Washington Silver (1932 – 1964) - The Washington quarter was originally intended to be a one year issue commemorating the birth of George Washington. Several contests were held by the Commission of Fine Arts in conjunction with the Treasury and the Washington Bicentennial Commission. The winner was supposed to be awarded the rights to design both the quarter and medal for the occasion. After the commissions chose Laura Gardin Fraser, the Secretary of the Treasury controversially chose John Flannigan’s work. Flannigan’s design has proven long lasting and the quarter was produced for 32 years in 90% silver. When the cross over to clad coinages occurred in the mid-sixties, his design prevailed and continued in use until 1999. His reverse was exchanged for the bicentennial commemorative reverse of 1975-1976. In 1999, the bust portrait was reduced and the reverse has alternating commemorative reverse motifs.
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