The 1995 Quarter: A Comprehensive Guide

The 1995 quarter, officially known as the Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter, is a commemorative coin minted by the United States Mint to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. This momentous event took place on December 25-26, 1776, and played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War.

Characteristics of the 1995 Quarter

• Obverse: Depicts a profile of George Washington, facing left. The inscription surrounding the portrait reads "LIBERTY" at the top and "IN GOD WE TRUST" at the bottom.
• Reverse: Features a depiction of Washington crossing the Delaware River, with soldiers rowing a boat amidst ice floes. The inscription above the scene reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," while the inscription below reads "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "1995."
• Composition: The 1995 quarter is composed of clad, an alloy of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
• Weight: 5.67 grams
• Diameter: 24.26 millimeters
• Thickness: 1.75 millimeters

Mintage and Distribution

The 1995 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter was minted at three facilities:

• Philadelphia Mint (coinage mark: P)
• Denver Mint (coinage mark: D)
• San Francisco Mint (coinage mark: S)

The following table shows the mintage figures for each facility:

Total Mintage: 943,537,605

The regular strikes were released into general circulation, while the proof strikes were sold to collectors.

Varieties and Errors

There are several known varieties and errors of the 1995 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter, including:

• Doubled Die Reverse: A variety with a doubled impression of the reverse design.
• Inverted Obverse: An error where the obverse design is rotated 180 degrees relative to the reverse design.
• Mule: An error where the obverse design of the 1995 quarter is paired with the reverse design of another coin, such as the 1995 Sacagawea Dollar.

Value and Collectibility

The value of a 1995 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter varies depending on its condition, variety, and rarity.

• Circulated: Common examples in good condition are worth face value (25 cents).
• Uncirculated: Mint State examples can range in value from $1 to $10, depending on the grade.
• Proof: Proof strikes are more valuable than regular strikes and can sell for $10 to $50 or more, depending on the grade.

Certain varieties and errors can command even higher premiums. For example, a 1995 Doubled Die Reverse quarter can sell for hundreds of dollars.

Stories and Lessons Learned

The 1995 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter tells a compelling story about a pivotal moment in American history. The following stories illustrate the significance of this event:

Story 1:

Washington's Resolve: Despite facing overwhelming odds, George Washington refused to give up. His determination and perseverance inspired his troops to cross the icy Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton.

Lesson Learned: Never underestimate the power of tenacity and resolve.

Story 2:

The Turning Point of the War: Washington's crossing of the Delaware River marked a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. The victory at Trenton boosted the morale of the Continental Army and gave hope to the American people.

Lesson Learned: Small victories can have a profound impact on the course of history.

Story 3:

The Importance of Leadership: George Washington's leadership was instrumental in the success of the crossing. His ability to motivate and inspire his troops played a crucial role in the outcome of the battle.

Lesson Learned: Strong leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving goals.

Effective Strategies for Collecting 1995 Quarters

• Check your pocket change: Many 1995 quarters are still in circulation, so it's worth checking your pocket change for valuable varieties and errors.
• Attend coin shows: Coin shows are a great place to find rare and valuable coins, including the 1995 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter.
• Join a coin club: Coin clubs offer a wealth of resources for coin collectors, including information about varieties, errors, and values.
• Use online resources: There are many helpful online resources available for collectors, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Tips and Tricks for Identifying Valuable Quarters

• Examine the coin closely: Look for any signs of doubling or other errors.
• Check the edges of the coin: Errors such as clipped planchets or misaligned dies can affect the edges of the coin.
• Use a magnifying glass: A magnifying glass can help you see small details that might indicate a valuable variety or error.
• Consult reference materials: There are many reference books and online resources available to help you identify valuable quarters.

Pros and Cons of Collecting 1995 Quarters

Pros:

• Historical significance: The 1995 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter commemorates a pivotal moment in American history.
• Variety and rarity: There are several known varieties and errors of the 1995 quarter, making it a challenge and pleasure to collect.
• Affordability: Regular strikes of the 1995 quarter are still affordable for most collectors.

Cons:

• Low intrinsic value: The 1995 quarter is made of clad, which has a low intrinsic value compared to precious metals.
• Proof strikes: Proof strikes are more expensive than regular strikes and can be difficult to find in high grades.
• Counterfeits: There are counterfeit 1995 quarters in circulation, so it's important to be cautious when buying from unknown sources.