1942 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1942 Washington quarter carries significant 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 examples. 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 represents some of the most valuable and 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, demonstrating the incredible premium collectors will pay for pristine wartime silver quarters. The 1942 Proof in PR-69 follows closely at $16,800, showcasing the exceptional value of high-grade proof coins from this pivotal year.

Error varieties also dominate the top rankings, with doubled die obverse and reverse coins from both Philadelphia and Denver mints achieving prices ranging from $4,830 to $8,225.

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

 

History of the 1942 Quarter

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

This quarter was produced under the ongoing 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.

The 1942 issues were struck at three mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S), with each facility producing substantial quantities to meet wartime economic demands. The Philadelphia mint alone produced over 102 million quarters, making it one of the higher-mintage years of the early Washington series.

What makes 1942 particularly significant is its timing—it was among the last quarters struck with the original 90% silver composition before wartime metal shortages would later impact coin production. The coin’s design elements remained sharp and well-defined, as the dies were still relatively new and the minting process had been refined since the series’ 1932 debut.

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?

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 and rank at 60 among the Washington quarters—making it the most common of the business strikes despite Denver’s typically lower mintages. The 1942 Proof quarter rounds out the group with a score of 29, classified as “Scarce” and ranked 86th overall.

This ranking pattern demonstrates how collector preferences and survival rates can sometimes override pure mintage numbers in determining a coin’s desirability. For quick rarity assessments of any coin in your collection, our CoinValueChecker App provides instant scoring to help prioritize your collecting strategy.

 

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)

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.

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 presents the most intriguing data point. With an astronomical mintage figure of over 775 million listed, this appears to be a data anomaly, as 1942 proof quarters were actually produced in much smaller quantities for collectors. The 35% survival rate more accurately reflects the careful preservation these special strikes typically receive.

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 CoinValueChecker 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.

 

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. Despite its massive production numbers, the coin maintains sharp strike quality and clear design details, showcasing the Philadelphia Mint’s commitment to excellence even under wartime pressure. The absence of a mint mark gives it a clean, uncluttered appearance that many collectors find aesthetically pleasing.

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

The market activity demonstrates indicates that recent collector interest goes well, 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. What sets this issue apart is its moderate mintage combined with Denver’s reputation for sharp, well-struck coins during this period.

The 1942-D represents an interesting collecting opportunity—common enough to be affordable yet scarce enough in high grades to command respect from serious numismatists. Denver’s quality control during wartime production resulted in coins with excellent detail retention and attractive luster, making gem examples particularly desirable among collectors seeking superior eye appeal.

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 its dramatic rarity in high grades – while lower grade examples are relatively accessible, finding specimens in mint state condition becomes exponentially more challenging and valuable. The coin’s silver composition and historical significance from America’s wartime period contribute to its desirability among collectors.

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 that showcase the artistry of the U.S. Mint.

The 1942 proof quarter is particularly remarkable due to its limited production run, as the mint focused primarily on circulation coins to meet wartime demands. This scarcity, combined with the coin’s stunning visual appeal and historical significance from a pivotal year in American history, makes it highly sought after by serious collectors and numismatic investors.

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

 

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 to repunched mintmarks, each telling a story of the human element in coin production during America’s most challenging period.

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 doubling is particularly pronounced on Washington’s hair details and the date, making these coins easily identifiable to collectors. Values can range significantly based on the degree of doubling visibility and overall coin condition.

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.

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

The 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse error displays distinctive doubling on Washington’s portrait, particularly visible in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This Denver mint variety occurred when the working die received multiple impressions at slightly different angles, creating a shadowed effect on lettering and design elements.

The “D” mintmark may also show doubling characteristics. These errors are scarcer than Philadelphia issues, making them highly sought after by collectors. Values range from hundreds to thousands depending on the doubling’s prominence and coin condition.

Use our CoinValueChecker 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.

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

The 1942-S Repunched Mintmark (FS-501) occurs when the “S” mintmark was punched into the die multiple times in slightly different positions, creating a doubled or overlapping appearance. This San Francisco mint variety shows traces of the original mintmark position beneath or adjacent to the final “S” placement.

Repunched mintmarks were common during this era when mintmarks were individually hand-punched into working dies. 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.

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, 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

Is there anything special about a 1942 quarter?

1942 quarters are special as wartime silver coins containing 90% silver content. They were minted during World War II, making them historically significant. High-grade examples and error varieties like doubled dies are extremely valuable, with some specimens selling for thousands of dollars at auction.

Are 1942 coins rare?

1942 quarters aren’t rare in lower grades, but become increasingly scarce in mint state conditions. The San Francisco mint produced fewer coins, making 1942-S quarters more valuable. Error varieties and proof coins are genuinely rare, with top-grade specimens being exceptionally difficult to find.

How much is a 1942 Washington Quarter worth?

A typical circulated 1942 quarter is worth $6-15 for its silver content. However, values vary dramatically by condition and mint mark. High-grade examples can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars, with the finest 1942-S specimen selling for nearly $19,000 at auction.