2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter: A Collector’s Essential Guide

The 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter is a coin that links two major series: America the Beautiful quarters and the American Women quarters program.

The significance of this quarter for a coin enthusiast and collector is as follows:

• This will be the last transitional design before the American Women Quarters series
• Denver Mint produced an astonishing 865,400,000 pieces
• Beautiful details by Benjamin Sowards and Michael Gaudioso
• High-quality examples have sold for impressive prices at auctions

The design of the quarter depicts a pivotal moment in American history, making it a must-have for both experienced collectors and those new to coin collecting. Its historical significance, along with its status as a transitional issue, has created strong demand among collectors looking for pristine examples to add to their collections.

Without a doubt, the market is hungry for high-quality specimens because MS69 pieces sold in the area of $1,000 apiece, reflecting both interest in the history of this coin as well as its appeal as a contemporary collectible.

Understanding the Historical Context Behind the Design

A moment in history is the subject for the 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter. December 25-26, 1776 was when General George Washington led 2,400 troops of the Continental Army across the ice-choked Delaware River in a raging winter storm. That daring nighttime action was to be a turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

The Significance of the Crossing

It was midnight on Christmas Day when Washington launched a surprise attack on Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. This move forced the Hessian forces to retreat, was an overwhelming victory for the Americans, lifted the spirits of the soldiers, and demonstrated his singular military genius.

Symbolism of the Crossing

This crossing has come to represent American perseverance and resolve. The picture of Washington standing in the Durham boat, painted by Emanuel Leutze in his celebrated work of 1851, stands for:

• American bravery against adversity
• Military genius of strategy
• Birth of a nation’s fighting soul
• Leadership symbolizing and exemplifying the early American ideals

Impact on Washington’s Reputation

The success of this expedition solidified Washington’s reputation as a bold and capable commander, setting America up for future independence from British rule.

Examining the Design Features of the Quarter

The 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter has magnificent artwork on both sides and tells a separate section of American history.

Obverse Design

• John Flanagan’s historic portrait of George Washington occupies the obverse
• He is facing the left with his great characteristics as well as such a dignified expression
• Above is an inscription “LIBERTY”
• Curved to the left there is “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• Date is located on the right as well as “D” of mint

Reverse Design

• Ice floes visible in the Delaware River
• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves around the top
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” border the bottom
• “CROSSING THE DELAWARE” text is bolded

 The design aspects all come together to formulate a miniature piece of art that not only captures the leadership of Washington but also determination in his troops. The small, detailed engraving features the artistic capabilities of U.S. Mint craftsmen in modern times while continuing with traditional numismatic principles of design.

Specifications and Mintage Information You Should Know About

The 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter has distinct features that make it not at all similar to any other coin. Here are some key facts about it:

Physical Specifications:

• composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers bonded to pure copper core
• Weight: 5.67 grams
• Diameter: 24.26 mm
• Reeding
• Mint mark: D (Denver)

The composition retains the clad structure standard in modern U.S. quarters, supporting a coin with the strength needed for circulation while retaining its historic look. It has the aesthetic and practical function of making counterfeiting more difficult and providing a firm grip. For further details, you can refer to the coin specifications provided by the U.S. Mint.

Mintage Data:

Approximately 865,400,000 quarters were struck at the Denver Mint in 2021. This makes it one of the most heavily produced commemorative quarters of all time for the United States. Such a heavy mintage ensures:

• Availability
• Appearance in circulation regularly
• Most grades affordable to collectors
• Enough opportunities for finding quality specimens

The large mintage run points to the strong commitment the U.S. Mint gives to meeting circulation demand even as the coin is seen as the commemoration for this singular moment in American history. Find additional information if you need to know the process followed in the coining business by visiting some of these resources at the U.S. Mint site. An enormous mintage also opened up the possibilities in finding collection variations and probable errors all over the print run.

Collector’s Value, Market Data, and Error Coins to Watch Out For

The 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter presents varied investment opportunities across different grades and conditions. Circulated examples maintain their face value of $0.25, while uncirculated specimens in grades MS60-MS65 typically command $1.16-$5 in the current market.
Higher-grade examples demonstrate significant value appreciation:

• MS66: $15-$25
• MS67: $75-$150
• MS68: $250-$500
• MS69: Notable sale of $995 on eBay (2022)

Serious collectors require coins to be authenticated and graded by professional grading services such as PCGS and NGC. Third-party grading secures a hard market value and protects against reproductions.

A few error types are collected very nicely on this quarter:

• Feeder Finger Errors: Long, raised lines on the surface. (Graded Value Range: $25-$100)
• Crown Die Chip Errors: Small raised areas near the head of Washington. (Graded Value Range: $50-$150)
• Doubled Die Errors: Most noticeable in the lettering. (Graded Value Range: $75-$200)
• Off-Center Strikes: Weakly centered artistic elements (Value: $100-$500 depending on severity)

The demand for error coins is somewhat fluid; the market price will fluctuate according to a number of error considerations, as well as coin condition. Error coins graded by PCGS or NGC will sell at a higher premium than raw error coins.

Tips for Building a Quality Collection of High-Grade Examples

A high-quality collection of 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarters will require a careful approach to detail and proper handling techniques. Here are the must-knows for the novice collector:

• Wear cotton gloves when handling coins to avoid oil from skin causing damage.
• Store your coins in individual mylar flips or professional holders like coin flips, to preserve from environmental effects
• Keep an environment constant with humidity in the range of 30-40%
• Buy directly from trusted dealers who focus on high-grade examples
• Invest in a USB microscope to study them in details before buying.
• End
• Clean surfaces free of spots or discoloration

Professional Certification Strategy

Submit potential high-grade specimens to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading. You can find detailed submission guidelines here. This practice helps ensure your collection maintains consistent quality standards and preserves long-term value.

Conclusion: Why Collectors Love the Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter

The 2021-D Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter is an impressive coin in American coin collecting. It combines history, art, and affordability, making it a one-of-a-kind opportunity for collectors.

This quarter’s design is an indicator of such a fine moment in American history and makes it valuable, both as an educational artifact and a collectible.

Here are some reasons why collectors find this quarter appealing:

• Historical Significance: It enshrines one of America’s most remembered events-the bravery and determination George Washington and his troops exhibited during the Revolutionary War.
• Artistic Merit: The artist did a great job in the design of this quarter, as it was able to capture the scene in all its detailed intricacies and dynamic composition.
• Availability: Because so many quarters were produced, it is easily available for any collector at virtually any level. This coin will not prove difficult to obtain for any novice collector or experienced numismatist.

Large mintage guarantees availability to collectors at all levels, and the high-grade specimens have tremendous investment potential for the serious numismatist. Of course, more appeal will come with error varieties, as they are important in collectibility for specialized collectors.

This quarter is also special since it serves as a transition between two huge series: the America the Beautiful and the American Women Quarters. As such, it will make for a coin that will stand out in the history of U.S. coins.

In summary, the Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter appeals to collectors because of its historical importance, artistic excellence, and numismatic significance.

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