华盛顿特区的起源：钱币遗产

华盛顿特区由约翰·弗拉纳根 (John Flanagan) 设计，最初打算作为纪念版半美元硬币，于 1932 年首次亮相，在获得公众认可后取代了站立自由女神像的设计。它的银色成分和复杂的设计，正面是华盛顿的左面肖像，背面是一只抓着箭头的老鹰，使其成为流通和收藏的热门硬币。 1932 年 D 版和 1932 年 S 版由于发行量较低而成为关键日期的硬币，而 1934 年双模正面、1942 年 D 双模正面和反面以及 1950 年 D over S 和 S over D 品种则更加稀有。

The Genesis of the Washington Quarter: A Numismatic Legacy

华盛顿特区的起源：钱币遗产

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 年代初席卷美国的经济动荡中，财政部启动了一项雄心勃勃的钱币项目：创造一枚硬币来纪念乔治·华盛顿诞辰 200 周年。

From Half Dollar to Quarter: A Legislative Shift

从半美元到四分之一美元：立法转变

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，财政部提议向华盛顿发行半美元纪念币。然而，国会行使其权力，将面额改为25美分，这一决定将塑造硬币的持久遗产。

Andrew W. Mellon's Controversial Role

安德鲁·梅隆 (Andrew W. Mellon) 备受争议的角色

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.

财政部长安德鲁·梅隆 (Andrew W. Mellon) 是一位杰出但两极分化的人物，他在设计选择过程中发挥了关键作用。梅隆无视华盛顿二百周年纪念委员会的建议，赞成纽约雕塑家约翰·弗拉纳根提交的方案，而不是劳拉·加丁·弗雷泽选择的设计。

The Flanagan Design: A Legacy of Endurance

弗拉纳根设计：耐力的遗产

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.

弗拉纳根 (Flanagan) 的华盛顿浅浮雕肖像成为华盛顿 25 分硬币的标志性特征，从 1932 年开始一直装饰其正面，直到 2021 年暂时回归。正面的持久吸引力在于其简洁性以及与胡东 (Houdon) 的经典华盛顿半身像的惊人相似。

Minting and Production: A Silver Era

铸造和生产：白银时代

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.

华盛顿25美分硬币一经发行，立即受到欢迎，促使其在其预定的一年纪念期之后继续生产。这一决定标志着赫尔曼·麦克尼尔的站立自由女神像设计的终结。华盛顿25美分硬币最初是由费城、丹佛和旧金山铸币厂生产的。丹佛和旧金山铸币厂标记被谨慎地放置在背面花环的下方。

Silver Washington Quarter: A Collector's Paradise

华盛顿25美分银币：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.

迄今为止，超过 100,000 枚华盛顿 25 美分硬币已获得认证，使其成为钱币学家中颇受欢迎的收藏品。值得注意的问题包括 1932-D（被认为是该系列的关键日期）和 1932-S（其半关键版本）。其他有价值的样本包括双模正面和反面品种、造币厂错误以及 20 世纪 30 年代和 1940 年代的高级样本。

Proof Washington Quarters: A Numismatic Rarity

华盛顿25美分硬币精制版：钱币上的珍品

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.

精制的华盛顿 25 美分硬币采用专用模具冲压而成，具有卓越的细节水平和镜面般的表面。数以千计的产品已获得信誉良好的组织的认证，其中许多被评为 Cameo 或 Deep Cameo。精制 25 美分硬币在某些时期并未铸造，包括 1932 年至 1935 年和 1943 年至 1949 年。

Silver Washington Quarter Varieties: A Subset of Distinction

华盛顿特区银币品种：特色的一个子集

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 美分硬币展示了一系列有趣的品种，包括 1934 年的 Light 和 Heavy Motto 25 美分硬币、Double Die 正面和反面硬币，以及罕见的 D over S 和 S over D 品种。收藏家深入研究这些细微差别，增强了他们对该系列复杂性的欣赏。

Design Analysis: A Symbiotic Relationship

设计分析：共生关系

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.

华盛顿 25 分硬币的正面和反面设计错综复杂地相互关联。正面是华盛顿的肖像，象征着美国的开国元勋，反面则是一只抓箭的老鹰，代表着美国的力量和团结。座右铭“自由”、“我们相信上帝”、“美利坚合众国”、“合众为一”和“四分之一美元”与设计无缝衔接，唤起了爱国主义和历史意义。

Conclusion: A Numismatic Legacy Enduring

结论：不朽的钱币遗产

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.

华盛顿25美分诞生于大萧条的经济动荡，现已成为美国历史和遗产的珍贵钱币象征。其优雅的设计、经久不衰的流行和收藏价值巩固了其在收藏家和爱好者心中的地位。