1944 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1944 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $16,800. That record was a Grade 68 example sold through Heritage Auctions in August 2022. Upload a photo of yours below and you’ll get a quick value range in no time. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what buyers are actually paying right now.

 

1944 Quarter Value By Variety

Your 1944 quarter’s value depends on which mint made it — Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S). Each has different mintages and market prices.

If you know the grade, check the exact price in the Value Guides section below.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1944 Quarter Value Records Worth Money

MS68 — that’s a coin with zero wear scoring 68 out of 70 on the Sheldon Scale — is the absolute ceiling for 1944 quarters. Fewer than a dozen examples exist across all three mints combined.

The 1944 Philadelphia leads the pack at $16,800 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022. Over 104 million were struck, but early production runs used fresh dies that delivered sharper strikes. Those coins held up better over the decades. PCGS notes the 1944 is the highest-mintage pre-1962 Washington quarter.

The 1944-S hit $16,100 at Stack’s Bowers in March 2011 for a CAC-approved piece. CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) is a secondary review service — they look at already-graded coins and sticker the ones that truly meet or exceed the grade. That sticker typically adds 10–30% to market value. The 1944-D’s $10,575 at Heritage Auctions in 2015 reflects Denver’s smaller run of 14.6 million pieces.

The jump from MS67 to MS68 pricing is massive. That’s conditional rarity in action — a coin can be dirt common in circulated grades but genuinely scarce when you’re talking gem Mint State. MS67 examples range from $900 to $1,469. Once you’re at these price levels, third-party grading from PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) is a must. One grade point can mean thousands of dollars.

 

History Behind the 1944 Quarter Value

Washington quarters debuted in 1932 to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday. John Flanagan designed the left-facing portrait based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1785 marble bust — widely considered the most accurate likeness of Washington ever made.

The coins proved so popular that the Mint resumed production in 1934 after a one-year break. The design stuck around far longer than most. It’s still on the quarter today.

Here’s a fun bit of history: after President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, officials floated the idea of putting JFK on the quarter. Jacqueline Kennedy shut that down — she didn’t want Washington bumped from the coin. Kennedy ended up on the half-dollar instead.

The Coinage Act of 1965 killed silver in circulating quarters, swapping the 90% silver composition for copper-nickel clad. That makes every 1944 quarter part of the last generation of silver quarters — valued for both history and metal content.

In 1944 specifically, Philadelphia cranked out a record number of coins — the highest mintage in the series’ first three decades. Heavy wartime circulation beat most of them up pretty badly. Worth noting: no proof quarters were made from 1943 through 1949. The Mint suspended the proof program entirely during WWII, so every 1944 quarter is a business strike.

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

 

Is Your 1944 Quarter Value Higher Than Face Value?

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

Yes — every single one. Each 1944 quarter contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. With silver around $47.76 per troy ounce as of late 2025, even a beat-up example has a melt value of roughly $8.64.

That melt value is your absolute floor. No problem-free 1944 quarter should sell for less. Circulated pieces typically trade $1–$3 above melt, and high-grade Mint State coins go for considerably more.

 

Key Features Affecting 1944 Quarter Value

By 1944, Flanagan’s Washington quarter design was well established — a refined version of his original 1932 work. The portrait traces back to Houdon’s 1785 bust, giving the coin a historically accurate face that’s been in use for nearly a century.

All three operating mints — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — used standardized dies in 1944. The motto varieties from earlier years like 1934 were long gone.

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

Every 1944 quarter carries a face value of 25 cents and is struck in 90% silver — that’s 0.1808 troy ounces (5.623 g) of pure silver in a total weight of 0.2204 troy ounces (6.25 g). The coins have a reeded edge, measure 0.06870 inches (1.75 mm) thick, and span 0.95669 inches (24.3 mm) in diameter. These are the last generation of silver quarters before the Coinage Act of 1965 changed the composition for good.

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

 

1944 Quarter Value: Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia’s nearly 105 million coins dwarfs Denver’s 14.6 million and San Francisco’s 12.56 million. Yet all three varieties show survival rates hovering around 10%. That means roughly 10.5 million Philadelphia quarters survive, compared to 1.46 million from Denver and 1.256 million from San Francisco.

Put another way, no-mint-mark quarters make up about 80% of all surviving 1944 quarters. Despite the huge mintage gap, the uniform 10% survival rate across all three mints suggests wartime economic conditions affected coin preservation equally no matter where you lived.

Here’s the counterintuitive part: the 1944-S has the lowest mintage, but PCGS numismatist David Hall calls it “fairly easy to locate in Gem condition.” Why? Fewer coins meant more collectors tucked them away early. Meanwhile, the 1944 Philadelphia is everywhere in Good through Fine grades but nearly impossible to find in MS-68. That’s conditional rarity at work — and it’s exactly why I think the Philly coins are the more interesting hunt in top grades.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1944 Quarter Value

Start with the basics: check the survival rate (a consistent 10% across all mints), evaluate strike quality (sharp Washington hair and eagle breast feathers vs. mushy details from worn-out dies), and confirm which mint made yours (Philadelphia’s 104.9M, Denver’s 14.6M, San Francisco’s 12.56M).

The silver melt floor sits around $8.64 at late-2025 spot prices. Above that, MS67 examples bring $900–$1,469, and MS68 grades reach $10,575–$16,800. Error varieties push values even higher — the 1944-S DDO FS-101 hit $18,400, and wrong-planchet errors command $3,000 or more even in circulated condition.

Coin Identifier and Value App makes this easy — snap a photo to analyze mint mark placement, grade level, doubled die characteristics, and get real-time valuations based on population reports and auction data.

 

1944 Quarter Value Guides

1944 Quarter Varieties:

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

All three operating mints struck Washington quarters in 1944. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark (standard practice for the era), while Denver and San Francisco pieces show small “D” and “S” letters on the reverse — look between the eagle’s tail feathers and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

No proof 1944 quarters exist. The Mint shut down the proof program from 1943 through 1949 for the war effort. Every authentic 1944 quarter you’ll find is a business-strike circulation coin.

Despite the big production gap — Philadelphia’s record 104.9 million vs. Denver’s 14.6 million and San Francisco’s 12.6 million — all three varieties trade at similar prices in circulated grades. Comparable survival rates of roughly 10% keep them on even footing until you get into top Mint State territory.

 

1944 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

Here’s a number that might surprise you: 104.9 million coins struck. PCGS confirms that’s the highest mintage of any pre-1962 Washington quarter. You’d think that would make the Philly coin the cheapest of the three, right?

Not at the top. The 1944 No Mint Mark holds the highest auction record of all three varieties — $16,800 for an MS68 at Heritage Auctions, August 2022. That’s conditional rarity doing its thing. Easiest to find in a junk silver bin, hardest to find in gem condition. The clean reverse with no mint mark also gives it a look that many collectors prefer.

High-grade and rare specimens have performed well at major auctions over the years.

Collector demand for these Philadelphia quarters stays strong across the board.

 

1944-D Quarter Value

Most collectors overlook the Denver mint for this year. That’s a mistake. With 14.6 million struck, the 1944-D sits in a sweet spot — scarcer than Philadelphia but not as hoarded as San Francisco.

Flip your coin over and look between the eagle’s tail feathers and “QUARTER DOLLAR” for that small “D” mint mark. These quarters circulated heavily through mining towns and defense plants across the West. In MS66, a DDO example brought $460 at Heritage Auctions. The finest-known MS68 reached $10,575 at Heritage Auctions in August 2015.

Despite the lower mintage compared to Philly, circulated 1944-D quarters are still easy to find. The premiums kick in once you get into gem territory.

Top specimens and error varieties have posted solid results at auction over the years.

Denver mint quarters keep drawing steady collector interest.

 

1944-S Quarter Value

Only 12.56 million struck — the lowest of the three mints. But don’t assume that automatically makes it the most valuable. In gem grades, the 1944-S is actually easier to find than you’d expect. Collectors knew it was the low-mintage variety and squirreled them away from the start.

Look for the “S” mint mark nestled between the eagle’s tail feathers and “QUARTER DOLLAR” on the reverse. Recent auction data from 2021–2023 shows MS67 specimens selling in the $348–$763 range — somewhat above price guide listings, which suggests the market is firming up for top-grade San Francisco pieces.

The crown jewel? An MS68 with CAC approval that sold at Stack’s Bowers in March 2011 for $16,100. We think the 1944-S offers the best balance of scarcity and affordability for collectors building a three-piece set.

Standout specimens and error coins have done very well at auction.

San Francisco quarters continue to attract active bidding across all grade levels.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1944 Quarter Value: Complete Error List

This is where 1944 quarters get really fun. Over 132 million were struck across three mints that year, and even with wartime quality control, mistakes slipped through.

Some errors are subtle — you need a loupe to spot them. Others jump right out at you. Since these were unintentional and often went unnoticed for decades, surviving examples are far rarer than regular strikes. Collectors pay serious premiums for them.

1. 1944 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO FS-101)

The FS-101 is one of the biggest doubled die varieties in the entire Washington quarter series. The doubling shows up on “LIBERTY,” the date “1944,” and Washington’s hair details. Unlike faint doubled dies that need magnification, the FS-101 shows clear separation between the primary and secondary images — you can often spot it without a loupe.

This error happened when the working die got a second, slightly offset impression during the hubbing process. That’s the mechanical step where the design transfers from a master hub onto the working die.

Values range from $75 in lower grades to over $18,000 for the finest known specimens. If you’re cherrypicking Washington quarters, this is the one you dream about finding.

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

Denver’s version of the DDO FS-101 shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date, and parts of Washington’s portrait. The doubling is strongest on the upper inscription and date, making it fairly straightforward to authenticate.

A Heritage Auctions sale recorded $460 for an MS66 example. That makes the Denver DDO a more affordable entry point into doubled die collecting compared to the Philadelphia or San Francisco versions. Still plenty of upside if you find one raw.

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

This is the big one. The 1944-S DDO FS-101 is the most dramatic and most valuable doubled die in the entire 1944 series.

The doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date, and Washington’s hair is so pronounced you can see it with the naked eye. Combine that with San Francisco’s lowest-of-the-three mintage, and you’ve got a coin that commands serious money. An MS63 example sold for $18,400 at Heritage Auctions in 2004. Current MS67 specimens are valued over $1,000. This is the ultimate prize for Washington quarter error collectors.

4. 1944 Quarter Wrong Planchet Error

Wrong planchet strikes are the showstoppers. Quarter dies accidentally hit blanks meant for a different denomination — or even a foreign coin. During WWII, production pressure was intense, and different planchet types occasionally got mixed together.

The most famous example: a 1944 quarter struck on a wartime silver nickel planchet, graded MS62 by NGC. It sold at Heritage Auctions’ 2007 CSNS sale in St. Louis from the Pacific Coast Mint Error Collection for over $8,000. Even average circulated examples of quarters on nickel planchets bring roughly $3,000.

There’s also a rarer variant — 1944 quarters struck on Philippine 5-centavo planchets, produced at US facilities under wartime agreements. Those typically sell for $500–$2,500 depending on condition and strike quality. If you suspect you have a wrong-planchet error, submit it to PCGS or NGC before buying or selling. These attributions require expert verification.

5. 1944 Quarter Off-Center Strike

When the planchet shifts out of position before the dies come together, you get a partial design and a crescent-shaped blank area. This happened at all three mints in 1944 — wartime quality control wasn’t always tight.

Value depends on how far off-center the strike landed. A 5–10% shift might bring $30–$75. A dramatic 40–50% off-center piece with the date still visible? That’s $300–$500 or more.

The golden rule: the date must be readable. A heavily off-center coin with no visible date is worth far less than one where you can still read “1944.”

6. 1944 Quarter Clipped Planchet Error

These happen when the blank-cutting machine malfunctions and the punch overlaps a previously cut hole. The result is a coin with a smooth, curved bite taken out of the edge. They’re eye-catching and make great conversation pieces.

Small clips (under 10%) sell for $20–$50. Larger or double-clip examples can reach $100–$200. The rarer “straight clip” variety — from the end of a metal strip — brings a bit more from specialists.

Want to verify it’s genuine and not post-mint damage? Use the Blakesley Effect test: on a real clipped planchet, the rim and design directly opposite the clip will look weak or incomplete. Also weigh the coin — it should come in under the standard 6.25 grams.

7. 1944 Quarter Repunched Date (RPD)

Several RPD varieties exist for 1944. These happened when the date was punched into the die more than once at a slightly different angle, leaving a ghostly secondary impression behind the digits.

You’ll need magnification for these. Look carefully at the “1,” “9,” and especially the “4” digits for a shadow or secondary outline. Strong, clearly separated doubling commands the best premiums. Faint examples may only add a small bump above melt.

Expect $20–$50 premiums on circulated RPD coins. Sharply struck Mint State pieces with dramatic separation under 10× magnification bring considerably more.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1944 Quarter for Top Value

For average circulated examples worth $8–$15 (near silver melt), a local coin dealer or online silver marketplace will get you a fair price fast. For Mint State examples graded MS65 and above, or any suspected error variety, consign through Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections to reach the widest audience of serious buyers.

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

 

1944 Quarter Value Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1944 Quarter Value

How much is a 1944 quarter worth in 2026?

With silver near $47.76 per troy ounce (late 2025), any 1944 quarter is worth at least $8.64 in silver melt value — that’s the floor even for a heavily worn coin. Circulated pieces sell for $10–$15. Mid-grade Mint State coins (MS63–MS65) range from $20 to $75. MS67 examples command $900–$1,469 depending on the mint. The finest MS68 specimens have sold for $10,575 to $16,800 at major auction houses.

Which 1944 quarter variety is the rarest?

By mintage, the 1944-S wins with only 12.56 million struck, versus 14.6 million for Denver and 104.9 million for Philadelphia. But here’s the twist — PCGS expert David Hall says the 1944-S is “fairly easy to locate in Gem condition” because collectors saved more of them early on. In true MS68 condition, all three varieties are extremely rare, with fewer than a dozen known examples combined.

Were any proof 1944 quarters made?

No. The Mint suspended proofs entirely from 1943 through 1949 due to WWII. Every authentic 1944 quarter is a business strike. Proofs didn’t return until 1950.

What is a 1944 quarter struck on the wrong planchet worth?

These are among the most valuable 1944 quarter errors. A 1944 quarter struck on a wartime silver nickel planchet — certified MS62 by NGC — sold at Heritage Auctions’ 2007 CSNS sale for over $8,000. Circulated examples on nickel planchets bring roughly $3,000. Quarters struck on Philippine 5-centavo planchets typically sell for $500–$2,500. Always get suspected wrong-planchet errors authenticated by PCGS or NGC before buying or selling.

What does CAC mean on a 1944 quarter holder?

CAC stands for Certified Acceptance Corporation, founded by numismatist John Albanese. A CAC sticker on a PCGS or NGC holder means an expert reviewed the coin and confirmed it meets or exceeds the quality standards for its assigned grade. Think of it as a “best of grade” seal. CAC-approved 1944 quarters typically bring a 10–30% premium over non-CAC examples at the same grade. The record-setting 1944-S MS68 that sold at Stack’s Bowers in March 2011 for $16,100 carried CAC approval.

Which are the costliest 1944 Washington quarters ever sold?

• At 2004 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944-S MS63 quarter (DDO error) for $18,400
• At 2022 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944 MS68 quarter for $16,800
• At 2011 Stack’s Bowers, one collector bought the 1944-S MS68 CAC quarter for $16,100
• At 2015 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944-D MS68 quarter for $10,575
• At 2007 Heritage Auctions (CSNS), one collector bought the 1944 wrong-planchet error (MS62 NGC) for over $8,000
• At 2018 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944 MS66 quarter (DDO error) for $780
• At 2018 Heritage Auctions, one collector bought the 1944-D MS66 quarter (DDO error) for $460

How much is a 1944 No Mint Mark quarter worth?

Most circulated examples run $8–$15, reflecting silver melt plus a small collector premium. Mint State coins in the MS63–MS65 range go for roughly $20 to $75. An MS67 is valued at $900–$1,469, and the finest-known MS68 set the all-time record at $16,800 at Heritage Auctions in August 2022.

How do I identify the 1944 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) error?

Look at “LIBERTY” at the top of the obverse, the date “1944” at the bottom, and the fine details in Washington’s hair. The 1944-S FS-101 in particular shows separation visible to the naked eye. For the Philadelphia and Denver versions, you’ll want 5× to 10× magnification to see the secondary impression clearly. Always compare your coin against published diagnostics in the Cherrypickers’ Guide or on PCGS CoinFacts before submitting for authentication.

How does the Coinage Act of 1965 affect 1944 quarter value?

The Coinage Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, replaced silver in circulating quarters with copper-nickel clad. That makes every pre-1965 Washington quarter — including all 1944 issues — permanently valuable as silver coins. Since the 1944 quarter contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver, rising silver prices directly raise the floor value. At $50 per ounce silver, the melt floor would be approximately $9.04; at $60 per ounce, about $10.85.

Is a 1944 quarter with a clipped planchet valuable?

Yes. Small clips (under 10%) add $20–$50 above silver melt. Larger or dramatic double-clip examples can reach $100–$200. The rarer “straight clip” variety brings a bit more from specialists. To confirm it’s genuine, use the Blakesley Effect test: the design directly opposite the clip should look weak or incomplete. Also weigh the coin — a clipped planchet will come in under the standard 6.25 grams.