1943 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

Struck at the height of World War II, the 1943 Washington quarter carries both genuine silver value and deep historical significance — three mints combined to produce more than 137 million pieces to keep the wartime economy moving. Unlike nickels that were reformulated with silver and copper to free up nickel for military use, these quarters held their standard 90% silver and 10% copper composition throughout the war, giving every surviving coin a built-in precious metal floor.

With 0.1808 troy ounces of silver content, a 1943 Washington quarter has an intrinsic melt value of approximately $8.53 based on late-2025 silver spot prices — making every worn example worth far more than its 25-cent face value. Circulated examples trade modestly from $6 to $14 depending on mint mark and condition, while Mint State survivors reveal the true ceiling: a perfect MS-68 example from Philadelphia sold for $23,000 at Heritage Auctions in April 2012 from the famous “George’s Army Collection.”

 

1943 Quarter Value By Variety: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco

Here’s what your 1943 quarters are actually worth. 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)

 

1943 Quarter Value: Top 10 Most Valuable Examples Worth Money

The top performers in the 1943 quarter market are defined by two things: perfect grades and rare die varieties. The MS-68 Philadelphia and MS-68 San Francisco examples each command $23,000 valuations, while the MS-68 Denver quarter sits close behind at $17,625.

What truly separates the elite is variety attribution. The 1943 DDO FS-103 at MS-66 commands $17,400 — nearly five times what a standard MS-66 Philadelphia example would fetch. According to PCGS numismatist Jaime Hernandez, the 1943 Doubled Die Obverse is by far the scarcest major doubled die in the entire Washington quarter series, with PCGS having graded only about two dozen examples across more than 20 years.

Additional “Goiter,” RPM, and DDO varieties range from $3,120 to $10,281 in documented auction records. The lesson is clear: condition and error status are the two levers that unlock serious value in this series.

 

History of the 1943 Quarter Value: Wartime Production and Silver Legacy

The Washington quarter was first released into circulation on August 1, 1932, designed by New York sculptor John Flanagan to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Flanagan’s portrait was chosen by Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon over the objections of the original Bicentennial Committee, which had preferred a different design — a piece of behind-the-scenes history most collectors never learn.

By 1943, the design was an established part of American daily life, and the U.S. Mint faced the enormous task of keeping the country supplied with coins during a full-scale global war. Proof coin production was formally suspended from 1943 through 1949 due to wartime material shortages — a fact that makes every 1943 quarter you encounter a business strike with no proof equivalent from that year.

The Philadelphia Mint carried the heaviest burden, producing 99,700,000 quarters — nearly 73% of the entire 1943 output. Denver contributed 16,095,600 coins, while San Francisco added 21,700,000 for a combined total just over 137 million. What most collectors miss is that the San Francisco Mint repolished its dies more frequently than the other facilities, which sometimes gave 1943-S quarters a distinctive semi-proof-like appearance — mirrors in the fields with frosty device relief — making gem examples from San Francisco especially eye-catching.

Unlike the cent, which switched to zinc-coated steel in 1943 to conserve copper for shell casings and artillery equipment, quarters retained their traditional silver composition because no suitable substitute metal was available at the required scale. Every 1943 quarter you hold today is a tangible fragment of the American home-front economy.

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

 

Is Your 1943 Quarter Value Affected by Rarity?

You can check the exact rarity score for any Washington quarter using our Coin Value Checker App, which gives you real-time scarcity data.

 

Key Features That Determine Your 1943 Quarter Value

The 1943 quarter represents a continuation of the Washington quarter series during one of America’s most challenging periods — World War II. By this time, the Washington design had become the standard quarter format, moving far beyond its original commemorative purpose.

The Obverse Of The 1943 Quarter

The obverse carries John Flanagan’s classic portrait of George Washington facing left, with the word LIBERTY arcing along the top rim and IN GOD WE TRUST to the left of his profile. The date 1943 sits at the bottom — for error specialists, this is the first place to look for doubling, since the DDO varieties show the most dramatic doubling on LIBERTY and the date.

Understanding the obverse is critical because all three major doubled die varieties (FS-101, FS-102, and FS-103) manifest on this side of the coin. Without a loupe or magnifying glass, you could unknowingly spend or sell a coin worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

The Reverse Of The 1943 Quarter

Flanagan’s heraldic eagle fills the reverse, wings spread wide, clutching a bundle of arrows in one talon and olive branches in the other — a wartime symbol of strength and a desire for peace that resonated uniquely in 1943. The mint mark appears directly below the eagle: “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia.

For variety hunters, the reverse is equally important: RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) varieties like the 1943-S/S FS-503 and FS-504 show doubling of the “S” mint mark visible under magnification, while the FS-502 “Medium S” and FS-501 “Trumpet Tail S” display distinctly shaped punch styles.

Other Features Of The 1943 Quarter

These wartime quarters maintained the traditional 90% silver and 10% copper composition, weighing 6.25 grams with a 24.30 mm diameter and distinctive reeded edges.

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

 

1943 Quarter Value: Mintage & Survival Data by Mint

The production gap between Philadelphia and the two branch mints is striking — the Philadelphia Mint struck nearly five times more quarters than Denver and San Francisco combined. Yet survival rates are remarkably consistent: Philadelphia holds around 10%, Denver sits at 9.94%, and San Francisco matches at exactly 10%.

This even survival rate tells an important story: despite the wartime economy, Americans circulated coins hard from all three mints without significant preference. The result is that Philadelphia quarters dominate the surviving population by sheer weight of numbers, while Denver examples — with the lowest mintage — are proportionally more scarce in the collector market.

PCGS data confirms the grade population data at the high end is razor thin. For the Philadelphia issue alone, only 127 examples have been graded MS-67 and only two examples have ever reached MS-68 at PCGS — from an original mintage of nearly 100 million coins. That’s a survival rate for perfect specimens measured in the tens of millionths of a percent.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1943 Quarter Value

Determining your 1943 quarter’s value starts with three quick checks: the mint mark, the condition, and whether any doubling or die errors are present. These silver quarters contain 90% silver and 0.1808 troy ounces of the precious metal, giving every example an intrinsic floor regardless of grade.

Check for mint marks on the reverse below the eagle — none for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco. Condition matters enormously: a heavily worn coin may be worth its silver melt value alone ($8–$10 at current prices), while an uncirculated piece can command $15 to $100+, and a top-grade MS-68 commands $23,000 or more.

Watch for doubled die obverse errors by examining LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST under a loupe — even circulated DDO examples sell for hundreds of dollars. For precise grading and current market valuation without the hassle, our Coin Value Checker App will check the grade directly.

 

1943 Quarter Value Guides: Three Mint Varieties Explained

The 1943 quarter comes in three distinct varieties, depending on which mint struck them during the war:

• 1943 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1943-D Mint Mark (Denver)
• 1943-S Mint Mark (San Francisco)

Philadelphia dominated with nearly 100 million coins — the workhorse of wartime production with no mint mark under the eagle. Denver produced about 16 million pieces marked with a small “D,” while San Francisco contributed around 21.7 million coins bearing the “S” mint mark.

While all three are technically classified as “scarce” in numismatic terms, their market performance tells completely different stories. That little mint mark (or lack thereof) can mean the difference between a $6 coin and a $23,000 treasure, making mint mark identification the single most important first step in determining your 1943 quarter’s true value.

 

1943 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1943 Philadelphia quarter is the most plentiful of the wartime trio, with nearly 99.7 million pieces produced. Despite its massive mintage, it still ranks dead last (#100) in the Washington quarter rarity rankings — yet even this “common” coin surprises collectors when found in pristine condition.

Here’s the PCGS population reality check: only 127 examples have ever been graded MS-67, and just two coins in the world have achieved the MS-68 grade. One of those MS-68 examples, part of the celebrated “George’s Army Collection,” sold at Heritage Auctions’ Central States sale in April 2012 for $23,000. During that same auction week, two MS-67 examples from the same collection sold for $299 and $632.50 — showing just how dramatically a single grade point can multiply value.

At lower circulated grades ($6–$9), the lack of a mint mark is your only telltale sign you’re holding Philadelphia’s wartime workhorse. But in MS-65 and above, condition truly is king.

Curious about how much collectors have spent to acquire these coins? Let’s take a closer look at the auction records for 1943 No Mint Mark quarters across various grades.

Speaking of market activity, let’s dive into how much buzz this Philadelphia quarter is creating in today’s collector market.

 

1943-D Quarter Value

The 1943-D Denver quarter occupies a compelling middle position — lowest in mintage at just 16,095,600 coins, yet not the highest-priced of the three 1943 varieties at the top grades. It ranks #68 in Washington quarter rarity, a meaningful step ahead of the Philadelphia issue.

That small “D” below the eagle pushes values from $8–$9 in circulated grades up to around $1,045 in uncirculated condition. The Denver DDO FS-101 variety adds another layer of collectibility, with its strong doubling on LIBERTY and Washington’s profile — plus a subtly doubled “D” mint mark that technically makes it a true doubled die throughout the coin, not just an obverse phenomenon. At MS-68, the 1943-D is valued at $17,625, reflecting condition rarity that is even more extreme than the Philadelphia issue given the lower original mintage.

Let’s dive into what serious collectors with deep pockets have actually paid for premium 1943-D quarters at major auction houses — because nothing tells the value story quite like real auction hammer prices.

Now let’s shift from auction history to current market dynamics and see how much collector buzz the 1943-D quarter is generating in today’s numismatic marketplace.

 

1943-S Quarter Value

The 1943-S San Francisco quarter delivers the biggest market surprise of the three — despite a mintage of 21,700,000 (more than Denver), it consistently commands higher prices in circulated grades and competes for the top auction records. It ranks #81 in Washington quarter rarity, trailing Denver but still well ahead of Philadelphia.

What drives the premium? Collector demand for San Francisco coinage has historically outpaced supply in high grades, and the San Francisco Mint’s tendency to repolish dies more frequently produced a noticeable percentage of semi-proof-like coins — pieces with reflective fields and frosted devices that approach the look of a proof even though none were officially produced in 1943. An MS-68 example sold at the April 2008 Chicago Rarities Sale for $23,000, and a second MS-68 fetched $20,400 at Heritage Auctions in 2019. Per PCGS reports, only a single coin has ever been graded as MS-67+ with none certified higher, which underlines just how extreme top-condition scarcity truly is.

Recent auction results beautifully highlight the enduring popularity of the 1943-S Quarter, especially among passionate collectors.

Recent market activity indicates that this particular coin model is gaining increasing recognition and popularity among collectors.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1943 Quarter Value Errors List: DDO, RPM, and Wrong Planchet Errors

Error coins are where the real treasure hunting begins in the 1943 series. Manufacturing mistakes across all three mints — from doubled dies to repunched mint marks to a remarkable off-metal strike — have created some of the most collectible Washington quarter varieties in existence.

These aren’t cosmetic quirks; they are documented, catalogued die varieties in the Fivaz-Stanton (FS) numbering system — the standard reference recognized by PCGS and NGC for identifying and attributing die varieties. Each FS number represents a specific, verifiable error that commands a price premium over standard coins of the same grade.

1. 1943 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101, FS-102, FS-103)

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) occurs during die production when the hub — the master stamp used to create working dies — impresses the design onto a die twice with a slight misalignment between strikes, creating visibly doubled lettering or design elements on the finished coin. The 1943 DDO is the single scarcest major doubled die in the entire Washington quarter series: PCGS has graded only approximately two dozen examples across more than 20 years of certification.

FS-101 shows dramatic doubling on LIBERTY and the date with clearly visible separate letter impressions, commanding the highest premiums. FS-102 displays distinct doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST with secondary impressions northeast of the primary design. FS-103 presents subtler date doubling as a slight thickening, yet the superior surface luster it produces earned one MS-66 example a hammer price of $17,400. An MS-67 example sold at David Lawrence Rare Coins in March 2020 for $22,250 — proof that even two dozen known examples can produce fierce bidding competition.

For instant grade verification and current market values, you can quickly assess your coin’s worth using our Coin Value Checker App, which provides real-time evaluations across different grading standards.

2. 1943-D Doubled Die Obverse FS-101

Denver’s FS-101 doubled die exhibits strong doubling on LIBERTY and Washington’s profile, with the secondary impression visible northwest of the primary design. Uniquely, the “D” mint mark also shows slight doubling effects — making this a true doubled die coin throughout rather than just an obverse error isolated to the portrait elements.

Strike quality typically remains excellent because these errors occurred early in the die’s production life, before significant wear reduced the sharpness of the doubling. That means eye appeal is generally exceptional, which is why Denver DDO examples command significant premiums over non-error 1943-D quarters.

3. 1943-S Medium S FS-502

This variety features a distinctly different mint mark punch measuring approximately 1.5mm with thicker serif strokes than the standard “S” punch used elsewhere in 1943 production. The die state during FS-502 production featured fresher dies with superior strike characteristics, producing more pronounced eagle feather details on the reverse.

Surface luster on these coins often shows more reflective fields with frosty devices — a technical pattern that results from different die polish states and makes FS-502 coins especially attractive to variety hunters who appreciate coins that approach proof quality while remaining business strikes.

4. 1943-S/S RPM (FS-503, FS-504)

A Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) occurs when die technicians, hand-punching mint marks onto working dies, struck the “S” punch more than once in slightly different positions — leaving both impressions visible on every coin struck from that die. FS-503 shows a northwest shift while FS-504 displays southeast displacement, creating distinctive “shadow” effects around the mint mark visible under moderate magnification.

Both varieties were produced during earlier production stages with excellent strike quality, meaning the RPM detail is crisp and diagnostic. For collectors new to variety attribution, these RPM errors are ideal starting points because the doubled mint mark is far easier to spot than the subtle letter-level doubling found on DDO varieties.

5. 1943-S “Goiter” FS-401

The “Goiter” variety gets its name from a distinctive raised bulge that appears at the junction of Washington’s jaw and throat, resembling the medical condition that causes swelling of the thyroid gland. This die failure resulted from the obverse die developing a depression beneath Washington’s chin, causing struck metal to flow into that cavity and create the characteristic bulge — which was severe enough to cause the nearby letters in IN GOD WE TRUST to lean visibly to the left.

PCGS has certified fewer than 100 examples of this variety in total, with only six graded above MS-65 to MS-67. An MS-67 example sold at auction for approximately $4,935 in 2016, and current price guides list mint-state values ranging from $125 to over $5,750 depending on grade and die state.

6. 1943-S Trumpet Tail S FS-501

The Trumpet Tail S features a distinctive mint mark where the bottom serif flares outward like a trumpet bell, measuring approximately 1.6mm in height — slightly taller than the Medium S FS-502. This punch style created superior metal flow around the mint mark area, often resulting in exceptional strike sharpness and surface luster that makes these coins stand out on the bourse floor.

The positioning sits slightly lower than other varieties, creating tighter spacing with the QUARTER DOLLAR inscription below — a diagnostic feature that experienced variety collectors can identify without even looking at the mint mark shape itself. For attribution newcomers, measuring the spacing between the bottom of the “S” and the top of the Q in QUARTER is often the fastest confirmation.

7. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse

San Francisco’s doubled die obverse varieties show clear separation on key design elements, particularly LIBERTY and Washington’s profile details, created during the die hubbing process when alignment shifted between impressions. The doubling typically appears as distinct shadows or secondary impressions visible under 5x to 10x magnification.

These errors occurred early in die production, ensuring excellent strike characteristics and surface preservation. The 1943-S DDO is valued primarily at premium over standard 1943-S coins, and examples that also exhibit the semi-proof-like surface quality unique to San Francisco’s frequently repolished dies are especially sought by advanced collectors.

To get an immediate appraisal of your 1943 quarter’s value and compare prices across multiple marketplaces, simply use our Coin Value Checker App for comprehensive market data and grade estimates.

8. 1943-S DDO FS-101

The FS-101 designation for San Francisco’s doubled die represents the most dramatic and most documented doubling in the 1943-S DDO family, with pronounced doubling visible on LIBERTY and date elements. Measurable separation between the primary and secondary impressions makes this variety identifiable even to collectors new to variety attribution — no need for extreme magnification.

The FS-101 designation also allows this variety to be tracked within PCGS and NGC population reports, giving buyers and sellers real-time data on how many certified examples exist at each grade. Superior strike quality from early die-state production ensures these coins present well in hand, which is why serious error coin collectors seek them specifically over unattributed 1943-S DDO examples.

9. 1943 Quarter Struck on a Steel Cent Planchet (Off-Metal / Wrong Planchet Error)

Among the rarest and most dramatic 1943 quarter errors ever documented is the wrong planchet error — a 1943 Washington Quarter that was struck on a 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent planchet instead of the correct silver planchet. This type of error, also called an off-metal error, occurs when a blank disk (planchet) intended for a different coin denomination accidentally enters the coin press before quality control can catch it.

This particular coin has a remarkable discovery story: a U.S. Army Finance Officer first noticed the coin during World War II while counting bags of steel cents to pay soldiers. Because the quarter-sized die had been struck onto the much smaller and thinner steel cent planchet, the coin could not be rolled or stacked normally, and it immediately stood out. Decades later, the coin was authenticated by ANACS as a genuine 1943 Washington Quarter struck on a 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent planchet, and it was offered for the first time publicly at GreatCollections in March 2023 — described by Ian Russell, the auction house’s co-founder, as one of only a few known quarters struck on steel cent planchets. This error is one of only two WWII-era coin series to intersect in a single minting mistake, connecting two of the most collected U.S. coin series in one remarkable piece.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1943 Quarter for Full Value

Ready to turn your 1943 quarter discovery into cash? Professional coin dealers, certified auction houses, and reputable online platforms like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections are your best bets for getting top dollar — just make sure to get it graded by PCGS or NGC first if you suspect you’ve found something special.

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

 

1943 Quarter Value Market Trend: What the Data Shows in 2026

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

 

FAQ about the 1943 Quarter Value

1. What is a 1943 silver quarter worth today in 2026?

A circulated 1943 silver quarter is worth a minimum of its silver melt value — approximately $8.53 based on 0.1808 troy ounces of silver at current spot prices. Nice circulated examples grade out at $9–$14, while uncirculated (Mint State) coins range from around $15 to $535+ depending on grade. Rare error varieties like the DDO and top-grade MS-68 specimens can reach $17,000–$23,000 at major auction houses.

2. Is a 1943 quarter rare?

In general, no — total 1943 mintage across all three mints reached 137,495,600 coins, making circulated examples very common. However, rarity is highly grade-dependent: only two Philadelphia 1943 quarters have ever been certified MS-68 by PCGS, and only about two dozen examples of the DDO variety are known in total. For high-grade and error specimens, the 1943 quarter is genuinely rare.

3. How do I calculate the silver melt value of my 1943 quarter?

Multiply the current silver spot price (in dollars per troy ounce) by 0.1808 — that is the exact silver weight in every 1943 Washington quarter. For example, at a silver price of $47.18 per ounce, the melt value is approximately $8.53. Silver melt value is the absolute floor: no problem-free 1943 quarter should ever sell for less than this amount, regardless of its grade or condition.

4. How do I identify the mint mark on my 1943 quarter and why does it matter?

Flip the coin to the reverse side and look directly below the eagle, above the QUARTER DOLLAR inscription. A small “D” indicates Denver, a small “S” indicates San Francisco, and no letter at all means Philadelphia. The mint mark matters because it directly affects value: in MS-65, a 1943-S typically commands a premium over the 1943-P, and in MS-68 the difference between a Denver and Philadelphia coin can be thousands of dollars.

5. What is the most valuable error on a 1943 quarter and how do I spot it?

The most valuable catalogued error is the 1943 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), particularly FS-101 — the scarcest major doubled die in the entire Washington quarter series. An MS-67 example sold for $22,250 at David Lawrence Rare Coins in March 2020. To spot it, use a 5x–10x loupe and examine the letters in LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST for visible doubling or shadow impressions alongside the main lettering.

6. What does “MS” mean on a coin grade, and why does it matter so much for 1943 quarters?

MS stands for Mint State — the professional grade assigned by PCGS or NGC to a coin that shows no trace of circulation wear. MS grades run from 60 (the lowest) to 70 (theoretically perfect). For 1943 quarters, the jump from MS-65 ($60–$110) to MS-67 ($299–$632) to MS-68 ($23,000) is exponential precisely because so few examples survived in perfect condition across eight decades of handling, storage, and circulation proximity.

7. Was there ever a 1943 quarter struck on the wrong metal?

Yes — one of the most extraordinary 1943 quarter errors is a coin struck on a 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent planchet instead of its proper silver planchet. This wrong-planchet error was discovered by a U.S. Army Finance Officer during World War II while counting steel cents to pay soldiers. The coin could not be rolled or stacked normally due to its different size and thickness. It was authenticated decades later by ANACS and offered publicly for the first time at GreatCollections in March 2023 — one of only a few such examples known to exist.

8. What is the Fivaz-Stanton (FS) number on 1943 quarter errors, and why does it add value?

The Fivaz-Stanton (FS) numbering system is the standard reference used by PCGS and NGC to identify and attribute die varieties on U.S. coins, including Washington quarters. When a 1943 quarter error is given an FS number (such as FS-101 for the major DDO or FS-503 for an RPM), it means the variety is officially catalogued, trackable in population reports, and recognized by major grading services — which significantly increases its liquidity and auction value compared to unattributed errors.

9. Why do some 1943-S quarters look almost like proof coins?

Because the San Francisco Mint repolished its working dies more frequently than Philadelphia or Denver, a noticeable percentage of 1943-S quarters were struck from freshly polished dies. The result is a semi-proof-like (SPL) appearance: mirror-like reflective fields combined with frosty, frosted design devices — similar to what collectors call “Prooflike” (PL) in Morgan dollar grading. No proofs were officially produced in 1943, but these SPL examples are real and genuinely more desirable to advanced collectors.

10. Where is the best place to sell a high-grade or error 1943 quarter?

For coins worth more than $500, the best venues are major certified coin auction houses such as Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, and GreatCollections — all of which have documented 1943 quarter auction records and reach a national audience of serious collectors. Always have the coin professionally graded by PCGS or NGC before consigning, as a certified slab dramatically improves buyer confidence and final hammer price. For lower-grade examples worth silver melt or slightly above, reputable coin dealers or eBay with proper documentation are perfectly reasonable options.