The 1942-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in heavily worn condition to over $400 or more in pristine, uncirculated grades — and if you’ve got one sitting in an old jar or drawer, it’s definitely worth a second look.
What Makes the 1942-S Quarter Special
The “S” mintmark on this coin means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint during one of the most turbulent years in American history — 1942, right in the thick of World War II. While millions of these quarters were produced, most ended up in circulation and got worn down over the decades.
That’s exactly why condition matters so much when it comes to value. A coin that was saved early and never spent can be worth many times more than one that passed through countless hands.
If you’re not sure what you’ve got, using a coin identifier and value app is a quick and easy way to get started — especially if you’re new to coin collecting.
How Much Is the 1942-S Washington Quarter Worth?
Value depends almost entirely on grade — meaning how much wear the coin shows. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design visible | $6 – $8 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Moderate wear, clear details | $8 – $15 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $15 – $25 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, nearly full luster | $30 – $55 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, some bag marks | $60 – $120 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65) | Exceptional strike and luster | $200 – $450+ |
For a more detailed look at certified auction prices and graded sales data for the 1942-S Washington Quarter, it’s worth browsing recent market activity to see what buyers are actually paying right now.
Silver Content Adds a Floor to the Value
Here’s something a lot of people overlook — the 1942-S Washington Quarter is made of 90% silver. Every single one of these coins, no matter how beat up, contains about 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
With silver prices fluctuating around $25–$30 per ounce in recent years, that gives even a worn-out example a base melt value of roughly $4.50 to $5.50. So even if the coin isn’t worth a premium to collectors, it’s never truly worthless.
This silver floor is one reason why pre-1965 quarters are always worth holding onto. Coin roll hunters and stacker communities specifically seek out these older quarters just for the metal content alone.
Grading Your 1942-S Quarter at Home
Before you run off to a coin dealer, take a close look at your coin under a good light. Focus on Washington’s cheekbone, the hair above his ear, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse — those are the high points that wear down first.
If the details are sharp and there’s still some original shine, you may have something in the AU or even MS range. If it’s smooth and flat with little detail, it’s likely in the Good to Fine range.
CoinHix is a great tool for double-checking your assessment — the app lets you compare your coin’s appearance against grading standards and get a realistic value estimate without needing to visit a shop.
You can also explore a full breakdown of 1942 Washington Quarter values across all mint marks and grades to see how the “S” version compares to its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.
Where to Sell Your 1942-S Washington Quarter
Once you know what you’ve got, selling is easier than ever. For circulated examples worth under $20, coin dealers or local shows are your fastest option. For nicer pieces in AU or MS grades, online platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions can get you top dollar — especially if the coin has been graded by PCGS or NGC.
CoinHix also helps here by giving you a real-time sense of what similar coins are selling for, so you don’t walk into a dealer blind and leave money on the table.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my quarter is a 1942-S?
A: Flip the coin to the reverse and look just below the eagle’s tail. You should see a small “S” mintmark there. No letter means it was made in Philadelphia; a “D” means Denver.
Q: Is a 1942-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: Not extremely rare — the San Francisco Mint struck over 19 million of them. However, high-grade examples are genuinely scarce and command strong premiums from serious collectors.
Q: Should I clean my 1942-S quarter before selling it?
A: No — please don’t. Cleaning a coin removes its natural patina and surface, which actually lowers its collector value significantly. Even a dirty, original coin is worth more than a shiny, cleaned one to most buyers.