AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a circulating United States twenty-five cent piece, commonly known as a Washington Quarter, viewed from the reverse (tails) side. The coin features the classic eagle design by John Flanagan, which was the standard reverse from 1932 through 1998. The eagle is depicted with wings spread, perched upon a bundle of arrows with two olive branches beneath. The inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' are visible at the top, while 'QUARTER DOLLAR' is inscribed along the bottom edge. Physically, the coin appears to be a copper-nickel clad composition based on the surface color and wear patterns, likely minted after 1964. The condition shows significant circulation wear; the eagle's breast feathers are largely smoothed out, and the fine details of the olive branches and arrow fletching are diminished. There is a dark, localized oxidation or substance near the right wing and rim, suggesting exposure to moisture or environmental contaminants. The rim shows minor flattening and small nicks consistent with heavy pocket wear. Despite the surface grime and wear, the primary legends remain legible. It lacks the sharp luster of a mint-state coin, possessing a dull, grayish-matte patina indicative of a coin that has spent many years in general commerce.

I have conducted a visual examination of this United States Washington Quarter (reverse). My assessment identifies the coin as a standard copper-nickel clad circulation piece minted between 1965 and 1998. The coin exhibits 'Very Good' to 'Fine' condition grades, characterized by significant flattening of the eagle’s breast plumage, loss of detail in the wing feathers, and visible environmental toning or residue near the right wing. In the current numismatic market, post-1964 quarters without mint errors or exceptionally high-grade 'Mint State' designations lack any intrinsic metal value beyond face value or collector premium. Because this item shows heavy circulation wear and lacks a 'Silver' composition (pre-1965), it remains a common-date specimen. Demand is negligible for circulated clad quarters, as millions remain in active commerce. Note that while this visual inspection confirms standard design motifs and wear patterns consistent with a genuine US Mint strike, a definitive authentication requires weighing the coin to the milligram (standard 5.67g) and verifying the edge for the distinct copper core to rule out plated counterfeits or altered surfaces. Scientific testing like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) could confirm the specific alloy, but given the extremely high mintage and commonality of this specimen, such testing is not economically warranted. The value is strictly limited to its legal tender denomination.