1937-D 25C MS67 Certification #25374939, PCGS #5804

Designer: John Flanagan Content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper Weight: 6.30 grams Diameter: 14.30 millimeters Edge: Reeded Mint: Denver Production Strikes: 7,189,600 General Description: In observance of the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, the government decided to redesign the quarter dollar to depict the image of our first president. A lively competition ensued, and picked from this was a proposal of John Flanagan, a New York sculptor. The obverse of the Washington quarter dollar shows the head of Washington, modeled after a bust by Houdon, facing left, with LIBERTY above, IN GOD WE TRUST to the left, and the date below. The reverse shows a modernistic perched eagle, with a wreath below and E PLURIBUS UNUM above. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR inscriptions are at the borders. In silver alloy the type was minted continuously from 1932 to 1964, with the exception of 1933. (Source: Bowers, Q. David, “United States Coins by Design Types - An Action Guide for the Collector and Investor” Washington Quarter Dollars were struck for circulation at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Proof versions were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint. Key dates in the series include the 1932-D and S, plus the 1936-D. Major varieties include Heavy, Medium, and Light Mottos of 1934, several Doubled Die Obverses, and some Over-Mintmark varieties (click on the "Date, MM, and Major Variety" tab to see a complete listing). In circulated condition, this series is easy to complete and relatively reasonable in price. Most of the coins are directly affected by the price of silver, so values fluctuate up and down based on the current silver price. Whenever the silver price becomes excessive, most of the coins lose their collector premium, and millions have been melted down over the years for their silver content. In Uncirculated condition, several dates, including the aforementioned key dates, become very valuable. Numerous dates are excessively rare in top grades even though they are common in lower grades. In mint state condition, the 1937-D is the second most common branch mint Washington quarter of the 1930s after the 1939-D. In the early 1970s, this issue was priced very modestly, barely above the level of the Philadelphia issues. But several dealers recognized this issue as being more rare than the price and the Mid-1970s saw this issue being touted and promoted in price. Today, it has the recognition it deserves, i.e. it's not common in Gem condition, but it's certainly not a rarity. Exemplar Notes: Rich frosty luster and virtually untoned surfaces provide this superb gem with strong visual appeal. CAC certified. Acquired via Heritage Auction, 11/2013.

David Hall

In mint state condition, the 1937-D is the second most common branch mint Washington quarter of the 1930s after the the 1939-D. In the early 1970s, this issue was priced very modestly, barely above the level of the Philadelphia issues. But several dealers recognized this issue as being more rare than the price and the Mid-1970s saw this issue being touted and promoted in price. Today, it has the recognition it deserves, i.e. it's not common in Gem condition, but it's certainly not a rarity.

Most mint state 1937-Ds are well struck and the typical example is white and frosty. This issue was available by the original roll throughout the 1970s. Superb Gems do exist and while not comon, can be found with just a little effort.