The 1948-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in well-worn condition to over $40 in uncirculated grades, with top-tier mint state examples fetching $100 or more at auction. If you found one of these silver quarters in an old coin jar or inherited collection, you may be sitting on a small but genuine treasure.
What Makes the 1948-D Quarter Special
The 1948-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint and carries the small “D” mintmark on the reverse, just below the eagle’s tail feathers. In 1948, the Denver Mint produced 16,766,800 of these quarters — a respectable mintage that makes them available but not so common that they’re worthless. What sets these coins apart is their silver content: each one is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a melt value that fluctuates with the silver market. Even a heavily worn example is worth more than face value purely for its metal content.
If you’re trying to figure out exactly what you have, a coin identification app can help you match the coin’s details and get a quick read on its grade and approximate value. Knowing whether your coin is “Fine,” “Very Fine,” or “Mint State” makes a big difference in what it’s actually worth.
How Much Is the 1948-D Quarter Worth by Grade
Coin value depends heavily on condition, and the 1948-D is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible | $6 – $7 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, details clear | $7 – $9 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $10 – $18 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight friction, near full luster | $20 – $35 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, some marks | $40 – $70 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | Gem uncirculated, exceptional | $100 – $300+ |
For a more detailed look at 1948-D Washington Quarter mint state price data across multiple grade points, it’s worth cross-referencing with current auction results to make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date numbers.
The Silver Factor and Melt Value
One thing many everyday coin finders overlook is that the 1948-D Washington Quarter is made of 90% silver. Each quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. With silver prices generally hovering around $25–$30 per troy ounce in recent years, even a beat-up, heavily worn example has an intrinsic melt value of roughly $4.50 to $5.50, and most circulated examples sell well above that.
This means you should never spend a pre-1965 Washington Quarter as pocket change. The silver alone makes it worth holding onto. CoinKnow is a great tool for tracking live silver prices alongside coin values, so you always know whether your coin is worth more for its metal or its collector premium.
What to Look For on Your 1948-D Quarter
Before assuming your coin is just a standard circulated example, take a close look at a few things. First, confirm the “D” mintmark on the reverse — without it, you have a 1948 Philadelphia Mint quarter, which has slightly different values. Next, check Washington’s hair above the ear and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. These are the areas that show wear first. Strong detail in these spots means a higher grade.
Also look for any obvious errors or unusual characteristics. While major errors on 1948-D quarters are rare, doubled die varieties and off-center strikes do exist and can add significant value. A detailed breakdown of 1948 quarter values including error coins and key variety premiums can help you identify whether you have something beyond a standard issue.
CoinKnow makes it easy to photograph your coin and instantly compare it against known varieties in its database, which is especially handy if you’re new to coin collecting and not sure what you’re looking at.
Selling or Keeping Your 1948-D Washington Quarter
If you’re thinking about selling, you have several options. Online platforms like eBay and Heritage Auctions are popular choices for reaching serious buyers. Coin dealers at local shops will often make quick cash offers, though sometimes below full retail value. For coins in MS-63 or higher grades, it may be worth paying for professional grading through PCGS or NGC — certified coins typically sell for more and attract more confident buyers.
For everyday finds in circulated grades, a local coin show or online forum trade might be your best bet. And if you’ve got a whole collection to sort through, using CoinKnow to quickly scan and catalog each piece can save you hours of manual research.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my quarter is the 1948-D and not just a 1948?
A: Flip the coin over and look below the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse. A small “D” mintmark means it was made in Denver. No mintmark means it’s from Philadelphia, which has slightly different collector values.
Q: Is the 1948-D Washington Quarter rare?
A: Not especially rare in circulated grades, since over 16 million were minted. However, gem-quality examples in MS-65 or higher are genuinely scarce and command strong premiums from serious collectors.
Q: Should I clean my 1948-D quarter before selling it?
A: No — never clean a coin you plan to sell. Cleaning removes the natural patina and can actually lower the value significantly. Even a properly graded “cleaned” coin sells for much less than an original, uncleaned example in the same condition.
