This coin, the 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter stands out as a remarkable one-year type of the Washington Quarter, issued by the United States Mint.
As a matter of fact, this specimen served as a transitional piece between two significant multi-year, multi-coin programs—the conclusion of the America the Beautiful Quarters and the introduction of the American Women Quarters in January 2022.
When was this coin unveiled?
Unveiled on Christmas Day 2020, the design of this quarter commemorates the 244th anniversary of George Washington’s daring crossing of the icy Delaware River in 1776. This pivotal moment in history, where Washington surprised the Hessian mercenaries stationed in Trenton, New Jersey, is beautifully captured on the coin.
The reverse of the quarter dollar was skillfully designed by Benjamin Sowards, an Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer for the Mint. The detailed and evocative depiction was then sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso, bringing the scene to life with exceptional craftsmanship.
On the obverse, John Flanagan’s iconic effigy of George Washington makes a return. This classic portrayal of Washington was carefully restored, sharpened, and resized, a process initially undertaken for the 50 State Quarters Program over two decades ago.
The 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter is not just a coin; it’s a piece of history and artistry, making it a cherished addition to any collection.
In 2021, Denver minted over one billion business strike Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarters, exceeding the Philadelphia issue by about 170 million pieces.
How Much Is the 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter Worth?
Given the high mintage and common availability of the 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter in Mint State, major numismatic firms typically don’t prioritize them unless they are part of a set or collection. For the most accurate and up-to-date market value, PCGS is a reliable resource, but always take online purchases from unknown websites with a pinch of salt just in case.
Current Market Values
As of September 2024, NGC reports 17 grading events for this quarter dollar in MS69 condition. One of these quarter dollars sold on eBay for $400 in August. Additionally, a PCGS MS67 sold for $40, whereas NGC and PCGS MS66 coins fetched around $30 each.
Interestingly, a PCGS MS65 sold for $2.25, and an MS64 went for $20. The wide range in prices may seem puzzling, but it highlights the variability in the coin market.
Raw quarters have typically sold for between $1 and $2, which is standard for uncertified coins of contemporary vintage in collectible condition.
2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter
Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
For those interested in the market data and noteworthy specimens of the 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter, here’s a detailed look:
- Top Population: PCGS MS69 (2, as of 9/2024), NGC MS69 (17, as of 9/2024), and CAC N/A (0:0 stickered:graded, as of 9/2024).
- NGC MS69: eBay, August 9, 2024, Lot 276569833095 – $400.
- PCGS MS67: eBay, August 9, 2024, Lot 276569829880 – $40. First Day of Issue label.
- NGC MS66: eBay, September 19, 2024, Lot 353719105715 – $29.95.
- PCGS MS65 #43305849: eBay, September 9, 2024, Lot 156359016645 – $2.25.
- PCGS MS65 #44376577: eBay, August 27, 2024, Lot 334497199274 – $20.
Design Overview
Obverse
The obverse of the 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter features John Flanagan’s iconic effigy of President George Washington, facing left. Encased within a flat rim, the word LIBERTY is inscribed clockwise at the top, and the date 2021 is positioned at the bottom.
The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is displayed in two lines to the lower left, just in front of Washington’s face. The P mintmark for Philadelphia is located at the end of Washington’s ponytail, while Flanagan’s initials JF are situated on the right side at the base of Washington’s neck.
Reverse:
General Washington faces right, saber drawn, as he commands his troops through the overnight crossing of the icy Delaware River. In the background, a boat filled with Continental Army soldiers can be seen.
The coin features inscriptions such as CROSSING THE DELAWARE, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR.
Edge:
The edge of the 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter is reeded.
Designers
American sculptor John Flanagan is renowned in the fields of medallic and metal arts, making him one of the finest artists of his generation. He is particularly famous among coin collectors for his iconic Washington Quarter design.
AIP artist Benjamin Sowards studied at Brigham Young University and Laguna College of Art and Design. Known for his portraiture and fully painted book illustrations, Sowards has contributed to the Leven Thumps series of young adult fantasy novels. Since 2001, he has served as the Director of the Illustration Program at Southern Utah University.
