What is a 1912 quarter dollar?
The 1912 quarter dollar is a United States coin that was struck in 1912. It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, and weighs 6.25 grams. The obverse of the coin features a bust of George Washington, and the reverse features an American eagle.
The 1912 quarter dollar was designed by sculptor Adolph Weinman. Weinman was a German-born American artist who is best known for his work on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The 1912 quarter dollar was the first United States coin to feature a design that was not created by the Mint's chief engraver. Weinman's design was selected through a competition that was held in 1911. The competition was open to all American artists, and Weinman's design was chosen from a field of more than 100 entries.
The 1912 quarter dollar was a popular coin when it was first released, and it remains popular with collectors today. The coin is considered to be one of the most beautiful American coins ever struck, and it is a valuable addition to any collection.
1912 quarter dollar
The 1912 quarter dollar is a United States coin that was struck in 1912. It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, and weighs 6.25 grams. The obverse of the coin features a bust of George Washington, and the reverse features an American eagle.
- Designer: Adolph Weinman
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Thickness: 1.95 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Mintage: 39,130,000
The 1912 quarter dollar is a popular coin with collectors today. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful American coins ever struck, and it is a valuable addition to any collection.
1. Designer
Adolph Weinman was a German-born American sculptor who is best known for his work on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was also the designer of the 1912 quarter dollar.
Weinman's design for the 1912 quarter dollar was selected through a competition that was held in 1911. The competition was open to all American artists, and Weinman's design was chosen from a field of more than 100 entries.
Weinman's design for the 1912 quarter dollar is considered to be one of the most beautiful American coins ever struck. The obverse of the coin features a bust of George Washington, and the reverse features an American eagle.
The 1912 quarter dollar was a popular coin when it was first released, and it remains popular with collectors today. The coin is considered to be a valuable addition to any collection.
2. Composition
The 1912 quarter dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin a distinctive appearance and feel, and it also affects its value.
- Durability: Silver is a relatively soft metal, and copper is added to increase the coin's durability. This makes the 1912 quarter dollar more resistant to wear and tear, which is important for a coin that is intended to circulate.
- Color: Silver is a white metal, and copper is a reddish-brown metal. The combination of these two metals gives the 1912 quarter dollar a unique color that is often described as "silver-white." This color is one of the things that makes the 1912 quarter dollar so popular with collectors.
- Value: Silver is a precious metal, and copper is a base metal. This means that the 1912 quarter dollar has a higher intrinsic value than a coin that is made of a base metal, such as nickel or copper. The silver content of the 1912 quarter dollar also makes it more valuable to collectors.
The composition of the 1912 quarter dollar is an important factor that affects its appearance, durability, and value. This composition makes the 1912 quarter dollar a unique and desirable coin.
3. Weight
The weight of a 1912 quarter dollar is 6.25 grams. This is because the coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The weight of the coin is important because it affects its durability, value, and appearance.
The weight of a coin is an important factor in determining its durability. A heavier coin is more resistant to wear and tear, which is important for a coin that is intended to circulate. The 1912 quarter dollar is a relatively heavy coin, which makes it more durable than other coins that are made of lighter metals.
The weight of a coin also affects its value. A heavier coin contains more metal, which gives it a higher intrinsic value. The 1912 quarter dollar is a valuable coin because it contains a significant amount of silver. The weight of the coin is one of the factors that contributes to its value.
The weight of a coin can also affect its appearance. A heavier coin has a more substantial feel than a lighter coin. The 1912 quarter dollar is a heavy coin, which gives it a unique appearance that is appreciated by collectors.
4. Diameter
The diameter of a 1912 quarter dollar is 24.3 mm. This is an important measurement because it affects the coin's weight, value, and appearance.
The diameter of a coin is the distance from one edge of the coin to the other, measured through the center. The diameter of a coin is important because it affects the coin's weight. A coin with a larger diameter will weigh more than a coin with a smaller diameter, all other things being equal.
The diameter of a coin also affects its value. A coin with a larger diameter will contain more metal than a coin with a smaller diameter, all other things being equal. This means that a coin with a larger diameter will have a higher intrinsic value.
The diameter of a coin can also affect its appearance. A coin with a larger diameter will have a more substantial appearance than a coin with a smaller diameter. This can be important for collectors, who often prefer coins with a larger diameter.
The diameter of a 1912 quarter dollar is 24.3 mm. This measurement is important because it affects the coin's weight, value, and appearance.
5. Thickness
The thickness of a 1912 quarter dollar is 1.95 mm. This measurement is important because it affects the coin's weight, value, and appearance.
- Durability: A thicker coin is more resistant to wear and tear, which is important for a coin that is intended to circulate. The 1912 quarter dollar is a relatively thick coin, which makes it more durable than other coins that are made of thinner metals.
- Weight: A thicker coin will weigh more than a thinner coin, all other things being equal. The 1912 quarter dollar is a relatively heavy coin, which is due in part to its thickness.
- Value: A thicker coin will contain more metal than a thinner coin, all other things being equal. This means that a thicker coin will have a higher intrinsic value. The 1912 quarter dollar is a valuable coin because it contains a significant amount of silver, and its thickness contributes to its value.
- Appearance: A thicker coin will have a more substantial appearance than a thinner coin. The 1912 quarter dollar is a thick coin, which gives it a unique appearance that is appreciated by collectors.
The thickness of a 1912 quarter dollar is 1.95 mm. This measurement is important because it affects the coin's weight, value, and appearance.
6. Edge
Reeding is a design element that consists of a series of parallel lines or ridges around the edge of a coin. The 1912 quarter dollar has a reeded edge, which is one of its distinguishing features.
- Function: Reeding serves several functions on a coin. First, it helps to protect the coin from wear and tear. Second, it provides a grip surface for the fingers, making the coin easier to handle. Third, it adds a decorative element to the coin.
- History: Reeding has been used on coins for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used reeding on their coins, and the practice continued through the Middle Ages and into the modern era. Reeding was first used on United States coins in the early 19th century.
- Identification: Reeding can be used to identify a coin. The number of reeds on a coin's edge is a unique characteristic that can be used to distinguish it from other coins. The 1912 quarter dollar has 119 reeds on its edge.
The reeded edge is an important design element on the 1912 quarter dollar. It serves several functions, including protecting the coin from wear and tear, providing a grip surface for the fingers, and adding a decorative element to the coin. The number of reeds on the coin's edge can also be used to identify it.
7. Mintage
The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that are produced by a mint in a given year. The mintage of a coin can be an important factor in determining its value. A coin with a low mintage is generally more valuable than a coin with a high mintage.
The 1912 quarter dollar has a mintage of 39,130,000. This is a relatively high mintage for a United States coin, which means that the 1912 quarter dollar is not as valuable as some other coins with lower mintages.
However, the mintage of the 1912 quarter dollar is still important because it provides us with information about the production of the coin. The high mintage of the 1912 quarter dollar indicates that the coin was produced in large quantities, which suggests that it was intended to be a widely circulated coin.
The mintage of the 1912 quarter dollar is also important because it can help us to understand the economic climate of the United States in 1912. The high mintage of the 1912 quarter dollar suggests that the economy was strong in 1912, and that there was a demand for new coins.
FAQs about the 1912 quarter dollar
The 1912 quarter dollar is a popular and valuable coin with a rich history. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this coin:
Question 1: What is the value of a 1912 quarter dollar?
Answer: The value of a 1912 quarter dollar depends on a number of factors, including its condition, rarity, and mint mark. However, most 1912 quarter dollars are worth between $5 and $20.
Question 2: What is the history of the 1912 quarter dollar?
Answer: The 1912 quarter dollar was designed by Adolph Weinman and struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. It was the first United States coin to feature a design that was not created by the Mint's chief engraver.
Question 3: What are the different types of 1912 quarter dollars?
Answer: There are three different types of 1912 quarter dollars, each with a different mint mark:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark)
Question 4: What is the significance of the 1912 quarter dollar?
Answer: The 1912 quarter dollar is a significant coin because it was the first United States coin to feature a design that was not created by the Mint's chief engraver. It is also a popular and valuable coin among collectors.
Question 5: How can I tell if my 1912 quarter dollar is real?
Answer: There are a few ways to tell if a 1912 quarter dollar is real. First, check the coin's weight and diameter. A genuine 1912 quarter dollar should weigh 6.25 grams and have a diameter of 24.3 mm. Second, examine the coin's surface. A genuine 1912 quarter dollar will have a smooth surface with no scratches or dents. Finally, look for the mint mark on the coin's reverse. A genuine 1912 quarter dollar will have a mint mark of either P, D, or S.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1912 quarter dollar. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a coin dealer or numismatist.
Summary: The 1912 quarter dollar is a valuable and popular coin with a rich history. It is important to be aware of the different factors that can affect the value of a 1912 quarter dollar, such as its condition, rarity, and mint mark.
Transition to the next article section: If you are interested in learning more about the 1912 quarter dollar, there are a number of resources available online. You can also find 1912 quarter dollars for sale at coin dealers and numismatic websites.
Conclusion
The 1912 quarter dollar is a significant coin in American history. It was the first United States coin to feature a design that was not created by the Mint's chief engraver, and it remains a popular and valuable coin among collectors today.
The 1912 quarter dollar is a reminder of the rich history of American coinage. It is a beautiful and well-crafted coin that is a testament to the skill of the artisans who created it.
