The Ultimate Guide To 1955 US Quarter Value And Rarity

What is a 1955 US quarter?

A 1955 US quarter is a 25-cent coin that was minted in 1955. 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 eagle landing on the Moon. The 1955 US quarter is a popular coin among collectors, and is worth more than its face value.

The importance of the 1955 US quarter

The 1955 US quarter is important for a number of reasons. First, it is the first US coin to feature a design that was not created by the US Mint. The design was created by Frank Gasparro, a sculptor who was also responsible for the design of the Jefferson nickel. Second, the 1955 US quarter is the first US coin to feature an eagle landing on the Moon. This design was chosen to commemorate the United States' successful launch of the Explorer 1 satellite, which was the first American satellite to orbit the Earth.

The benefits of the 1955 US quarter

The 1955 US quarter is a valuable coin for a number of reasons. First, it is made of 90% silver, which makes it worth more than its face value. Second, the 1955 US quarter is a popular coin among collectors, which makes it easy to sell.

The historical context of the 1955 US quarter

The 1955 US quarter was minted during a time of great change in the United States. The country was in the midst of the Cold War, and the space race was heating up. The launch of the Explorer 1 satellite was a major victory for the United States, and the 1955 US quarter was minted to commemorate this event.

1955 US Quarter

The 1955 US quarter is a significant coin with various notable aspects:

• Obverse Design: George Washington bust
• Reverse Design: Eagle landing on the Moon
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Mintage: 564,219,500
• Value: Higher than face value due to silver content
• Rarity: Common in circulated condition, rare in uncirculated condition

These aspects contribute to the 1955 US quarter's importance and appeal among collectors. Its unique reverse design commemorates the launch of the Explorer 1 satellite, marking a milestone in the space race. The silver content gives it intrinsic value beyond its face value. While common in circulated condition, uncirculated specimens are scarce, making them highly sought after by numismatists.

1. Obverse Design

The obverse design of the 1955 US quarter features a bust of George Washington, the first president of the United States. This design was created by Frank Gasparro and has been used on all quarters minted since 1932. The bust of Washington is shown facing right, with his hair tied back in a queue. He is wearing a military uniform and a laurel wreath, which symbolizes victory and honor.

• Historical Significance: The use of George Washington's bust on the quarter reflects the historical importance of the first president and his role in the founding of the United States.
• Artistic Merit: Gasparro's design is considered to be one of the most beautiful and iconic coin designs in US history. The bust of Washington is rendered in a realistic and lifelike manner, capturing his strength and determination.
• Symbolism: The laurel wreath worn by Washington symbolizes victory and honor, which are fitting attributes for the first president of the United States.
• Continuity: The use of the same obverse design on all quarters since 1932 has created a sense of continuity and familiarity among US coinage.

In conclusion, the obverse design of the 1955 US quarter is significant for its historical, artistic, and symbolic value. The bust of George Washington serves as a reminder of the founding of the United States and the ideals that the country was founded upon.

2. Reverse Design

The reverse design of the 1955 US quarter features an eagle landing on the Moon, commemorating the successful launch of the Explorer 1 satellite, the first American satellite to orbit the Earth. This design was created by Frank Gasparro and is considered to be one of the most iconic and recognizable coin designs in US history.

• Historical Context: The eagle landing on the Moon design reflects the excitement and optimism of the space race during the 1950s. The launch of the Explorer 1 satellite was a major milestone in the space race, and the 1955 US quarter was minted to commemorate this event.
• Symbolism: The eagle is a symbol of strength, courage, and determination, and its landing on the Moon represents the United States' triumph in the space race. The eagle is also a symbol of the United States itself, and its landing on the Moon can be seen as a metaphor for the country's growing power and influence in the world.
• Artistic Merit: Gasparro's design is considered to be a masterpiece of coin design. The eagle is rendered in a realistic and lifelike manner, and the overall design is both beautiful and inspiring.
• Rarity: The 1955 US quarter with the eagle landing on the Moon design is relatively common in circulated condition, but uncirculated specimens are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

In conclusion, the reverse design of the 1955 US quarter is significant for its historical, symbolic, and artistic value. The eagle landing on the Moon design commemorates a major milestone in the space race and serves as a reminder of the United States' growing power and influence in the world.

3. Composition

The 1955 US quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin a number of unique properties:

• Durability: Silver is a very durable metal, and the addition of copper makes the coin even more resistant to wear and tear. This means that 1955 US quarters are often found in good condition, even after decades of circulation.
• Value: Silver is a valuable metal, and the 1955 US quarter contains a significant amount of silver. This gives the coin a higher melt value than its face value, making it a popular choice for investors and collectors.
• Conductivity: Silver is a good conductor of electricity, and the addition of copper makes the 1955 US quarter even more conductive. This makes the coin ideal for use in electrical applications.
• Appearance: Silver has a beautiful white luster, and the addition of copper gives the 1955 US quarter a warm, golden hue. This makes the coin visually appealing and highly sought after by collectors.

In conclusion, the composition of the 1955 US quarter gives the coin a number of unique properties that make it valuable and desirable. The coin's durability, value, conductivity, and appearance make it a popular choice for investors, collectors, and those who appreciate beautiful and historic objects.

4. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of pieces produced by a mint during a specific period. In the case of the 1955 US quarter, the mintage was 564,219,500. This number provides valuable insights into the coin's rarity, value, and historical context.

• Rarity: The mintage of a coin can indicate its rarity. A coin with a low mintage is generally considered to be rarer than a coin with a high mintage. The 1955 US quarter has a relatively high mintage, which means that it is not particularly rare in circulated condition. However, uncirculated specimens are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
• Value: The mintage of a coin can also affect its value. Coins with a low mintage are often more valuable than coins with a high mintage. This is because low-mintage coins are rarer and more difficult to obtain. The 1955 US quarter is worth more than its face value due to its silver content, and uncirculated specimens can command a significant premium.
• Historical context: The mintage of a coin can provide insights into the economic and political climate of the time. A high mintage may indicate a period of economic prosperity, while a low mintage may indicate a period of economic hardship. The high mintage of the 1955 US quarter suggests that the United States economy was strong in 1955.
• Collector interest: The mintage of a coin can also influence its popularity among collectors. Coins with a low mintage are often more popular with collectors than coins with a high mintage. This is because low-mintage coins are more challenging to find and acquire. The 1955 US quarter is a popular coin among collectors due to its historical significance and its relatively low mintage in uncirculated condition.

In conclusion, the mintage of the 1955 US quarter provides valuable insights into the coin's rarity, value, historical context, and collector interest. The high mintage of the coin indicates that it is not particularly rare in circulated condition, but uncirculated specimens are scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The coin's silver content also gives it value beyond its face value. The high mintage of the 1955 US quarter suggests that the United States economy was strong in 1955, and the coin's popularity among collectors is a testament to its historical significance and its relatively low mintage in uncirculated condition.

5. Value

The value of the 1955 US quarter is higher than its face value due to its silver content. Silver is a valuable metal, and the 1955 US quarter contains a significant amount of silver (90%). This gives the coin a melt value that is higher than its face value. As a result, 1955 US quarters are often sold for their silver content rather than their face value.

The silver content of the 1955 US quarter also makes it a popular choice for investors. Silver is a relatively safe investment, and the 1955 US quarter is a convenient way to own silver. Investors can buy 1955 US quarters in bulk and store them for future sale. If the price of silver rises, the value of the 1955 US quarter will also rise.

The value of the 1955 US quarter is not just limited to its silver content. The coin is also a popular collector's item. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for 1955 US quarters in good condition. The value of a 1955 US quarter can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and other factors.

In conclusion, the value of the 1955 US quarter is higher than its face value due to its silver content. The coin is a popular choice for investors and collectors. The value of the 1955 US quarter can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and other factors.

6. Rarity

The rarity of the 1955 US quarter varies depending on its condition. Circulated coins, which have been in everyday use, are common and can be easily found. Uncirculated coins, which have not been in circulation and are in mint condition, are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

• Factors affecting rarity: The rarity of the 1955 US quarter in uncirculated condition is due to several factors, including its age, popularity, and mintage. The coin was minted over 65 years ago, and many of the uncirculated specimens have been lost or damaged over time. Additionally, the 1955 US quarter is a popular coin among collectors, which has increased the demand for uncirculated specimens.
• Value of uncirculated coins: Uncirculated 1955 US quarters are worth significantly more than circulated coins. The value of an uncirculated coin can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and other factors. Some uncirculated 1955 US quarters can be worth hundreds of dollars or more.
• Where to find uncirculated coins: Uncirculated 1955 US quarters can be found in a variety of places, including coin shops, online auctions, and estate sales. It is important to do your research and buy from a reputable dealer when purchasing an uncirculated coin.

In conclusion, the rarity of the 1955 US quarter in uncirculated condition is due to a combination of factors, including its age, popularity, and mintage. Uncirculated coins are worth significantly more than circulated coins and can be found in a variety of places. When purchasing an uncirculated coin, it is important to do your research and buy from a reputable dealer.

FAQs about the 1955 US Quarter

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the 1955 US quarter, offering valuable insights for collectors, investors, and anyone interested in numismatics.

Question 1: What is the composition of the 1955 US quarter?

Answer: The 1955 US quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, making it a valuable coin due to its silver content.

Question 2: What is the significance of the reverse design on the 1955 US quarter?

Answer: The reverse design features an eagle landing on the Moon, commemorating the launch of the Explorer 1 satellite, a major milestone in the space race.

Question 3: How many 1955 US quarters were minted?

Answer: The mintage of the 1955 US quarter was 564,219,500, indicating a relatively high production volume.

Question 4: Are 1955 US quarters rare?

Answer: Circulated 1955 US quarters are common, but uncirculated specimens are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

Question 5: What factors affect the value of 1955 US quarters?

Answer: The value of 1955 US quarters is influenced by factors such as their condition, rarity, and silver content, with uncirculated coins commanding higher premiums.

In summary, the 1955 US quarter stands as a significant numismatic item with historical, artistic, and financial value. Its unique design, silver composition, and mintage details contribute to its enduring appeal among collectors and investors.

Transition to the next article section: Exploring the Historical Context and Cultural Impact of the 1955 US Quarter

Conclusion

The 1955 US quarter stands as a testament to America's rich history, technological advancements, and cultural heritage. Its iconic reverse design, featuring an eagle landing on the Moon, commemorates the nation's triumph in the space race. The coin's composition, 90% silver and 10% copper, not only adds to its intrinsic value but also symbolizes the country's economic strength during that era.

While common in circulated condition, the rarity of uncirculated 1955 US quarters underscores their significance among collectors. Their value transcends mere monetary worth, embodying a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American history. The enduring appeal of these coins lies in their ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia, pride, and fascination with the nation's past.

As we reflect on the legacy of the 1955 US quarter, we recognize its role as a symbol of American ingenuity, exploration, and progress. It serves as a reminder of the nation's unwavering pursuit of scientific achievements and its ability to inspire generations with its unwavering spirit of innovation.