What is a 1948 Silver Quarter?
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a United States coin struck in 1948 and composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It was the last year that quarters were minted with silver.
The coin features the likeness of George Washington on the obverse (heads) and an eagle landing on the moon on the reverse (tails). The 1948 Silver Quarter was designed by John Flanagan and sculpted by Frank Gasparro.
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a popular coin among collectors due to its silver content, historical significance, and relatively low mintage. Today, the 1948 Silver Quarter is worth significantly more than its face value, with some examples selling for hundreds of dollars.
Specifications of 1948 Silver Quarter:
| Weight: | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter: | 24.3 mm |
| Thickness: | 1.75 mm |
| Composition: | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Mintage: | 183,495,000 |
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a valuable and historic coin that is popular among collectors. Its silver content, historical significance, and relatively low mintage make it a desirable coin to own.
1948 Silver Quarter
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a valuable and historic coin that is popular among collectors. Its silver content, historical significance, and relatively low mintage make it a desirable coin to own. Here are 7 key aspects of the 1948 Silver Quarter:
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Mintage: 183,495,000
- Designer: John Flanagan
- Sculptor: Frank Gasparro
The 1948 Silver Quarter is the last year that quarters were minted with silver. This makes it a significant coin in the history of American coinage. The coin is also popular among collectors because of its relatively low mintage. Just over 183 million 1948 Silver Quarters were minted, compared to over 400 million quarters in 1947 and 1949.The 1948 Silver Quarter is a valuable coin, with examples selling for hundreds of dollars. The value of the coin depends on its condition and rarity. Coins that are in good condition and have a low mintage are worth more than coins that are in poor condition and have a high mintage.
1. Composition
The composition of the 1948 Silver Quarter is 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin its distinctive silver color and luster. The silver content also makes the coin more valuable than clad quarters, which are composed of copper and nickel. The copper in the coin helps to strengthen it and make it more durable.
The use of silver in the 1948 Silver Quarter was a common practice at the time. Prior to 1965, all US quarters were made of silver. However, the rising price of silver in the 1960s led to the discontinuation of silver coinage. Today, the 1948 Silver Quarter is one of the last remaining silver coins in circulation.
The composition of the 1948 Silver Quarter is an important factor in its value and desirability. Silver coins are generally worth more than clad coins, and the 1948 Silver Quarter is no exception. The coin's silver content also makes it a popular choice for collectors.
2. Weight
The weight of a 1948 silver quarter is 5.67 grams. This is significant because it is one of the specifications that distinguishes a 1948 silver quarter from other quarters. The weight of a coin is determined by its composition and size. The 1948 silver quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives the coin a higher density than clad quarters, which are composed of copper and nickel. The 1948 silver quarter is also slightly larger than clad quarters. This combination of factors gives the 1948 silver quarter its distinctive weight.
The weight of a 1948 silver quarter is important for several reasons. First, it helps to determine the coin's value. Silver coins are generally worth more than clad coins, and the weight of the coin can be used to determine its silver content. Second, the weight of a coin can be used to identify counterfeits. Counterfeit coins are often made of different materials than genuine coins, and this can affect their weight. By weighing a coin, it is possible to determine if it is genuine or counterfeit.
The weight of a 1948 silver quarter is a key characteristic of the coin. It is important for determining the coin's value and authenticity. Collectors and investors should be aware of the weight of a 1948 silver quarter when buying or selling coins.
3. Diameter
The diameter of a 1948 silver quarter is 24.3 mm. This measurement is significant because it is one of the specifications that distinguishes a 1948 silver quarter from other quarters. 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 determined by its size and shape.
- Facet 1: Size
The diameter of a 1948 silver quarter is slightly larger than the diameter of a clad quarter. This is because silver is a less dense metal than copper and nickel, the metals used in clad quarters. As a result, a silver quarter must be slightly larger in order to have the same weight as a clad quarter.
- Facet 2: Shape
The diameter of a 1948 silver quarter is also affected by the shape of the coin. Quarters are round, but they are not perfectly round. The edges of a quarter are slightly raised, which gives the coin a slightly scalloped appearance. This scalloping is known as reeding, and it helps to protect the coin from wear and tear.
- Facet 3: Value
The diameter of a 1948 silver quarter can also affect the coin's value. Silver quarters are generally worth more than clad quarters, and the diameter of the coin can be used to determine its silver content. The larger the diameter of the coin, the more silver it contains.
- Facet 4: Authenticity
The diameter of a 1948 silver quarter can also be used to identify counterfeits. Counterfeit coins are often made of different materials than genuine coins, and this can affect their diameter. By measuring the diameter of a coin, it is possible to determine if it is genuine or counterfeit.
The diameter of a 1948 silver quarter is a key characteristic of the coin. It is important for determining the coin's size, shape, value, and authenticity. Collectors and investors should be aware of the diameter of a 1948 silver quarter when buying or selling coins.
4. Thickness
The thickness of a 1948 silver quarter is 1.75 mm. This measurement is significant because it is one of the specifications that distinguishes a 1948 silver quarter from other quarters. The thickness of a coin is the distance from one side of the coin to the other, measured at the thickest point. The thickness of a coin is determined by its composition, size, and shape.
The thickness of a 1948 silver quarter is important for several reasons. First, it helps to determine the coin's value. Silver quarters are generally worth more than clad quarters, and the thickness of the coin can be used to determine its silver content. The thicker the coin, the more silver it contains.
Second, the thickness of a coin can be used to identify counterfeits. Counterfeit coins are often made of different materials than genuine coins, and this can affect their thickness. By measuring the thickness of a coin, it is possible to determine if it is genuine or counterfeit.
The thickness of a 1948 silver quarter is a key characteristic of the coin. It is important for determining the coin's value and authenticity. Collectors and investors should be aware of the thickness of a 1948 silver quarter when buying or selling coins.
5. Mintage
The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that were produced by a mint in a given year. The mintage of a coin can be an important factor in determining its value and rarity. The mintage of the 1948 silver quarter was 183,495,000. This means that 183,495,000 silver quarters were produced in 1948.
The mintage of the 1948 silver quarter is relatively low compared to other quarters. For example, the mintage of the 1947 silver quarter was 214,532,000 and the mintage of the 1949 silver quarter was 212,246,000. This makes the 1948 silver quarter more valuable and desirable to collectors.
The mintage of a coin can also be used to identify counterfeits. Counterfeit coins are often made of different materials than genuine coins, and this can affect their weight and thickness. By measuring the weight and thickness of a coin, it is possible to determine if it is genuine or counterfeit.
The mintage of the 1948 silver quarter is an important factor in determining its value, rarity, and authenticity. Collectors and investors should be aware of the mintage of a coin when buying or selling coins.
6. Designer
John Flanagan was a renowned American sculptor and coin designer. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1865. Flanagan studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City and the cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He is best known for his work on United States coinage, including the 1948 silver quarter.
- Facet 1: Flanagan's Artistic Style
Flanagan's artistic style was characterized by its realism and attention to detail. He was particularly skilled at creating portraits that captured the character and personality of his subjects. This skill is evident in the portrait of George Washington on the obverse of the 1948 silver quarter. - Facet 2: Flanagan's Work on United States Coinage
Flanagan designed a number of coins for the United States Mint, including the Lincoln penny, the Buffalo nickel, and the 1948 silver quarter. His designs are known for their beauty and timeless appeal. The 1948 silver quarter is one of Flanagan's most popular designs, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. - Facet 3: Flanagan's Legacy
Flanagan's work has had a lasting impact on American coinage. His designs are still used on coins today, and they are considered to be among the finest examples of American art. Flanagan's legacy is one of artistic excellence and innovation. He is considered to be one of the greatest coin designers in American history.
John Flanagan's work on the 1948 silver quarter is a testament to his skill as a sculptor and coin designer. The coin is a beautiful and timeless work of art that has become one of the most popular coins in American history.
7. Sculptor
Frank Gasparro was an Italian-American sculptor and engraver. He was born in Italy in 1889 and immigrated to the United States in 1909. Gasparro studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City and the cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He is best known for his work on United States coinage, including the 1948 silver quarter.
Gasparro's work on the 1948 silver quarter is a testament to his skill as a sculptor and engraver. The coin's reverse design features a majestic eagle landing on the moon. The eagle is depicted in mid-flight, with its wings spread wide. The moon is shown in the background, with its craters and mountains. The design is both beautiful and symbolic. It represents the United States' growing interest in space exploration and its ambition to reach for the stars.
The 1948 silver quarter is one of Gasparro's most famous works. It is a beautiful and timeless coin that has become one of the most popular coins in American history. The coin is a tribute to Gasparro's skill as an artist and his love for his adopted country.
FAQs about the 1948 Silver Quarter
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a popular and valuable coin among collectors. Here are some frequently asked questions about this coin:
Question 1: What is the composition of the 1948 Silver Quarter?The 1948 Silver Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Question 2: What is the weight of the 1948 Silver Quarter?The 1948 Silver Quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
Question 3: What is the diameter of the 1948 Silver Quarter?The 1948 Silver Quarter has a diameter of 24.3 mm.
Question 4: What is the thickness of the 1948 Silver Quarter?The 1948 Silver Quarter has a thickness of 1.75 mm.
Question 5: How many 1948 Silver Quarters were minted?183,495,000 1948 Silver Quarters were minted.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 1948 Silver Quarter. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a coin dealer or expert.
Key Takeaways:
- The 1948 Silver Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- The 1948 Silver Quarter weighs 5.67 grams.
- The 1948 Silver Quarter has a diameter of 24.3 mm.
- The 1948 Silver Quarter has a thickness of 1.75 mm.
- 183,495,000 1948 Silver Quarters were minted.
Transition to the next article section:
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a valuable and popular coin among collectors. If you are interested in learning more about this coin, please continue reading the article.
Conclusion
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a valuable and popular coin among collectors. It is the last year that quarters were minted with silver, and its silver content makes it more valuable than clad quarters. The coin is also popular among collectors because of its relatively low mintage. Just over 183 million 1948 Silver Quarters were minted, compared to over 400 million quarters in 1947 and 1949.
The 1948 Silver Quarter is a piece of American history. It was minted during a time of great change in the United States, and it reflects the country's growing interest in space exploration. The coin is a beautiful and timeless work of art, and it is a valuable addition to any collection.
