.06870 inches/1.75 mm and a standard diameter of 0.95669 inches/24.3 mm. One quick way to confirm a 1942 quarter is silver: look at the edge — silver coins show a uniform white/silver band with no copper stripe (unlike modern clad quarters which have a visible copper core).

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

 

1942 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1942 quarter production tells a fascinating story of wartime economics and collector behavior. Philadelphia dominated production with over 102 million coins, while Denver and San Francisco contributed more modest quantities at 17.4 and 19.3 million respectively.

Despite vastly different mintages, the business strikes show remarkably similar survival rates — all hovering around 10%. This consistency suggests that circulation patterns and melting rates affected all three mints equally during the silver price spikes of later decades.

The proof quarter had a carefully documented mintage of just 21,123 pieces — the highest annual proof output before wartime production suspended proofs until 1950. Proof coins show a much higher survival rate (approximately 35%) due to the care collectors took in preserving them.

One critically important fact for collectors: the 1942 proof was the last proof Washington quarter struck before an 8-year gap. Proof production didn’t resume until 1950, which makes the 1942 proof a historically significant final issue of its era.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1942 Quarter Value

Your 1942 quarter’s value starts around $12–$14 in average condition across all three mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco), with uncirculated examples ranging from $16–$43, though rare varieties like the 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse can reach $8,000 or more in top grades.

Accurately assessing your coin requires identifying the mint mark (D, S, or none), checking for valuable error varieties like doubled dies, and determining the precise condition grade. The Coin Value Checker App instantly eliminates the complexity — simply photograph your 1942 quarter to receive AI-powered mint identification, error detection, professional-grade estimates, and current market valuations based on real auction data.

 

How to Grade Your 1942 Quarter Value

Before checking prices, you need to understand coin grading. Grading is the process of judging a coin’s condition on the Sheldon scale from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Mint State). Here’s what to look for on a 1942 Washington quarter specifically:

The hair above Washington’s ear is always the first area to show wear. In an Uncirculated (MS) coin, those individual hair strands will be sharp and fully separated. In a coin graded Extremely Fine (EF-40), you’ll see slight flattening on the cheek and the tops of the highest hair curls starting to merge.

For Mint State (MS) coins, look carefully at the open fields — the flat areas of the coin’s surface — for any scratches or contact marks. The MS grading scale goes from MS-60 (lightly circulated details but no wear) all the way to MS-70 (perfect). The jump in value between MS-65 and MS-67 on a 1942 quarter can be enormous: a 1942 Philadelphia MS-67 is worth around $550, while an MS-68 can fetch $8,500 or more.

Professional grading by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is strongly recommended for any 1942 quarter you believe is worth $200 or more. Certified coins trade at higher prices because buyers have confidence in the grade.

 

1942 Quarter Value Guides

1942 Quarter Categories:

• 1942 No Mint Mark Quarter (Philadelphia)
• 1942-D Quarter (Denver)
• 1942-S Quarter (San Francisco)
• 1942 Proof Quarter

The 1942 quarter year offers collectors four distinct categories to pursue, each with its own appeal and market dynamics.

The Philadelphia issue represents the most common variety due to its massive mintage, making it an accessible entry point for new collectors. The Denver and San Francisco quarters provide regional mint variety with more moderate production numbers.

The proof quarter stands apart as a specially struck collector piece, featuring enhanced detail and mirror-like surfaces that command premium prices. Together, these four categories create a complete 1942 set that showcases the full scope of wartime quarter production across America’s active mint facilities.

 

1942 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1942 Philadelphia quarter stands out as the workhorse of wartime coin production, representing the largest single mintage in the Washington quarter series up to that point.

What makes this issue particularly notable is its role as America’s primary circulating quarter during the critical early months of World War II. As PCGS CoinFacts points out, the massive 100+ million mintage may have actually discouraged dealers from saving rolls at the time, making it “a bit of a sleeper in Gem condition.” The hurried wartime production also meant that many coins were weakly struck, so pristine MS-67 and MS-68 examples are rarer than the large mintage suggests.

Recent auction results confirm this: a PCGS MS-68 1942 Philadelphia quarter with attractive toning realized $8,718.75 at GreatCollections, proving that the “common” Philadelphia quarter can still deliver shocking results for patient collectors.

Recent auction results reveal the market’s growing appreciation for high-grade examples of this seemingly common date.

The market activity demonstrates that recent collector interest goes far beyond its reputation as a “common” quarter.

 

1942-D Quarter Value

The 1942-D quarter holds a unique position as Denver’s contribution to wartime coin production, featuring the distinctive “D” mint mark below the eagle on the reverse. Denver’s mintage of 17,487,200 was the lowest of all three facilities that year, but researchers note that Denver minted the fewest coins even compared to 1941 — likely because the region’s agricultural economy was still recovering.

An important nuance: the 1942-D is actually more scarce in heavily circulated grades than in uncirculated grades. That means an average worn 1942-D is worth slightly more than an average worn Philadelphia issue, but in Mint State it’s comparatively easier to find in Gem condition. Even in VF grades, a 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse variety commands $225 or more, making cherrypicking these coins very rewarding for attentive collectors.

The auction marketplace has consistently recognized the quality advantages of Denver-minted 1942 quarters, with premium examples achieving impressive results.

Recent market activity shows growing collector awareness of this date’s superior strike quality and aesthetic appeal compared to its counterparts.

 

1942-S Quarter Value

The 1942-S Washington Quarter holds a unique position in numismatic history as one of the most coveted silver quarters from the World War II era. Minted in San Francisco during wartime, this quarter represents a pivotal moment when the U.S. Mint was producing coins under extraordinary circumstances.

What makes the 1942-S particularly special is a production quality issue that persists to this day. NGC has documented that the San Francisco Mint suffered from “die erosion and subsequent repolishing” in 1942 — a result of overstretching dies during the wartime production rush. This resulted in many poorly detailed coins, so finding a well-struck 1942-S in high Mint State grades is significantly harder than the mintage numbers suggest.

Collectors should also know there are two known “S” mint mark styles on 1942-S quarters: Trumpet-Tail and Serif. While these currently carry no meaningful premium difference, they are interesting die varieties worth noting.

The auction records for this quarter reveal the remarkable premium that collectors are willing to pay for exceptional examples in top condition.

Recent market activity demonstrates sustained collector interest and trading volume for this wartime silver quarter throughout 2024 and 2025.

 

1942 Proof Quarter Value

The 1942 Proof Washington Quarter stands as one of the most exceptional coins from America’s wartime era, representing the pinnacle of minting craftsmanship during World War II. Unlike regular circulation strikes, proof coins were specially manufactured using polished dies and planchets, creating mirror-like surfaces and razor-sharp details.

“Proof” coins differ from regular coins in important ways. The mirror-like background fields are created by polishing the dies, while the raised design elements (devices) receive a contrasting treatment. On most 1942 proof quarters, these raised devices appear brilliant rather than frosted — which is important to understand because collectors specifically seek “Cameo” (CAM) or “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) examples where the devices show heavy white frost against the mirror fields.

Here’s a stunning rarity fact: PCGS population records confirm that zero 1942 Washington quarters have ever been designated as DCAM or CAM by either major grading service. This is in stark contrast to later proof quarters from 1950 onward. Finding even a 1942 proof quarter with any meaningful frost on the devices is considered extraordinary.

With values ranging from $24 at PR-60 all the way to $16,800 for the finest known PR-69 (sold in a 2021 auction), the 1942 proof is a key target for serious collectors. Most examples grade between PR-64 and PR-66.

The auction performance of this proof quarter demonstrates the significant premiums that collectors are willing to pay for these meticulously crafted specimens.

Market activity data reveals consistent collector engagement and robust trading interest for this wartime proof quarter throughout recent months.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

1942 Quarter Silver Melt Value: What Every Coin Is Worth at Minimum

Before we dive into error coins, it’s important to understand the silver floor value every 1942 quarter has regardless of its condition. Every 1942 quarter — Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco — contains exactly 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.

To calculate your coin’s minimum silver value, multiply 0.1808 by the current silver spot price. For example, with silver at approximately $30 per troy ounce, the melt value is roughly $5.42 per coin. At higher silver prices, that floor rises too.

This bullion floor is why even a heavily worn, problem-free 1942 quarter in Poor condition is always worth at least that melt value — typically above $5. It also means that getting a coin graded for less than $5–$6 in value makes no financial sense.

 

Rare 1942 Quarter Error List

Error coins from 1942 represent some of the most fascinating and valuable varieties in the Washington Quarter series. During the wartime production rush, mint employees worked under intense pressure to meet circulation demands, leading to various minting mistakes that create unique collecting opportunities.

These errors range from doubled dies (DDO/DDR) to repunched mintmarks (RPM), each telling a story of the human element in coin production during America’s most challenging period. A Doubled Die (DD) error occurs during the creation of the working die itself — not during the striking of individual coins. This means every coin struck from that flawed die will show the same distinctive doubling.

1. 1942 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) Errors

The 1942 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) exhibits dramatic doubling on Washington’s portrait, most notably visible in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error occurred when the working die received multiple impressions from the master die at slightly different angles, creating the distinctive doubled appearance.

The FS designation stands for “Fly-In Special” — a reference to the Cherrypickers’ Guide, the leading reference book for die varieties. This FS-101 variety is a listed Red Book variety, meaning nearly all Washington Quarter collectors actively seek it. The doubling is particularly pronounced on Washington’s hair details and the date, making these coins identifiable even with the naked eye.

2. 1942 Doubled Die Reverse (FS-801 To FS-803) Errors

The 1942 Doubled Die Reverse varieties include several distinct classifications: DDR FS-801, FS-802, and FS-803, each showing different degrees and locations of doubling.

The FS-801 variety displays doubling in the eagle’s wing feathers and tail, while FS-802 shows doubling primarily in the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The FS-803 variety exhibits doubling in the olive branch and arrows. These reverse doubling errors are generally more subtle than obverse varieties but remain highly sought after by specialists who study Washington quarter die varieties.

3. 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Errors

The 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse error is considered one of the most important DDO varieties in the entire Washington Quarter series. It is listed in the Official Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins), which means nearly every collector in the hobby knows to look for it — driving consistent demand and strong liquidity.

The doubling on this variety shows strong separation on the word “LIBERTY,” and can often be spotted with the naked eye or a basic loupe magnifier. Even in VF (Very Fine) grades, this coin routinely trades for $225 or more. Denver DDO varieties are generally scarcer than their Philadelphia counterparts, making this a particularly prized find.

Use our Coin Value Checker App to instantly identify and appraise your 1942-D doubled die quarters with precision.

4. 1942-D Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Errors

The 1942-D Doubled Die Reverse features doubling on the reverse design elements, particularly visible in the eagle’s feathers and the surrounding inscriptions. This Denver mint variety shows the characteristic doubling effect in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and sometimes in “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

The error creates a slightly blurred or shadowed appearance in the affected areas. Denver doubled die reverse errors are considerably scarcer than their Philadelphia counterparts, making them highly prized by error coin specialists and Washington Quarter enthusiasts. Always examine your 1942-D quarters under good lighting and a loupe to check both sides for doubling.

5. 1942-S Repunched Mintmark (FS-501) Errors

The 1942-S Repunched Mintmark (RPM FS-501) is an interesting variety to understand. Before 1990, the U.S. Mint hand-punched mint marks individually into each working die using a hand-held punch and mallet. If the punch shifted between strikes of the mallet, the “S” would appear doubled, tripled, or overlapping in its final position.

On this variety, traces of the original “S” position are clearly visible beneath or adjacent to the final placement. The 1942-S RPM varieties are particularly collectible due to the wartime significance and the relative scarcity of San Francisco mint errors from this period. Always examine the “S” mint mark under magnification — the secondary punch impression can be subtle.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1942 Quarter

Consider reputable coin dealers, certified auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers Galleries, online platforms such as eBay, or local coin shops for selling your 1942 quarter.

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

 

1942 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About the 1942 Quarter Value

1. Is there anything special about a 1942 quarter?

Yes — 1942 quarters are special for multiple reasons. They contain 90% silver, giving them real precious metal value as a “junk silver” coin. They were minted during the first full year of U.S. involvement in World War II. The 1942 proof was also the last proof Washington quarter struck before an 8-year wartime hiatus. High-grade examples and error varieties like the FS-101 DDO can sell for thousands at auction.

2. Are 1942 coins rare?

1942 quarters are not rare in lower grades, but become increasingly scarce in Mint State (MS) conditions, especially above MS-65. The San Francisco issue is particularly hard to find with a well-struck design due to die erosion issues documented by NGC. Error varieties — especially the 1942-D DDO (Red Book variety) — and proof coins are genuinely scarce, with top-grade specimens being exceptionally difficult to find.

3. How much is a 1942 Washington Quarter worth?

A typical circulated 1942 quarter is worth $6–$15 based primarily on its silver content. However, values vary dramatically by condition and mint mark. High-grade examples can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars — the finest known 1942-S MS-68 sold for $18,975 at Heritage Auctions in January 2004, a record that still stands.

4. What does the “MS” grade on a 1942 quarter mean?

“MS” stands for Mint State — a coin that has never been circulated and shows no wear. The MS grade runs from MS-60 (many contact marks but no wear) to MS-70 (perfect). For 1942 Washington quarters, the jump from MS-65 to MS-67 represents a dramatic increase in value. An MS-65 Philadelphia 1942 quarter may sell for around $30, while an MS-67 can fetch $550, and an MS-68 has sold for over $8,000 at auction.

5. Can I still find a 1942 quarter in circulation today?

It’s extremely unlikely. Silver quarters were systematically removed from circulation after 1964, when the U.S. Mint switched to copper-nickel clad composition. The price of silver rose enough to make them worth more melted than as pocket change, and most disappeared rapidly. Today, finding a 1942 quarter would require searching old coin rolls, estate sales, or inherited coin collections.

6. What is the 1942 proof quarter, and how is it different from a regular 1942 quarter?

Proof coins are specially made for collectors, not for circulation. The dies used to make proof coins are polished to a mirror-like finish, and the coins are struck multiple times at slow speeds to bring out maximum detail. The result is a coin with mirror-bright fields and sharply struck devices. The 1942 proof had a mintage of only 21,123 pieces — tiny compared to the 102+ million Philadelphia business strikes — making them much rarer. Values range from $24 at low grades to $16,800 for the finest known (PR-69, sold 2021).

7. How do I find the mint mark on a 1942 quarter?

Flip the coin over to the reverse (eagle side). Look just above the letter “R” in the word QUARTER, directly below the eagle’s tail. A “D” means Denver, an “S” means San Francisco, and no letter means Philadelphia. Note: Philadelphia did not use a “P” mint mark on quarters until 1980, so the absence of a letter is itself the identifier for Philadelphia coins.

8. Is the 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse worth getting professionally graded?

Yes — absolutely. The 1942-D DDO is a listed Red Book variety, which means there is broad collector demand and strong liquidity at all grades. Even in VF condition this variety trades for $225 or more; in Gem Uncirculated grades the value can reach $8,000+. Any coin worth $200+ in raw (ungraded) form benefits from professional PCGS or NGC certification, which protects you and future buyers. The attribution itself adds value because most buyers trust certified attributions over self-identified varieties.

9. What are the most common problems that reduce a 1942 quarter’s value?

The most value-destroying problems for 1942 quarters are cleaning (look for hairline swirl marks under magnification and an unnatural flat appearance), environmental damage (dark spotting, pitting, or corrosion), and physical damage (scratches, rim dings, or holes). Grading services like PCGS and NGC label problem coins as “Details” grades and will not give them a clean numerical grade. Problem-free original coins — even modestly worn ones — always command better prices than polished-up problem pieces.

10. What should I look for to identify a valuable 1942-S quarter?

The key to a valuable 1942-S is strike quality. Because of die erosion issues at the San Francisco Mint, many 1942-S quarters are weakly struck — particularly in the eagle’s breast feathers and Washington’s hair. A well-struck example with sharp detail on both the eagle’s feathers and the hair curls is significantly more valuable. Look for a coin with sharp, crisp feather separation on the reverse eagle, original luster with no cleaning, and ideally a PCGS or NGC certified grade of MS-65 or higher. In MS-68 condition, a single coin has sold for nearly $19,000.