The 1940-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in heavily worn condition to over $200 or more in higher mint state grades. If you just found one in an old jar or coin collection, you may be sitting on a nice little piece of American history — and possibly a coin worth far more than 25 cents.
What Makes the 1940-D Quarter Special
The 1940-D Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint, which is indicated by the small “D” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin, just to the right of the bow on the eagle’s tail feathers. In 1940, the Denver Mint produced around 2,797,600 quarters — a relatively modest mintage compared to the Philadelphia issue that year.
That lower production number is part of what gives this coin its extra appeal to collectors. It’s not the rarest coin in the Washington Quarter series, but it’s certainly not common in high grades either.
The coin features John Flanagan’s classic portrait of George Washington on the obverse, along with the familiar “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto and the date 1940. On the reverse, you’ll find a heraldic eagle flanked by olive and laurel branches. It’s a solid, well-designed coin that has stood the test of time.
If you’re just getting started with coin identification, a free coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm what you have before diving into value research.
1940-D Washington Quarter Value by Grade
Coin value is almost entirely dependent on condition — or “grade” in collector terms. A coin that looks like it’s been through 80 years of pocket change will sell for much less than one that looks nearly new.
Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1940-D Washington Quarter is worth across different grades:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $6 – $8 |
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Moderate wear, main features clear | $8 – $12 |
| F-12 (Fine) | Light to moderate even wear | $10 – $16 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points only | $20 – $35 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, some contact marks | $45 – $80 |
| MS-65 (Gem Mint State) | Bright luster, minimal marks | $150 – $250+ |
For the most up-to-date auction results and certified coin pricing, you can check out the latest 1940-D Washington Quarter MS grade price data to see what these coins are actually selling for right now.
How to Tell What Grade Your Coin Is
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough sense of your coin’s condition. Start by looking at the highest points of the design — Washington’s cheekbones and hair above the ear on the obverse, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse.
If those areas look flat and smooth, the coin has seen heavy circulation and is likely in Good to Fine grade. If you can still see crisp detail in the hair and feathers, you’re looking at a coin in the Extremely Fine range or better.
Uncirculated examples will have original mint luster — a kind of cartwheel shine that you can see when you tilt the coin under a light. These are the coins worth the most, and they’re the hardest to find after 80+ years.
CoinHix is a great tool for this step. The app lets you scan your coin and compare it against certified grade examples so you can get a realistic ballpark of where yours falls. It takes the guesswork out of grading, especially if you’re new to collecting.
Silver Content and Melt Value
One thing many people overlook is that pre-1965 Washington Quarters — including the 1940-D — are made of 90% silver. That means even a worn, low-grade coin has inherent metal value beyond its numismatic worth.
At current silver prices (hovering around $28–$30 per troy ounce as of recent months), each 1940-D Washington Quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of silver. That puts the base melt value at roughly $5 to $6, which is close to — and sometimes equal to — what a heavily worn example might bring from a coin dealer.
So even if your coin isn’t in the best shape, it still has real monetary value just from the silver alone. That’s worth knowing before you spend it as pocket change.
Where to Sell Your 1940-D Washington Quarter
If you’ve determined your coin is worth more than face value, your next question is probably how to sell it. You’ve got a few options depending on how much your coin is worth.
For lower-grade circulated examples in the $6–$20 range, local coin shops are usually the easiest route. They won’t pay full retail, but they’re fast and hassle-free.
For nicer coins — especially anything MS-63 or better — consider submitting to PCGS or NGC for professional grading first. A certified coin almost always sells for more, especially on eBay or Heritage Auctions.
You can also explore detailed 1940 quarter value information to understand pricing across different grades and sales venues before making your decision.
CoinHix also has a built-in marketplace feature that lets you connect with other collectors and buyers directly. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking to get fair value without going through a middleman.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my quarter is the 1940-D and not the 1940 Philadelphia issue?
A: Look on the reverse side of the coin, just to the right of the ribbon tied around the eagle’s tail feathers. If you see a small “D” mintmark there, it was struck in Denver. No mintmark means it came from Philadelphia.
Q: Is the 1940-D Washington Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in circulated grades, but it’s significantly scarcer than the Philadelphia issue. In high mint state grades (MS-65 and above), it becomes genuinely tough to find, and values rise sharply. Certified gems in MS-66 or MS-67 can sell for several hundred dollars or more.
Q: Can I use an app to find out how much my 1940-D quarter is worth?
A: Yes — CoinHix is one of the best options available right now. You can scan your coin, get an estimated grade, and see current market prices all in one place. It’s free to download and designed for both beginners and experienced collectors who want quick, reliable answers.
