The quarter is one of the most recognizable coins in the United States, valued at 25 cents. It is larger than the penny, nickel, and dime, making it easy to spot in a handful of change. Its diameter is 24.26 mm and its thickness is 1.75 mm, giving it a solid feel compared to smaller coins. The edge of the quarter is reeded with 119 ridges, a feature originally designed to prevent shaving off bits of silver when quarters were made of precious metal. Today, those ridges remain as a tactile marker that distinguishes the quarter from smooth‑edged coins like the nickel.

On the obverse (front), the quarter traditionally features a profile of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Washington has appeared on the quarter since 1932, when the coin was redesigned to commemorate the bicentennial of his birth. His portrait faces left, accompanied by inscriptions such as “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the year of minting. A mint mark also appears, indicating where the coin was produced. Washington’s image has been updated slightly over the years, but his presence has remained constant, making the quarter a symbol of continuity in American coinage.

The reverse (back) of the quarter has seen more variety. For decades, it displayed a heraldic eagle, but beginning in 1999, the 50 State Quarters program introduced unique designs for each state. This was followed by the America the Beautiful series (2010–2021), which highlighted national parks and landmarks, and the American Women Quarters program (2022–2025), which honors influential women in U.S. history. These changing designs have turned the quarter into a miniature canvas for storytelling, allowing it to reflect the diversity and heritage of the nation.

Modern quarters are made of a copper core clad in nickel, giving them a silvery appearance. They weigh 5.67 grams, making them heavier than the dime but lighter than the half dollar. Their size and weight make them ideal for coin‑operated machines, which often rely on quarters as the standard denomination.

The quarter’s appearance combines tradition and adaptability. Washington’s portrait anchors the coin in history, while the reverse designs showcase America’s evolving identity. Its ridged edge, silver tone, and larger size make it instantly recognizable, ensuring that the quarter remains both practical in commerce and symbolic in culture.