1932 Washington Quarter. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. Lovely peripheral toning frames brilliant centers on both sides of this frosty and sharply struck Gem. The toning is most vivid, varied and expansive on the obverse, where particularly impressive shades of sea green, olive-gold, lilac and salmon pink are seen. The design of the quarter was changed in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washingtons birth in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Despite being introduced in the depths of the Great Depression, many contemporary collectors and dealers were able to set aside examples of the new coins, with the result that Mint State survivors of the 1932 are plentiful in an absolute sense. Mint staff were still working out some of the kinks in Flanagans somewhat high relief design, however, and so more than a few were rather softly struck. This is reflected in the relative dearth of premium Gem examples. With its extraordinary eye appeal the Pogue specimen is certainly among the finest obtainable for this perennially popular first year issue.
