When it comes to American coins, the Washington Quarter is one timeless favorite still making headlines in the world of numismatics.
Minted in 1932 to mark George Washington’s 200th birthday, coins have been everyday change for centuries — but little do people realize, some have values ranging into hundreds or thousands of dollars.
In this Washington Quarter Guide, we will reveal the key dates, rare varieties, and minting flaws that can make an ordinary 25-cent coin into a huge bonanza.
If you’re a veteran collector or simply someone who’s just recently discovered a quarter with an otherworldly shine, this guide will assist you in spotting hidden gems with great profit potential.
History of the Washington Quarter
First minted in 1932, the Washington Quarter supplanted the Standing Liberty Quarter. Designed by John Flanagan, the coin has George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse (through 1998). Through the decades, the series has undergone several changes, including:
Silver content (1932–1964): 90% silver, 10% copper
Clad composition (1965–present): Copper-nickel layered coin
State Quarters (1999–2008)
America the Beautiful Quarters (2010–2021)
American Women Quarters (2022–2025)
The variety of mint marks and designs has resulted in dozens of precious collector items, many worth significantly more than their face value.
Rare Washington Quarters That Yield Big Profits
Let’s explore some of the most valuable Washington Quarters to look out for:
1932-D Washington Quarter
Value: $100 – $30,000+
Why it’s rare: Low production of just 436,800 coins
Tip: Look for good condition and a clear “D” mint mark on the back.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Value: $100 – $25,000+
Why it’s rare: Also has a limited mintage (408,000), so very desirable to collectors
Bonus: Collectors particularly desire both 1932-D and 1932-S for completing their collection.
1943-S Doubled Die Obverse
Value: $1,500 – $20,000+
Why it’s rare: Has doubling on the date and lettering evident
Collectibility: One of the most popular doubled die quarters in the series.
1950-D/S Overmintmark
Value: $500 – $3,000+
Why it’s rare: A San Francisco mintmark was overlapped by a Denver mintmark
Tip: Takes magnification to see — understated, but lucrative
1983-P Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark)
Value: $75 – $800+
Why it’s rare: A reported error year during which some were weakly struck and have no mintmark
Interesting Fact: 1983 is also known for its mediocre strike quality, so well-striking coins are more valuable.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters (High or Low Leaf)
Value: $100 – $1,500+
Why it’s rare: These State Quarters have an extra leaf close to the corn husk — a supposed die modification or error.
Tip: Inspect both “Low Leaf” and “High Leaf” varieties.
1970-S Washington Quarter Overstruck on a 1941 Canadian Quarter
Value: $35,000+
Why it’s rare: A stunning mint error in which a Washington Quarter was over-struck on an older foreign denomination.
Ultra Rare: Few known — if you happen upon one, it’s your day!
How to Identify a Good Quarter
Although not all old quarters are valuable, the following factors can greatly add value to a quarter:
- Mint Mark: Check for either P (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco), or D (Denver).
- In low mintages, older coins with S or D mint marks are generally more valuable.
- Condition: The most valuable coins are those that are in mint or uncirculated condition.
- To determine market value, use the MS-60 to MS-70 grading scales.
- Errors & Varieties: The value of a coin can jump significantly with doubled dies, off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and overstruck errors.
- Silver Content: 90% silver was used in each Washington quarter minted between 1932 and 1964.
As a matter of melt value alone, even low-date silver quarters are worth $4–$6 each.
Coin sellers and collectors must always inspect their change since silver or the wrong coins can be received in cash transactions, vending machines, and banks.
Use a Magnifier
You can identify surface characteristics that others will not notice, mintmark variations, or doubling using the assistance of a 10x loupe.
Preserve Your Finds
To keep their condition and value, keep coins in coin albums, flips, or sealed capsules.
Have Coins Expert Graded
For rare coins, have them graded by PCGS or NGC; coins graded by either entity sell for higher prices and appeal to serious buyers.
Research Prior to Selling
Prior to accepting any offers, compare listings on websites such as eBay, Heritage Auctions, and PCGS Price Guide.
Where to Buy or Sell Worthwhile Quarters
Ready to go deeper into collecting or need to make some money, these are leading sites to visit:
Online Auctions: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, Great Collections
Coin Shops: On-the-spot appraisals may be offered by local dealers
eBay/Etsy: In-demand but demands familiarity with price trends
Coin Shows: See seasoned collectors and dealers in person
Reddit & Forums: Subs such as r/coins provide valuable feedback and advice.
Concluding remarks
Both investors and collectors can benefit greatly from the Washington Quarter series. Due to the abundance of rare dates, mint errors, and silver content, a single quarter could be worth hundreds or more dollars. The key is knowing what to look for, whether you’re searching for high-grade types or going through old rolls of coins.
Therefore, take a moment to think before you put that shiny quarter in a vending machine. It might be the rare discovery that brings in enormous sums of money.
FAQS:
Why is a Washington Quarter valuable or scarce?
Washington Quarter is valuable or scarce due to such factors as low mintage, varieties or errors, high-grade state, and precious metal content (e.g., 90% silver in quarters before 1965).
Are Washington Quarters before 1965 all silver?
Yes, every one of the Washington Quarters minted between 1932 and 1964 is 90% silver and 10% copper and will be worth more than face value even for their melt value alone.
How can I tell if I have a collector Washington Quarter?
Look for significant dates (e.g., 1932-D, 1932-S), minting errors (doubled dies, off-center), and mint marks. The coin grade (proof or uncirculated) also strongly influences its cost.
What is the most expensive Washington Quarter ever auctioned?
One of the costliest ones is the 1932-D quarter in Mint State, which is sold for over $30,000 via auction. Odd mint errors, like the 1970-S quarter overstruck on a 1941 Canadian coin, have reached prices of $35,000+.
