1942 is not a rare date for Washington quarters -- during WWII the mintages were very high. The coin is made of an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. Its melt value in lower grades is approximately 0.18 times the current price of 1 ounce of silver.
Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter below the bow in the wreath. It may be blank or there may be a D or S.
Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 01/2013:
No mint mark (Philadelphia):
Almost no wear - $9.14
Uncirculated - $10.06 to $587.50 depending on quality
"D" mint mark (Denver):
Almost no wear - $10.93
Uncirculated - $14.95 to $600.00
"S" mint mark (San Francisco):
Almost no wear - $20.70
Uncirculated - $62.25 to $350.00
DISCLAIMER: The values quoted are the best available, but may vary due to market fluctuations. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.
A 1942 Washington quarter is common. If it has any wear, the value is just for the silver, about $3.50.
1942 is a very common date Washington quarter. Most are only valued for the silver, about $3.60 as of today.
More information is needed. Several countries issued 25¢ coins in 1942. Please look for questions like "What is the value of a 1942 US quarter?", "... Canadian quarter?", etc.
$455.5
ten thousand dollars
A 1942 Washington quarter is common. If it has any wear, the value is just for the silver, about $3.50.
1942 is a very common date Washington quarter. Most are only valued for the silver, about $3.60 as of today.
More information is needed. Several countries issued 25¢ coins in 1942. Please look for questions like "What is the value of a 1942 US quarter?", "... Canadian quarter?", etc.
$455.5
A US quarter has a face value of 25 cents.
About $3.00 just for the silver
ten thousand dollars
It's a common date coin, regardless of mintmarks in circulated condition value is $8.00 to $9.00.
The first US quarter was struck in 1796.
A 1942 US Wheat cent is common, average value is 3 cents.
1942D is a common date/mint coin with retail values of $3.00-$4.00 for average coins
No US quarters were struck in 1922. The US did not make ANY quarters dated 1922.