The Washington Quarter was created to honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Washington, the first President of the United States.  The design was first released into circulation on August 1st, 1932, and continued unchanged until the Bicentennial Quarter design in 1976 (after which the familiar design was reintroduced).  The obverse of the Washington Quarter features a bust of George Washington in profile, facing left.  It was designed by John Flanagan and is based on a 1786 bust of Washington sculpted by Jean-Antoine Houdon.  The Washington Quarter features the inscription LIBERTY at the top of the coin and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' in smaller type below Washington's chin.  The reverse of the Washington Quarter features a bald eagle grasping several arrows in its claws above two olive branches, beneath the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM.'  The reverse was also designed by John Flanagan.

Washington Quarters were minted at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints.  From 1932 until 1964 they were minted in 90% silver.  After 1964, they were minted in clad copper.    The Washington Silver Quarters coins are comprised of .900 silver and .100 copper (total mass of 6.25 g, total silver content of 0.18084 troy oz).  The Washington Clad Quarters are comprised of .967 copper and .083 nickel (total mass of 5.67 g).  Both versions of the Washington Quarter have a diameter of 24.3mm.