The 1994-P Washington Quarter is one of those coins that offers an interesting story for collectors, especially with its unique features and historical quirks. Minted in Philadelphia, this quarter became known for some notable design changes in the 1990s, specifically the hair details on George Washington’s portrait.
The series of changes led to a look commonly called “Spaghetti Hair” by enthusiasts, referring to the way Washington’s hair strands appeared finer and more distinct than previous versions.
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The 1990s saw gradual changes in the Washington Quarter’s design. These adjustments resulted in sharper hair details on the portrait, giving the hair a “spaghetti” look.
Although the exact reason for this design shift isn’t fully documented, it’s believed that the United States Mint made these changes to improve the coin’s production. John Mercanti, a former chief engraver, hinted that this wasn’t merely an artistic change but was instead a technical choice made to meet production needs.
1994 Minting and Availability
The Philadelphia Mint produced 825,600,000 units of the 1994-P Washington Quarter. Despite the high number, the Denver Mint managed to produce even more that same year. Most 1994-P quarters went into circulation right after production, making it relatively common to come across one of these coins.
However, finding pristine, uncirculated versions may be more challenging and often requires buying from collectors or roll hunting through quarter rolls at banks.
For collectors, the 1994-P Washington Quarter was also part of the official 1994 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set.
This set includes one of each circulating coin from both the Philadelphia and Denver mints, such as the 1994-P Lincoln Cent and 1994-P Roosevelt Dime. These sets remain affordable, typically priced at around $10 for all the coins included.
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How Much Is the 1994-P Washington Quarter Worth?
Although the 1994-P Washington Quarter isn’t rare, it holds value for collectors, especially in uncirculated or high-grade conditions. Many 1994-P quarters are still found in everyday pocket change, though usually in circulated condition. For those looking to collect in mint condition, bankrolls or mint sets may yield better options.
On the higher end of the spectrum, the most valuable 1994-P Washington Quarter recorded was sold for $8,156.25 in 2018.
This particular coin was graded at MS68 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a top-notch rating that few coins achieve. Coins with a slightly lower grade, like MS67, tend to sell for less but can still fetch a decent price between $50 and $150.
Market Data for Collectors
For serious collectors, knowing about top-rated specimens is essential. Here are a few standout pieces:
- PCGS MS68 (2018): Sold for $8,156.25 with a brilliant and flashy appearance.
- PCGS MS68 (2021): Another MS68 coin sold for a bit less, reflecting market fluctuations based on the availability of high-grade specimens.
- Other Grades (MS67 and MS66): These coins are available at more affordable prices, with MS67 specimens sometimes listed below $150.
Design Details of the 1994-P Washington Quarter
The 1994-P Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, inspired by an original bust of George Washington crafted by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The coin features some iconic design elements, both on the front (obverse) and back (reverse):
- Obverse (Front): Displays a left-facing bust of George Washington. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” are present, with the date “1994” just below Washington’s chin. The “P” mintmark, denoting Philadelphia, appears on the right side.
- Reverse (Back): A heraldic eagle with outstretched wings stands on a bundle of arrows, with olive branches symbolizing peace. Surrounding the eagle are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” while “QUARTER DOLLAR” appears below.
The edge of the coin is reeded, giving it a textured look that’s typical for quarters.
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Quick Facts About the 1994-P Washington Quarter
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Location | Philadelphia (P) |
| Year Issued | 1994 |
| Mintage | 825,600,000 |
| Composition | .750 copper, .250 nickel |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.30 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designer | John Flanagan |
| Highest Known Value | $8,156.25 for PCGS MS68 (2018) |
With its unique story, intriguing design changes, and varying values in the collector market, the 1994-P Washington Quarter holds a special place in U.S. coin history, making it a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts of American coinage.
Editorial Note: This article was created through automated technology, with all details verified and polished by our editorial expert.