The 1945-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in heavily worn condition to well over $150 in uncirculated grades — and in top-tier mint state, certified examples can push past $500 or more. If you found one of these coins tucked away in a drawer or old jar, you might be sitting on a little piece of silver history.
Why the 1945-S Washington Quarter Matters
The 1945-S Washington Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint during the final year of World War II. That little “S” mintmark on the reverse (just below the eagle) tells you exactly where it was made.
Like all Washington Quarters from this era, the 1945-S is composed of 90% silver. That alone gives every surviving coin real metal value, regardless of condition. With silver prices fluctuating around $25–$30 per troy ounce, each coin contains roughly 0.18 troy ounces of silver — meaning even a beat-up example is worth a few dollars just for the metal content.
Beyond melt value, collector demand for wartime-era quarters remains strong. If you’re trying to figure out exactly what you have, a good coin identifier and value app can help you quickly snap a photo of your coin and get an instant grade estimate before you even start researching prices.
1945-S Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Condition is everything when it comes to coin values. A coin that looks shiny and sharp is worth dramatically more than one that’s been passed through thousands of hands. Here’s a general value breakdown for the 1945-S Washington Quarter:
| Grade / Condition | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, design outline visible | $5 – $7 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, major details clear | $7 – $10 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear, sharp details remaining | $12 – $20 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear on high points only | $25 – $45 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor contact marks | $60 – $100 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | Brilliant, nearly flawless | $150 – $500+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing from real auction records and dealer listings, you can check out live 1945-S Washington Quarter price data in mint state grades to see what collectors are actually paying right now.
How to Check the Condition of Your 1945-S Quarter
Grading a coin doesn’t require years of experience — just a little patience and a good magnifying glass. Start by looking at Washington’s cheek and the hair above his ear. These are the highest points on the coin, and they wear down first.
If you can still see sharp hair strands and the cheek shows no flat rubbing, you’re likely looking at an About Uncirculated or better coin. If the details are smooth and washed out, it’s circulated but still silver — still worth more than face value.
The reverse side is just as important. Check the eagle’s breast feathers and the words on the coin for clarity. Deep, crisp lettering is a great sign. CoinHix is one of the most popular tools among everyday coin hunters for quickly looking up grade-based values, and it’s free to use.
Mintage Numbers and Collector Demand for the 1945-S
The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 17,004,001 quarters in 1945. That’s a fairly healthy mintage, which is why the 1945-S Washington Quarter isn’t considered a rare date in most circulated grades.
However, finding one in true mint state is a different story. Decades of circulation, storage, and handling mean that gem-quality examples are genuinely scarce. Collectors building full Washington Quarter sets actively seek out clean, high-grade 1945-S coins, which keeps demand — and prices — solid at the upper end of the scale.
If you want a deeper look at how 1945-S quarter values break down across all grades, this detailed 1945 quarter value reference covers the full picture, including all three mint marks from that year.
Should You Clean or Sell Your 1945-S Quarter?
Please don’t clean it. This is one of the most common mistakes people make with old coins. Cleaning removes the natural patina and actually lowers the coin’s value significantly in the eyes of collectors. What looks like “dirt” to you is often original surface toning that experienced buyers actually prefer.
If you’re thinking about selling, consider your options carefully. Local coin shops offer convenience but may not give full market value. Online auction platforms can fetch higher prices but take more effort. Getting a professional grade from PCGS or NGC is worth considering if your coin looks uncirculated.
The CoinHix app makes it easy to research what similar 1945-S quarters have sold for recently so you can walk into any sale knowing exactly what your coin is worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my quarter is the 1945-S and not a different mint?
A: Flip the coin over and look just below the eagle on the reverse. You’ll see a small letter — “S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or no letter for Philadelphia. The 1945-S will clearly show that small “S” mintmark.
Q: Is the 1945-S Washington Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes. Every Washington Quarter made before 1965 contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Your 1945-S quarter has real silver value regardless of its condition, which is why even worn examples are worth several times their face value of 25 cents.
Q: What’s the most valuable 1945-S Washington Quarter ever sold?
A: In top certified grades like MS-67, the 1945-S Washington Quarter has sold at auction for several hundred to over a thousand dollars. The exact price depends on the eye appeal, luster, and strike quality as determined by professional graders at PCGS or NGC.