In 2021, the U.S. Mint thrilled collectors with the surprise reintroduction of the iconic Washington quarter dollar – but this time featuring an exciting new reverse design showcasing General George Washington‘s famed crossing of the Delaware River on December 25-26, 1776. The classic 1932 portrait of Washington by John Flanagan was paired with a bold engraving of Washington leading his troops across the icy river in the dead of night prior to launching a surprise attack on Hessian forces during the Battle of Trenton in the American Revolution.
The dramatic new reverse design by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Michael Gaudioso captures the intensity and historical significance of the event, reinvigorating interest in the beloved Washington quarter series that had been on hiatus since 1998. For one year only in 2021, these special transitional Washington quarters were struck before the new American Women Quarters Program began in 2022.
With their limited single-year production run at three mints and the poignant Revolutionary War theme, the Washington Crossing the Delaware quarters became an instant sensation with collectors. The 2021 issue has already emerged as the undisputed key date to the long-running Washington quarter series, one of the most widely collected of all United States coins. Unsurprisingly, these quarters are now highly sought after, with exceptional examples realizing substantial premiums.
A Closer Look at the Design
The 2021 Washington quarter obverse continues the classic John Flanagan portrait of George Washington facing left, as introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the first president‘s birth. The iconic obverse design is paired with a bold, new reverse design by AIP artist Michael Gaudioso.
Gaudioso‘s reverse depicts a close-up, dynamic view of General Washington standing in the lead boat as he crosses the Delaware River with his Continental Army troops. Washington appears resolute as he leans forward into the wind, his cape billowing behind him. He reaches out with his right hand while holding a sword in his left, pointing ahead to the New Jersey shoreline.
Two soldiers row the boat through the choppy, ice-filled waters of the Delaware, their faces hidden by their tricorn hats. In the background, the viewer can see the other boats filled with soldiers crossing the river, their rifles held aloft. The design is bordered by a ring of stars, with inscriptions reading "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "QUARTER DOLLAR."
Gaudioso‘s design is a fitting tribute to the daring maneuver that changed the course of the Revolutionary War. With their surprising victory at the Battle of Trenton after crossing the Delaware, Washington and his troops reignited the fight for independence and proved that the Continental Army could defeat the mighty British forces.
Interestingly, Gaudioso‘s design draws upon several famous artistic works depicting the crossing. The most well-known is the 1851 oil painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by German-American artist Emanuel Leutze, which hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Gaudioso also studied the 1976 giant bronze statue of the same name at Washington Crossing State Park in Pennsylvania, sculpted by Frank Arena.
While differing in many details, all of these iconic works capture the enormity of the moment and Washington‘s heroic leadership in the face of adversity. Gaudioso‘s design translates the drama and significance of the crossing to the small canvas of a quarter dollar coin.
Mintages, Specifications, and Varieties
The 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware quarters were struck at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The P and D mints produced clad business strikes for circulation, while the S mint struck clad and silver proof coins for collectors.
Here are the mintages and specifications for each variety:
| Variety | Mintage | Composition | Diameter | Weight | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-P | 838400000 | Cu-Ni Clad | 24.3 mm | 5.67 g | Reeded |
| 2021-D | 865400000 | Cu-Ni Clad | 24.3 mm | 5.67 g | Reeded |
| 2021-S Clad Proof | 511192 | Cu-Ni Clad | 24.3 mm | 5.67 g | Reeded |
| 2021-S Silver Proof | 347825 | 99.9% Ag | 24.3 mm | 5.67 g | Reeded |
As usual, the Denver Mint produced the most quarters, but not by much – 865,400,000 vs. 838,400,000 from Philadelphia. Despite mintages exceeding 800 million each, collector interest in the one-year design has kept values for pristine examples high.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Mint struck a much more limited number of clad and 99.9% fine silver proofs expressly for collectors, making them the key varieties for the series. Only 511,192 clad proofs and 347,825 silver proofs were minted, instantly positioning them as the most desirable issues for registry sets.
Another factor contributing to the 2021 quarters‘ collectibility is that they were the final issue struck in the 56-year history of the original copper-nickel clad composition before a swap to the new 2022 99% copper alloy. Effectively, this makes them the last of their kind and a must-have for composition type set collectors.
Market Values and Auction Prices Realized
Although these quarters were minted recently, they have already generated tremendous excitement in the marketplace. Mint state and proof examples in top grades have realized remarkable prices in a very short period of time, indicating robust demand. Population reports show extremely limited numbers of coins certified in perfect MS/PR70 condition by PCGS and NGC so far.
Here are some of the most valuable Washington Crossing the Delaware quarters sold to date:
| Variety | Grade | Price Realized | Auction Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-P | PCGS MS68 | $2,777 | August 22, 2021 |
| 2021-D | NGC MS69 | $995 | July 25, 2021 |
| 2021-S Silver Proof | PCGS PR70DCAM | $900 | October 1, 2021 |
| 2021-S Clad Proof | PCGS PR70DCAM | $140 | September 20, 2021 |
With populations still extremely low at the top end and strong collector demand across the board, even gem Mint State examples grading MS65 to MS69 look like intriguing value plays at current levels. Savvy sellers are holding out for big premiums on finest-known and condition census pieces, as these seem virtually guaranteed to rise in value over time.
Notable Varieties and Errors
In addition to the regular issues, the 2021 Washington quarters have yielded a number of notable varieties and errors that are generating buzz with collectors. Chief among these is the so-called "Crown Die Chip" error, which manifests as a large, raised blob of metal jutting out from the top of Washington‘s head on the reverse, giving the appearance of a crown.
Die chips like this occur when a portion of the coining die breaks off during production, leaving a raised area of metal on the struck coin. Collectors prize die chips for their distinctive appearance and rarity. Several "Crown" quarters have traded hands so far, ranging in price from $119 for smaller chips to an astonishing $499 for a spectacular, large retained cud.
Another popular variety is the 2021-D Doubled Die Reverse, known by the doubling on the letters of "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Depending on the strength of the doubling, these have brought anywhere from $30 for a Minor DDR to $175 for a dramatic Class IV DDR. Other collectible varieties include die cracks, trail marker anomalies, and grease strike-throughs.
A number of additional impressive mint errors have surfaced in the series. Off-center strikes missing the edge lettering have proven quite desirable, like the 2021-P 25% Off-Center MS60 specimen that brought $200 at auction. Multi-struck in-collar pieces, misaligned dies, and bonded striking cap errors have also piqued collector interest.
Collecting Strategies and Insights
For a series with such a limited run, assembling a complete collection of 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware quarters is a surprisingly varied undertaking. Circulation strike enthusiasts will need one example each from the Philadelphia and Denver mints. Clad and 99.9% silver proofs from the San Francisco mint are a must-have for many collectors as well.
One straightforward approach is to acquire a 2021 uncirculated mint set from the U.S. Mint, which includes the P and D quarters along with cents, nickels, dimes, and half dollars. For those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, searching current pocket change and bank rolls for nice circulated specimens can be very rewarding and affordable.
Many hobbyists are captivated by the pursuit of top-graded examples for registry sets. Both PCGS and NGC maintain competitive registry categories for the 2021 quarters. Collectors vie for finest-known and condition census pieces to earn points and rank their sets against others. Given the extremely limited populations at the top grades, competition is fierce.
Die variety and error specialists can stay busy searching for the various cuds, chips, doubled dies, striking anomalies, and other unusual features known for the series. Attribution guides and online forums are great resources for studying the diagnostics of these pieces. Cherrypicking raw coins for errors takes patience and a keen eye but can pay off handsomely.
Across all the different collecting angles for 2021 quarters, a few grading and preservation pointers apply. Always look for attractive, problem-free coins with strong strikes, lustrous surfaces, and good eye appeal. Avoid pieces with heavy marks, planchet flaws, cleaning, or damage. For top-tier coins, certification by PCGS or NGC is a must for market acceptance and liquidity.
At present, gem and better 2021 quarters appear to have plenty of room for price appreciation based on their scarcity and high collector demand. Mint state and proof 69 and 70 grades could prove to be excellent stores of value over the long term. High-end varieties and spectacular errors may outperform the regular strikes if history is any guide.
As with all modern coins, patience is key. Resist the urge to overpay for the latest hot variety or population craze, and exercise discipline in acquiring coins at fair market prices. Take a long-term view and assemble the best set or collection you can while enjoying the journey. If the right coins are acquired and preserved, the profits should follow.
Series Context and Conclusions
The 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware quarters represent a new pinnacle in the long and storied Washington quarter dollar series, which spans from 1932 to the present. As the first new regular-issue design in decades and a one-year type coin to boot, the 2021 quarters have already achieved key date status and seem poised to remain perennial favorites with collectors.
Intriguingly, this is not the first time a Washington crossing design has appeared on a U.S. quarter. The 1999 New Jersey state quarter, part of the earlier 50 State Quarters program, also showcased a reverse motif inspired by Emanuel Leutze‘s painting of the crossing. However, the 1999 design is highly stylized and much less detailed than Gaudioso‘s 2021 engraving.
Another point of comparison is the reverse of the original Washington quarter design by John Flanagan, featuring a majestic eagle with wings outspread. While not thematic like the crossing design, the classic heraldic eagle motif remains beloved and iconic in its own right. One could argue that the 2021 quarter is the best of both worlds – the traditional Flanagan obverse paired with a bold, new reverse design.
The introduction of the American Women quarters program in 2022 means that the Washington Crossing the Delaware reverse was destined to endure for only a single year. In the annals of numismatic history, one-year type coins are perennial favorites for their combination of scarcity and novelty. The 2021 Washington quarters are no exception – they seem to have all the ingredients to remain a classic modern issue for generations to come.
As the hobby moves forward, it will be fascinating to see how the 2021 quarters continue to perform in the marketplace. Much like the determined General Washington and his troops braving the icy Delaware that fateful Christmas night, collectors who take the plunge on these coins may find themselves rewarded for their courage. Only time will tell, but the 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter dollar has already made an enormous splash!
