1944 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1944 Washington Quarter stands as a remarkable testament to America’s wartime industrial might, with the Philadelphia Mint producing a record-breaking 104.9 million coins—the highest production in the series’ first three decades.

During this pivotal wartime year, all three operating US mints – Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco – produced quarters using standard silver composition, working around the clock to meet the nation’s coinage demands.

Today, these wartime silver quarters command values ranging from $6.00 in Good condition to $32.00 in Mint State for the 1944-S variety, with their 90% silver content and historical significance making them sought-after collectibles nearly eight decades later.

 

1944 Quarter Value By Variety

The value of your 1944 quarter depends significantly on which mint produced it, with Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) varieties each having different mintages and market values.

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 1944 Quarter Worth Money

The MS68 grade represents the absolute pinnacle of preservation for 1944 quarters, with fewer than a dozen known examples across all three mints combined. Professional certification services have graded only a handful of these ultra-high grade specimens since modern grading began, making each MS68 coin a numismatic treasure.

The 1944 Philadelphia leads at $16,800, despite producing over 104 million coins—its superior strike quality from fresh dies early in the production run contributed to better preservation potential.

The 1944-S commands $16,100 even with just 12.6 million minted, while the 1944-D’s $10,575 reflects Denver’s intermediate production of 14.6 million pieces.

The dramatic price escalation from MS67 to MS68 illustrates how condition rarity drives values in the top tier. Lower grades like MS65-MS67 show more reasonable price gaps, with MS67 examples ranging from $900-$1,469.

Third-party authentication becomes essential at these price levels, as condition differences of just one grade point can mean thousands of dollars in value. Population reports tracking certified examples reveal how scarcity at the highest grades creates these premium valuations.

 

History of the 1944 Quarter

The first Washington quarters appeared in circulation in 1932 as commemorative coins. The initial idea was to celebrate this President’s 200th birthday. Thanks to these coins’ immediate popularity, the US Mint continued their issue in 1934, after a year of break.

Unlike some American coins that lasted only a decade or two, these pieces are still actual, and their minting will probably continue for a long. However, there was a moment when officials considered the possibility of replacing Washington’s portrait with Kennedy’s.

After the 35th President’s assassination, one of the suggestions was to put his image on quarters. Although it was almost certain that this would happen, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy opposed such a decision. Replacing such an important man in American history was unacceptable to her.

John F. Kennedy got a half-dollar and quarters with the first President on the obverse have survived by now. Unfortunately, it was impossible for their composition to remain the same.

High silver prices made minting unprofitable, and the US Mint was forced to replace coins made of 90% silver with smaller and lighter cupronickel-clad pieces in 1965.

The 1944 quarter set was in a group of those made of precious metal. Their mintage was huge in that period, and the Philadelphia mint issued a record number of coins.

This mintage was the highest in the first three decades of series existence, but many coins were in relatively poor condition. The Philadelphia mint surpassed that level of production only in 1964.

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

 

Is your 1944 Quarter rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App for instant rarity analysis and current market valuations of your specific 1944 quarter varieties.

 

Key Features of the 1944 Quarter

John Flanagan’s Washington quarter design reached maturity by 1944, representing the refined version of his original 1932 creation.

During this pivotal wartime year, all three operating US mints – Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco – produced quarters using standardized dies, eliminating the motto varieties that had appeared in earlier years like 1934.

The Obverse of the 1944 quarter

The 1944 quarter obverse showcases George Washington’s dignified left-facing profile surrounded by:

• LIBERTY inscribed above
• 1944 (the date) positioned below
• IN GOD WE TRUST along the left side
• JF initials (John Flanagan’s mark) at the base of Washington’s neck

The Reverse of the 1944 quarter

The reverse presents Flanagan’s iconic heraldic eagle design featuring:

• A centrally positioned American bald eagle with outstretched wings
• Arrow bundle beneath the eagle’s talons, symbolizing military strength
• Two olive branches representing peace
• QUARTER DOLLAR inscription below
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the top
• E PLURIBUS UNUM motto
• Mint mark D or S positioned between the eagle’s tail and QUARTER DOLLAR (Philadelphia coins have no mint mark)

Other features of the 1944 quarter

The 1944 quarters maintain the classic Washington specifications with 25 cents face value and premium 90% silver composition containing 0.1808 troy ounces (5.623 g) of pure silver within the total weight of 0.2204 troy ounces (6.25 g). Each perfectly round specimen features a reeded edge with standardized dimensions of 0.06870 inches (1.75 mm) thickness and 0.95669 inches (24.3 mm) diameter, representing the last generation of silver quarters before the 1965 composition change.

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

 

1944 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The complete 1944 quarter mintage and survival data tells a compelling story of wartime production and long-term preservation.

Philadelphia’s massive output of nearly 105 million coins dwarfs the combined production of Denver (14.6 million) and San Francisco (12.56 million), yet all three varieties show remarkably consistent survival rates hovering around 10%. This translates to approximately 10.5 million surviving Philadelphia quarters compared to 1.46 million Denver and 1.256 million San Francisco examples.

The survival distribution pie chart dramatically illustrates Philadelphia’s dominance, with no mint mark quarters comprising roughly 80% of all surviving 1944 quarters.

Despite the vast difference in original mintages, the uniform 10% survival rate across all three mints suggests similar circulation patterns and wear rates regardless of geographic distribution.

This consistency indicates that wartime economic conditions affected coin preservation equally across the country.

These survival statistics place 1944 quarters in the middle tier of Washington quarter preservation rates.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1944 Quarter Value

Understanding your 1944 quarter’s value involves systematic analysis of wartime production characteristics: survival rate assessment (consistent 10% preservation across all mints translates to actual scarcity despite high mintages), strike quality evaluation (Full Details specimens versus weak strikes from overused dies), and authentication of mint varieties (Philadelphia’s 104.9M, Denver’s 14.6M, San Francisco’s 12.56M).

Beyond the $4-5 silver melt floor, premium values emerge from exceptional preservation—MS67 examples range $900-$1,469, while ultra-rare MS68 grades achieve $10,575-$16,800. Error varieties like DDO FS-101 add substantial premiums, with the 1944-S version reaching $18,400.

CoinValueChecker App simplifies expert authentication—capture images to instantly analyze mint mark placement, grade preservation level, detect doubled die characteristics, and access real-time valuations based on population reports and auction benchmarks.

 

1944 Quarter Value Guides

1944 Quarter Varieties:

• 1944 No Mint Mark Quarter (Philadelphia)
• 1944-D Quarter (Denver)
• 1944-S Quarter (San Francisco)

The 1944 Washington quarter was produced at all three operating US Mint facilities during World War II, creating three distinct varieties identifiable by their mint marks.

The Philadelphia mint, following traditional protocol, produced coins without mint marks, while Denver and San Francisco issues feature small “D” and “S” mint marks respectively, located on the reverse between the eagle’s tail feathers and “QUARTER DOLLAR” inscription.

Despite different production quantities – Philadelphia’s record 104.9 million, Denver’s 14.6 million, and San Francisco’s 12.6 million – all three varieties maintain similar collectible values due to their substantial mintages and comparable survival rates of approximately 10%.

 

1944 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1944 No Mint Mark quarter from Philadelphia holds the distinction of being the most abundantly produced Washington quarter of its era, with a staggering 104.9 million coins struck – a production record that wouldn’t be surpassed until 1964.

What makes this variety particularly special is its representation of America’s wartime industrial capacity at full throttle, as the Philadelphia mint worked around the clock to meet the nation’s coinage demands.

Despite the massive mintage, these coins maintain collectible value due to their 90% silver content and historical significance as the final generation of precious metal quarters. The absence of a mint mark, following Philadelphia’s traditional practice, creates a clean reverse design that many collectors prefer aesthetically.

Premium examples and rare high-grade specimens have consistently performed well at major numismatic auctions throughout the years.

The sustained collector interest in these historically significant Philadelphia quarters continues to drive robust market activity.

 

1944-D Quarter Value

The 1944-D quarter from Denver represents a significant milestone in Western mint production, with 14.6 million coins struck during the height of World War II.

What makes this variety particularly noteworthy is Denver’s crucial role in supporting wartime commerce across the American West, where these quarters circulated heavily in mining communities and defense manufacturing centers. The small “D” mint mark, positioned between the eagle’s tail feathers and “QUARTER DOLLAR” on the reverse, identifies these coins as products of the Denver facility’s wartime coinage efforts.

Despite lower mintage compared to Philadelphia, the 1944-D maintains similar collector accessibility due to adequate survival rates, though high-grade examples command premiums reflecting their regional significance and superior eye appeal.

Top-quality specimens and error varieties have established strong performance records at prestigious numismatic auction houses over the decades.

The enduring appeal of Denver mint quarters continues to generate consistent market activity among collectors specializing in Western coinage.

 

1944-S Quarter Value

The 1944-S quarter from San Francisco stands out as the lowest mintage variety of the year, with only 12.56 million coins produced at the Pacific Coast facility during wartime operations.

What makes this variety particularly special is San Francisco’s strategic importance in supporting the Pacific Theater war effort, where these quarters circulated among defense workers in shipyards, aircraft factories, and military installations. The distinctive “S” mint mark, nestled between the eagle’s tail feathers and “QUARTER DOLLAR,” identifies these coins as products of the West Coast’s premier minting facility.

Despite being the scarcest 1944 quarter by original production numbers, adequate survival rates keep most grades accessible to collectors, though the combination of lowest mintage and strong eye appeal makes premium examples especially desirable.

Exceptional quality specimens and notable error varieties have achieved remarkable results at major auction events throughout collecting history.

The sustained collector demand for San Francisco mint quarters continues to fuel active market participation across all grade levels.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1944 Quarter Error List

Collecting 1944 quarters becomes truly exciting when you discover the various minting errors that occurred during their massive wartime production.

While the US Mint struck over 132 million quarters across three facilities in 1944, even the most careful production processes couldn’t prevent occasional mistakes that create today’s most sought-after varieties. These error coins range from subtle doubled dies visible only under magnification to dramatic striking anomalies that stand out immediately.

Since error coins were unintentional and often went unnoticed for decades, surviving examples are significantly rarer than regular strikes, making them highly prized by collectors willing to pay substantial premiums for these fascinating minting mishaps.

1. 1944 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)

The 1944 DDO FS-101 stands as one of the most significant error varieties in the Washington quarter series, featuring dramatic doubling visible on the obverse inscriptions and date.

This error occurred when the working die received a second, slightly offset impression during the hubbing process, creating the characteristic doubled appearance. The doubling is most pronounced on “LIBERTY,” the date “1944,” and Washington’s hair details, making it easily identifiable even to novice collectors. Unlike subtle doubled dies that require magnification, the FS-101 variety shows clear separation between the primary and secondary images.

With examples ranging from $75 in lower grades to over $18,000 for the finest known specimens, this error represents the pinnacle of 1944 quarter collecting and commands respect from serious numismatists worldwide.

2. 1944-D Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)

The 1944-D DDO FS-101 represents the Denver mint’s contribution to the doubled die error family, featuring clear doubling on the obverse elements including “LIBERTY,” the date, and portions of Washington’s portrait.

This error occurred during the die preparation process when the working die received multiple impressions from the master hub, creating the characteristic doubled appearance. While less dramatic than some Philadelphia examples, the Denver variety shows distinct separation in the lettering and numerals that’s easily visible to collectors. The doubling is most pronounced on the upper inscription and date, making authentication straightforward.

With values ranging from modest premiums in circulated grades to $460 in MS66 condition, as demonstrated by the recent Heritage Auctions sale, this Denver error provides an accessible entry point into doubled die collecting while maintaining strong appreciation potential.

3. 1944-S Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)

The 1944-S DDO FS-101 represents the crown jewel of San Francisco quarter errors, featuring the most dramatic and valuable doubled die variety in the entire 1944 series.

This error showcases prominent doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date “1944,” and Washington’s hair details, with separation so clear it’s visible to the naked eye.

What sets the San Francisco variety apart is the exceptional quality of the doubling combined with the lowest original mintage of any 1944 quarter. The error occurred during die preparation when multiple hub impressions created the distinctive doubled appearance.

With the record-breaking $18,400 sale of an MS63 example and current MS67 specimens valued over $1,000, this represents the ultimate prize for Washington quarter error collectors, commanding respect and premium prices that reflect both its visual impact and extreme scarcity.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1944 Quarter ?

Whether you’re drawn to the record-breaking mintages, seeking high-grade condition rarities, or hunting for dramatic doubled die errors, 1944 Washington quarters offer something for every collector while representing a fascinating chapter in America’s wartime numismatic history.

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

 

1944 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1944 Quarter

What makes 1942 Washington quarters rare and collectible?

The 1944 quarters are common coins available for everyone who wants to start new collections. Only a few coins of incredible beauty and top quality are scarce. They can reach thousands of dollars in rare situations when becoming available at auctions or on eBay.

Which are the costliest Washington quarters minted in 1944?

• At 2004 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944 S MS 63 quarter (DDO error) for $18,400
• At 2022 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944 MS 68 quarter for $16,800
• At 2011 Stack’s Bowers, one collector bought the 1944 S MS 68 quarter for $16,100
• At 2015 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944 D MS 68 quarter for $10,575
• At 2018 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944 MS 66 quarter (DDO error) for $780
• At 2018 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944 D MS 66 quarter (DDO error) for $360

How much does the 1944 No Mint mark Washington quarter cost?

Most No Mint mark 1944 quarters cost approximately $6 to $9 because they spent a long period in use. However, numerous perfectly preserved pieces are also available on the market, and you can buy them for $10 to $300.

Besides these average coins, there are unique, superb species in MS 68 grade attainable only to those for whom the price is not a problem. Their assessed price range is about $14,500.