The Complete Guide to 1942 Quarter Value

Top-grade 1942 Washington quarters have sold for over $14,000 at major auction houses — yet most circulated examples are worth only their silver melt value of around $4–$6. Every single 1942 quarter is 90% silver, so the floor is always above face value. The difference between a common coin and a valuable one comes down to mint mark, condition, and whether you have one of the sought-after error varieties. Use the free tools below to find out exactly where yours falls.

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1942 Washington quarter obverse and reverse showing mint details
$14,000+ Top auction record (MS-67)
90% Silver content (all 1942 quarters)
138.9M Total 1942 quarters minted
21,123 1942 Proof quarters struck

Free 1942 Quarter Value Calculator

Select your mint mark, condition, and any errors to get an instant estimated value.

Step 1 — Choose Mint Mark
Step 2 — Choose Condition
Step 3 — Mark Any Errors (Optional)

If you're not yet sure of your coin's mint mark, condition, or errors, the 1942 Quarter Coin Value Checker is a free third-party tool that estimates value from uploaded photos instead.

Describe Your Coin for a Detailed Assessment

Type what you see on your coin and our analyzer will identify likely varieties and value indicators.

Mention these things if you can

  • Mint mark (none, D, or S)
  • Overall condition (worn, shiny, circulated)
  • Any doubling you see on the date or motto
  • Whether the coin looks off-center
  • Coin color (bright silver, toned, dark)

Also helpful

  • Any cracks or lines on the surface
  • Flaking or peeling metal (lamination)
  • Whether LIBERTY and the date are fully visible
  • Any mirror-like (proof-like) surfaces
  • Signs of cleaning or polishing

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1942 Doubled Die Obverse Self-Checker

The doubled die obverse (DDO) is the single most searched variety on 1942 quarters. Use this checker to assess whether your coin could be one.

1942 quarter doubled die obverse comparison: normal coin left vs DDO variety right showing doubling on date and motto
COMMON

Standard 1942 Quarter

Date digits appear sharp and singular. Motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" shows clean, single strokes. Washington's portrait features — ear, eye, and hairlines — show no secondary impression. Estimated value follows standard grade ranges.

RARE DDO

Doubled Die Obverse

Date digits show a visible shadow or second impression offset from the primary strike. "IN GOD WE TRUST" letters appear doubled or spread. Washington's ear and eye show extra thickness or duplication. Even in circulated grades, DDOs command a significant premium.

Check each feature that matches your coin:

1942 Quarter Value Chart at a Glance

Before reading this table, bookmark the in-depth 1942 quarter identification walkthrough and reference guide — it covers every diagnostic detail and grade photo you need to confirm what you're holding.

Variety Worn (G–VG) Circulated (F–EF) Uncirculated (MS-60–64) Gem (MS-65+)
1942-P (Philadelphia) $4 – $6 $5 – $12 $18 – $50 $60 – $400+
1942-D (Denver) $4 – $6 $6 – $14 $20 – $65 $80 – $700+
1942-S (San Francisco) $5 – $8 $7 – $18 $25 – $80 $150 – $14,000+
1942 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) $30 – $75 $80 – $300 $400 – $1,200 $1,500 – $5,000+
1942 Off-Center Strike $20 – $50 $50 – $200 $200 – $600 $600 – $2,000+
1942 Die Crack / Cud $5 – $15 $10 – $40 $40 – $150 $150 – $500+
1942 Lamination Error $8 – $20 $20 – $75 $75 – $250 $250 – $800+
1942 Proof (Philadelphia) N/A $60 – $120 $120 – $300 $300 – $2,500+

Values shown are retail price estimates for typical examples at each grade tier. Individual coins may vary. Silver melt value is the absolute floor for all 1942 quarters.

📱 CoinKnow lets you snap a photo of your 1942 quarter and get a fast on-the-go estimate of its grade tier and value range — a coin identifier and value app.

📋 What's in This Guide

The Valuable 1942 Quarter Errors (Complete Guide)

Not every 1942 Washington quarter is worth only its silver melt value. Several production errors and die varieties can transform a common coin into a prize collectible worth anywhere from a few extra dollars to several thousand. The varieties below are ranked in descending order of collector demand and typical value premium. Each card explains what the error is, how to spot it, and what drives its market price.

1942 quarter doubled die obverse showing doubling on date digits and motto under magnification
MOST FAMOUS $30 – $5,000+

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

The 1942 doubled die obverse is created when the working die receives multiple impressions from the hub at slightly different rotational or lateral positions during the hubbing process. Because each hub impression is offset from the previous one, the resulting die carries a doubled image that is transferred to every coin struck from it — making this a true die variety, not a striking accident.

Visually, the doubling is most prominent on the date — especially the numerals "1" and "9" — and in the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." Under a 10× loupe you should see a secondary impression slightly separated from the primary stroke. Washington's ear, eye, and the hairlines along the temple also show the characteristic spread or extra thickness associated with doubled die production.

Collectors pay a significant premium for this variety because it is both visually dramatic and relatively scarce in the certified population. Even a worn example showing clear doubling on the date commands multiples of melt value. Gem Mint State examples with strong, easily visible doubling are genuinely rare and have traded well into four figures at major auction venues.

How to spot it

Examine the date digits and "IN GOD WE TRUST" under a 10× loupe. Look for a distinct secondary impression — a shadow or second outline — offset from the primary image. The "1" and "9" in the date and the letters "GOD" in the motto show the most pronounced separation on confirmed examples.

Mint mark

Primarily Philadelphia (no mint mark) issues, though doubling has been noted on Denver (D) die pairs as well.

Notable

CONECA and PCGS variety attribution designations apply to confirmed 1942 DDO Washington quarters. Collectors should reference the CONECA Master Doubled Die file for specific die pairings. Population reports at PCGS show limited certified examples in gem grades, supporting the premium.

1942 quarter off-center strike showing crescent of blank planchet metal alongside shifted design
MOST DRAMATIC $20 – $2,000+

Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike occurs when a planchet is fed into the collar improperly, causing it to be only partially within the die space when the hammer die descends. The struck portion of the coin receives the full design impression, while the remaining portion of the planchet is left blank, producing a characteristic crescent or arc of unstruck metal along one edge of the coin.

The degree of off-center displacement is the primary value driver. Collectors quote this as a percentage — a "20% off-center" coin has about one-fifth of the planchet blank, while a "50% off-center" specimen is dramatically shifted. For maximum value, the date must still be visible on the struck portion; a coin shifted so far that the date is missing brings less interest from most buyers.

Well-struck off-center 1942 quarters with a full readable date and clear mint mark visible — especially in Uncirculated or near-Uncirculated state — are among the more entertaining error types in the Washington quarter series. Values are highly dependent on the percentage of off-center displacement and the overall preservation of the struck surfaces.

How to spot it

Look for a visible crescent of completely blank (unstruck) metal along one or more edges of the coin. The design will appear shifted to one side. Measure the blank area against the total coin diameter to estimate the percentage of off-center displacement. Confirm the date is still legible on the struck side.

Mint mark

All three mints — Philadelphia, Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) — can produce off-center strikes; S issues are more desirable.

Notable

Off-center strikes with 10–50% displacement and a fully visible date command the strongest premiums. Examples above 50% off-center where the date is partially lost are less in demand. Pieces graded by PCGS or NGC as Mint Error carry a further authentication premium over raw examples sold on the open market.

1942 quarter die crack error showing raised crack line across the coin surface and rim cud
BEST KEPT SECRET $5 – $500+

Die Crack and Die Cud

Die cracks form as a working die ages and develops stress fractures under repeated striking pressure. Metal from the planchet flows into the crack during each strike, producing a raised, irregular line on the finished coin. These lines are permanent die characteristics transferred to every coin produced by that die after the crack first appeared, meaning the same crack pattern can be found across multiple examples.

A die cud is a more advanced stage of die failure where a section of the die near the rim breaks away entirely. The result on the coin is a raised, featureless blob of metal at the rim — sometimes called a "cud break" — where that portion of the die provided no design impression. Cuds at the rim are more visually striking and thus more collectible than simple interior die cracks.

Value depends primarily on the size and location of the crack or cud. A minor hairline crack crossing a secondary design element adds only modest premium. A dramatic cud engulfing a large rim section — especially one that obliterates a letter or part of the date — is significantly more collectible. Die-state progression sets (coins from early, mid, and late die states showing crack progression) are a specialist collecting niche.

How to spot it

Look for a raised, jagged line crossing the coin's design or field — unlike scratches, die cracks are raised above the surface. A cud appears as a raised, smooth blob at the coin's rim where the design is missing entirely. Examine both obverse and reverse with a 5× or 10× loupe under raking light.

Mint mark

All three mints produced die cracks; large cuds are documented on Philadelphia issues and are most commonly encountered there due to the higher mintage.

Notable

Die cracks on Washington quarters of this era are documented by CONECA and variety collectors. A dramatic obverse cud break engulfing multiple letters or numerals can bring $200–$500 or more even on a worn coin. Die state is critical: later-die-state pieces with more advanced cracks are rarer and preferred by error specialists.

1942 quarter lamination error showing peeling metal flap and void on coin surface
PLANCHET RARITY $8 – $800+

Lamination Error

Lamination errors originate in the alloy preparation process, well before a planchet ever reaches a coinage press. When impurities — typically gases, sulfur compounds, or metal oxides — are trapped within the silver-copper alloy strip during rolling, they create a subsurface separation layer. Under the enormous pressure of the coinage strike, this weak layer begins to peel, crack, or separate from the coin's surface.

The visual result ranges from subtle surface hairlines and small chips to dramatic, large-scale metal flaps that are partially or entirely detached from the coin body. A coin with an intact but raised lamination flap is called a "pre-strike lamination." One where the flap has already broken away shows a void or depression where the metal was missing from the planchet at the moment of striking — these are "post-strike lamination voids."

Collector interest in lamination errors on 1942 silver quarters is driven by their unusual appearance and the fact that they are genuine mint errors on a historic silver-composition coin. Large, dramatic laminations that affect identifiable design elements — particularly Washington's portrait or the eagle on the reverse — command significantly higher premiums than minor edge chips. Certified examples consistently outperform raw coins at auction.

How to spot it

Look for areas where the metal surface appears to be peeling away or has already broken off, leaving a shallow void or depression. A raised metal flap that catches the light differently from surrounding surfaces under a 10× loupe is a strong indicator. Distinguish from damage by noting that laminations follow the metal grain and have clean, regular edges.

Mint mark

All three mints — Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) — can exhibit lamination errors; they are planchet-level defects, not press-specific.

Notable

PCGS and NGC classify lamination errors under their Mint Error certification service. Large-scale laminations covering 20% or more of a coin face have sold for several hundred dollars even in lower grades. The 90% silver composition adds intrinsic melt appeal on top of error premium. Compare to PCGS price guide under "1942 Washington Quarter Errors."

1942 proof Washington quarter showing mirror fields and frosted portrait devices typical of proof coinage
RAREST ISSUE $60 – $2,500+

1942 Proof Quarter

The 1942 proof Washington quarter is not a minting error in the traditional sense — it is a deliberately produced collector coin, struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies and multiple blows at lower striking speed. The result is a coin with mirror-like fields and highly detailed, often frosted design elements. The Philadelphia Mint produced just 21,123 proof quarters for 1942, making this a legitimately scarce issue in any grade.

Identifying a genuine proof involves examining the fields for deep, reflective mirror surfaces and the portrait and eagle for crisp, squared-off relief details and fine hair lines that business-strike coins rarely achieve. Early 1942 proofs show exceptional cameo contrast between the frosted devices and the bright mirror fields — designated by PCGS and NGC as "Cameo" (CAM) or "Deep Cameo" (DCAM). These cameo designations add substantial value above standard proof pricing.

Certified 1942 proof quarters in PR-65 or higher are consistently popular with Washington quarter series collectors and type collectors alike. Deep Cameo examples graded PR-66 DCAM or PR-67 DCAM are extremely scarce according to PCGS and NGC population reports and have sold at competitive auction prices. Any coin suspected to be a proof should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for authentication before purchase or sale.

How to spot it

Look for deeply mirrored flat fields — you should be able to see a reflection in the coin's surface. Design elements like Washington's portrait and the eagle should have sharp, nearly squared-off edges and a frosted or matte texture contrasting with the mirror fields. All design details should be crisply defined with no softness at high points.

Mint mark

Philadelphia only (no mint mark). The 1942 proof was exclusively produced at the Philadelphia Mint; no Denver or San Francisco proofs were struck.

Notable

PCGS population reports show very few examples graded PR-67 or above, supporting strong premiums at that level. The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation dramatically elevates value — PR-66 DCAM examples have sold at Heritage Auctions for well over $1,000. A mintage of 21,123 is modest by any standard for a pre-war U.S. proof issue.

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1942 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Production figures for all three mints, plus composition specifications for the 1942 Washington quarter series.

1942 Washington quarter group showing Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mint examples side by side
Mint Mint Mark Business Strike Mintage Proof Mintage Notes
Philadelphia None 102,117,123 21,123 Largest mintage; most common in all grades
Denver D 17,487,200 — No proofs; scarcer in gem MS grades
San Francisco S 19,384,000 — No proofs; commands highest premium in MS-67
Total — 138,988,323 21,123 All business strikes are 90% silver
Composition specs: 1942 Washington Quarter · Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper · Weight: 6.25 grams · Diameter: 24.3 mm · Designer: John Flanagan · Edge: Reeded · The silver content of 0.18084 troy oz per coin means every 1942 quarter has an intrinsic floor value tied directly to the silver spot price.

How to Grade Your 1942 Washington Quarter

Grading is the single most important factor separating a coin worth $5 from one worth $500. Here is how to assess condition at home.

1942 Washington quarter grading strip showing condition from heavily worn Good through Gem Mint State MS-65

Worn (G–VG)

$4 – $8

Washington's portrait is flat with most hair detail worn away. The cheekbone and jaw are smooth and featureless. On the reverse, the eagle's breast feathers are heavily worn or nearly absent. LIBERTY above the portrait may be weak. These coins are worth primarily silver melt value. Date and mint mark must still be legible.

Circulated (F–EF)

$5 – $18

Fine (F-12) shows moderate wear on all high points, with hair above Washington's ear beginning to merge. Extremely Fine (EF-40) retains much of the hair detail with slight flattening only on the very highest points. Some mint luster may survive in protected areas. The eagle's feathers show clear separation in EF grade. This is where most circulated 1942 quarters fall.

Uncirculated (MS-60–64)

$18 – $80

No wear whatsoever — all original mint luster is present. However, MS-60 to MS-63 coins may show numerous bag marks, contact marks, or dull luster from storage. MS-64 coins have fewer marks with appealing luster. Examine the cheek, jaw, and eagle's breast — these high-contact surfaces accumulate marks during Mint bag handling. Strike quality varies among 1942 issues.

Gem (MS-65+)

$60 – $14,000+

Full mint luster with only minimal, inconsequential contact marks visible under magnification. MS-65 is the standard gem grade; MS-66 and MS-67 are progressively more pristine. The 1942-S in MS-67 is a genuinely rare coin with a very small certified population, driving prices well into four figures. Toning is acceptable if it is natural and attractive rather than the result of chemical treatment.

Pro tip — Silver coin color designations: Washington quarters are graded with a color designation indicating surface preservation. White (brilliant original luster) and naturally toned examples (amber, rainbow, or cabinet toning) are both desirable. Cleaned or polished coins — identifiable by hairline scratches in the fields under raking light — are significantly discounted by dealers and grading services. PCGS and NGC will note "Details — Cleaned" on any coin showing cleaning evidence, which removes it from the regular price guide values shown above.

🔍 CoinKnow helps you cross-check your grade assessment by comparing your coin's surface details against a database of graded examples — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1942 Quarter

The best venue depends on what you have. Match your coin to the right marketplace to maximize what you receive.

🏛️ Heritage Auctions / Stack's Bowers

Best for high-grade (MS-65+) or certified error coins. These major auction houses attract the most competitive bidding for premium examples. Heritage regularly handles Washington quarters in gem condition and has the records to support top-tier valuations. Expect a seller's commission. Ideal for anything worth over $500.

🛒 eBay

Excellent for circulated silver examples and mid-grade uncirculated coins. A broad buyer base means competitive prices for common issues. Check recently sold 1942 Washington quarter prices and listings to set realistic asking prices before listing. Use "Sold Listings" to see actual transaction prices rather than asking prices. Certify coins over $100 before selling.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Best for quick, no-hassle sales of common circulated silver quarters. Dealers typically pay melt value or slight premium for circulated 1942 quarters. Convenient and immediate payment, but you'll receive wholesale (below retail) prices. Useful for bulk silver lots. For valuable errors or gems, always get at least two dealer offers before accepting.

💬 Reddit (r/Coins4Sale)

Growing community of collectors buying and selling directly. Lower fees than eBay, knowledgeable buyer base who can recognize a DDO or proof issue at fair value. Best for mid-range coins ($20–$200). Use escrow or PayPal Goods & Services for protection. Build feedback through multiple small transactions before listing higher-value pieces.

💡 Get It Graded First

Any 1942 quarter you believe is Uncirculated, a DDO variety, or a proof should be submitted to PCGS or NGC before selling. A certified coin in a tamper-evident holder with an official grade almost always sells for more than a raw coin — often significantly more. PCGS Economy tier submissions are cost-effective for coins estimated above $75–$100 in value. The cost of grading is easily recovered in the sale premium for genuine gem or error pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1942 Quarter Value

How much is a 1942 quarter worth in circulated condition?
A circulated 1942 Washington quarter is worth its silver melt value at minimum, typically around $4–$6 based on current silver spot prices. Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver coins in average circulated grades (VF–EF) are worth roughly $5–$10. The 1942-S (San Francisco) in circulated condition tends to bring slightly more due to its lower mintage. Well-preserved EF-45 examples can reach $12–$20.
What is the most valuable 1942 quarter?
The most valuable 1942 quarter is typically a gem Mint State example in MS-66 or higher, particularly from the San Francisco Mint. A 1942-S graded MS-67 has sold at auction for over $14,000. Error coins such as doubled die obverse specimens and off-center strikes can also command strong premiums in higher grades. Proof issues (1942-PF) in top condition like PR-68 are also highly prized.
How do I tell which mint made my 1942 quarter?
Look on the reverse of the coin, just above the eagle's tail feathers and below the ribbon. A small letter 'D' indicates Denver Mint, and 'S' indicates San Francisco Mint. If you see no letter at all, the coin was struck at Philadelphia. Philadelphia was the only U.S. Mint that did not place mint marks on circulating coins during this era. Use a 5× or 10× loupe for clarity.
Is a 1942 quarter silver?
Yes. All 1942 Washington quarters — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin weighs 6.25 grams and contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. This silver content gives every 1942 quarter an intrinsic metal value well above face value, making even worn examples worth keeping. They are never worth less than their silver melt value.
What does a 1942 doubled die quarter look like?
A 1942 doubled die obverse shows visible doubling on the date digits, the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST,' and Washington's portrait features, particularly the ear, eye, and hairlines. The doubling appears as a shadow or second impression slightly offset from the primary image. It is best seen under a 10× loupe. This is a true die variety, not a result of coin movement during striking, so the doubling is sharp and distinct.
How many 1942 quarters were made?
The Philadelphia Mint struck 102,117,123 quarters in 1942. The Denver Mint produced 17,487,200 coins, and San Francisco struck 19,384,000. Total production across all three mints was approximately 138,988,323 business-strike coins. Additionally, the Philadelphia Mint struck 21,123 proof coins in 1942. The Philadelphia issue's large mintage makes it the most common, while Denver and San Francisco issues are more desirable in high grades.
What is a 1942 proof quarter worth?
The 1942 proof Washington quarter (struck only at Philadelphia) had a mintage of just 21,123 coins. In PR-60 to PR-63 grades, values typically range from around $60 to $150. A PR-65 Cameo example can bring $300–$600 or more. Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens in PR-66 or PR-67 are far rarer and have sold for over $2,000. PCGS and NGC population reports show very few coins at the highest grades.
Does the mint mark affect the value of a 1942 quarter?
Yes, significantly in uncirculated grades. In circulated condition all three mint marks are close in value. However, in Mint State grades the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) issues become noticeably scarcer in gem condition. A 1942-D in MS-66 commands a premium over a Philadelphia issue in the same grade. The 1942-S in MS-67 is especially rare, as certified populations at that level are quite small.
How can I sell my 1942 quarter?
Common circulated examples are best sold at a local coin shop or through a dealer. For uncirculated or error coins worth over $50, consider submitting to PCGS or NGC for grading first — slabbed coins typically sell for more. eBay is excellent for reaching a wide buyer base. Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, or Great Collections are best for high-grade or rare examples that may bring competitive bidding and premium realizations.
What is the best way to grade a 1942 quarter at home?
Start by examining the high points of Washington's portrait: cheekbone, jawline, hair above the ear, and the eagle's breast feathers on the reverse. Worn coins show flat areas on these high points. A coin with full hair detail and some luster remaining grades around EF-40 to AU-50. Full original luster with no wear is MS-60 or higher. A 10× loupe and good raking light help reveal contact marks that distinguish MS-63 from MS-65.

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