華盛頓特區的起源：錢幣遺產

華盛頓特區由約翰·弗拉納根 (John Flanagan) 設計，最初打算作為紀念版半美元硬幣，於 1932 年首次亮相，在獲得公眾認可後取代了站立自由女神像的設計。它的銀色成分和複雜的設計，正面是華盛頓的左面肖像，背面是一隻抓著箭頭的老鷹，使其成為流通和收藏的熱門硬幣。 1932 年D 版和1932 年S 版由於發行量較低而成為關鍵日期的硬幣，而1934 年雙模正面、1942 年D 雙模正面和反面以及1950 年D over S 和S over D 品種則更加稀有。

The Genesis of the Washington Quarter: A Numismatic Legacy

華盛頓特區的起源：錢幣遺產

Amidst the economic turmoil that gripped the United States during the early 1930s, the Treasury Department embarked on an ambitious numismatic project: the creation of a coin to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth.

在 1930 年代初期席捲美國的經濟動盪中，財政部啟動了一項雄心勃勃的錢幣計畫：創造一枚硬幣來紀念喬治華盛頓誕辰 200 週年。

From Half Dollar to Quarter: A Legislative Shift

從半美元到四分之一美元：立法轉變

Initially, the Treasury proposed to honor Washington with a commemorative half-dollar. However, Congress exercised its authority and altered the denomination to the quarter, a decision that would shape the coin's enduring legacy.

最初，財政部提議向華盛頓發行半美元紀念幣。然而，國會行使其權力，將面額改為25美分，這項決定將塑造硬幣的持久遺產。

Andrew W. Mellon's Controversial Role

安德魯梅隆 (Andrew W. Mellon) 備受爭議的角色

Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon, a prominent but polarizing figure, played a pivotal role in the design selection process. Defying the recommendations of the Washington Bicentennial Commission, Mellon favored the submission of New York sculptor John Flanagan over Laura Gardin Fraser's chosen design.

財政部長安德魯梅隆 (Andrew W. Mellon) 是一位傑出但兩極分化的人物，他在設計選擇過程中發揮了關鍵作用。梅隆無視華盛頓二百週年紀念委員會的建議，贊成紐約雕塑家約翰·弗拉納根提交的方案，而不是勞拉·加丁·弗雷澤選擇的設計。

The Flanagan Design: A Legacy of Endurance

弗拉納根設計：耐力的遺產

Flanagan's low-relief portrait of Washington became the defining feature of the Washington quarter, gracing its obverse from 1932 until its temporary return in 2021. The obverse's enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the striking likeness to Houdon's classic bust portrait of Washington.

弗拉納根(Flanagan) 的華盛頓淺浮雕肖像成為華盛頓25 分硬幣的標誌性特徵，從1932 年開始一直裝飾其正面，直到2021 年暫時回歸。正面的持久吸引力在於其簡潔性以及與胡東(Houdon) 的經典華盛頓半身像的驚人相似。

Minting and Production: A Silver Era

鑄造與生產：白銀時代

Upon its release, the Washington quarter gained instant popularity, prompting its continued production beyond its intended one-year commemorative status. This decision spelled the end of Herman MacNeil's Standing Liberty design. The Washington quarter was initially struck in silver, with production occurring at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Denver and San Francisco mint marks were discreetly placed below the wreath on the reverse.

華盛頓25美分硬幣一發行，立即受到歡迎，促使其在其預定的一年紀念期之後繼續生產。這項決定標誌著赫爾曼·麥克尼爾的站立自由女神像設計的終結。華盛頓25美分硬幣最初是由費城、丹佛和舊金山鑄幣廠生產的。丹佛和舊金山鑄幣廠標記被謹慎地放置在背面花圈的下方。

Silver Washington Quarter: A Collector's Paradise

華盛頓25美分銀幣：收藏家的天堂

Over 100,000 Washington quarters have been certified to date, making them a popular collectible among numismatists. Notable issues include the 1932-D, considered the series' key date, and the 1932-S, its semi-key counterpart. Other valuable specimens include Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse varieties, mint errors, and high-grade examples from the 1930s and 1940s.

迄今為止，超過 10 萬枚華盛頓 25 美分硬幣已獲得認證，使其成為錢幣學家中頗受歡迎的收藏品。值得注意的問題包括 1932-D（被認為是該系列的關鍵日期）和 1932-S（其半關鍵版本）。其他有價值的樣本包括雙模正面和反面品種、造幣廠錯誤以及 20 世紀 30 年代和 1940 年代的高級樣本。

Proof Washington Quarters: A Numismatic Rarity

華盛頓25美分硬幣精製版：錢幣上的珍品

Proof Washington quarters, struck with specialized dies, offer an exceptional level of detail and mirror-like surfaces. Thousands have been certified by reputable organizations, with many graded Cameo or Deep Cameo. Proof quarters were not minted during certain periods, including 1932-1935 and 1943-1949.

精製的華盛頓 25 美分硬幣採用專用模具沖壓而成，具有卓越的細節水平和鏡面般的表面。數以千計的產品已獲得信譽良好的組織的認證，其中許多被評為 Cameo 或 Deep Cameo。精製 25 美分硬幣在某些時期並未鑄造，包括 1932 年至 1935 年和 1943 年至 1949 年。

Silver Washington Quarter Varieties: A Subset of Distinction

華盛頓特區銀幣品種：特色的一個子集

The Washington quarter showcases an array of intriguing varieties, including the 1934 Light and Heavy Motto quarters, Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse examples, and the rare D over S and S over D varieties. Collectors delve into these nuances, enhancing their appreciation for the series' complexity.

Washington 25 美分硬幣展示了一系列有趣的品種，包括 1934 年的 Light 和 Heavy Motto 25 美分硬幣、Double Die 正面和反面硬幣，以及罕見的 D over S 和 S over D 品種。收藏家深入研究這些細微差別，增強了他們對該系列複雜性的欣賞。

Design Analysis: A Symbiotic Relationship

設計分析：共生關係

The Washington quarter's obverse and reverse designs are intricately interconnected. The obverse features Washington's portrait, symbolizing the nation's founding father, while the reverse depicts an eagle clutching arrows, representing the United States' strength and unity. The mottoes "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "QUARTER DOLLAR" seamlessly complement the design, evoking a sense of patriotism and historical significance.

華盛頓 25 分硬幣的正面和反面設計錯綜複雜地相互關聯。正面是華盛頓的肖像，象徵美國的開國元勳，反面則是一隻抓箭的老鷹，代表美國的力量和團結。座右銘「自由」、「我們相信上帝」、「美利堅合眾國」、「合眾為一」和「四分之一美元」與設計無縫銜接，喚起了愛國主義和歷史意義。

Conclusion: A Numismatic Legacy Enduring

結論：不朽的錢幣遺產

The Washington quarter, born out of the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, has emerged as a cherished numismatic symbol of American history and heritage. Its elegant design, enduring popularity, and collectible value have cemented its place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike.

華盛頓25美分誕生於大蕭條的經濟動盪，現已成為美國歷史與遺產的珍貴錢幣象徵。其優雅的設計、經久不衰的流行和收藏價值鞏固了其在收藏家和愛好者心中的地位。