The 1940-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in heavily worn condition to well over $200 in high-grade mint state, with some exceptional examples fetching even more at major auctions. If you found one of these coins in an old collection, a drawer, or a jar of change, you may be sitting on something genuinely interesting — and potentially valuable.
What Makes the 1940-S Quarter Special
The 1940-S Washington Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is indicated by the small “S” mint mark you’ll find on the reverse side of the coin, just above the “QUARTER DOLLAR” inscription. San Francisco was known for producing well-struck coins, and many 1940-S quarters came out with sharp details and attractive luster.
In 1940, the United States was still emerging from the Great Depression, and coin production was ramping back up. The San Francisco Mint produced over 8 million of these quarters that year — not a rare coin by any stretch, but certainly one that has aged beautifully in high grades.
If you’re not sure what mint mark you’re looking at or need help identifying a coin you found, a free coin identifier app can walk you through the details quickly without needing to visit a coin shop.
How Much Is a 1940-S Washington Quarter Worth?
The value of your 1940-S quarter depends almost entirely on its condition, also called its “grade” in coin collecting circles. A coin that has been circulated for years will show wear on the high points — Washington’s cheek, his hair above the ear, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse.
Here’s a general breakdown of 1940-S Washington Quarter values based on grade:
| Grade / Condition | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, major details visible | $6 – $8 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, some details clear | $8 – $12 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $14 – $22 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight wear, most luster remains | $25 – $40 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, some bag marks | $55 – $90 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Gem uncirculated, sharp strike | $120 – $220+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing data, you can check the 1940-S Washington Quarter price history in mint state grades on CoinHix, which tracks real auction results over time.
How to Check the Condition of Your Coin
Grading a coin at home doesn’t require expert training — it just takes a careful eye and good lighting. Hold the coin at an angle under a lamp and look at the highest points of the design.
On the obverse (front), check Washington’s hair above the ear and his cheekbone. On the reverse (back), look at the eagle’s breast and the tops of the wings. If these areas look flat or shiny-smooth from rubbing, the coin has circulated and will grade somewhere in the Good to Extremely Fine range.
If the coin still shows its original luster — that soft, cartwheel-like shine when you tilt it — and has no visible wear, you may have an uncirculated example worth significantly more.
CoinHix is a great tool to compare your coin’s appearance to graded reference photos, giving you a realistic sense of what grade — and what value — your coin might fall into.
Silver Content and Melt Value
One thing many people overlook is that Washington Quarters minted before 1965 are made of 90% silver. The 1940-S quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
At current silver spot prices (which fluctuate daily), the melt value of a 1940-S Washington Quarter typically ranges between $4.50 and $5.50 or more depending on the market. This means even a heavily worn coin has real intrinsic value beyond its face value of 25 cents.
This is important to keep in mind: even if your coin isn’t in great shape, it’s still made of silver and worth holding onto — or at least selling for its metal content rather than spending it.
You can get a full breakdown of the 1940 Washington Quarter’s value by condition and mint mark to see how your specific coin compares across all three mint locations from that year.
Should You Get It Graded or Sell It?
If your 1940-S quarter appears to be in mint state condition — no wear, strong luster, sharp details — it may be worth having it professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC. A certified MS-65 or higher coin can command a significant premium over raw, ungraded examples.
For most circulated coins, though, professional grading fees won’t make financial sense. In those cases, you’re better off using CoinHix or another reliable pricing tool to estimate value, then selling through eBay, a local coin dealer, or a coin show.
Don’t forget to photograph both sides of the coin in good lighting before selling — buyers always pay more when they can clearly see the coin’s condition.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1940-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: Not particularly — over 8 million were struck. However, finding one in high mint state grades (MS-65 and above) is uncommon, and those pieces can be quite valuable to collectors.
Q: How do I know if my quarter is the 1940-S and not another mint?
A: Look at the reverse of the coin just above the “QUARTER DOLLAR” text. If you see a small “S,” it was made in San Francisco. No letter means Philadelphia, and a “D” means Denver.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1940-S Washington Quarter?
A: eBay is a popular option for reaching collectors nationwide. Local coin dealers offer quick cash but typically pay below market value. For higher-grade coins, major auction houses may get you the best price. Always check current values on CoinHix before selling so you know what your coin is actually worth.
