Most Washington Quarter coins you find in your change are worth just 25¢. But certain ones have sold for tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to a combination of rarity, condition, and unique features.
While the headline figure of up to $50,700 represents the top end of market interest, you don’t need to find the absolute rarest to still discover a valuable piece.
Key reasons these coins are valuable include:
- Low mintage years or mint marks (for example, early 1932 issues).
- Considerable silver content (pre-1965 issues with 90% silver).
- Minting errors or unusual varieties (doubled dies, wrong planchet, over-mint-marks).
- Excellent condition (coins graded MS65 or better can command very high prices).
Top 9 Rare Washington Quarter Varieties & Estimated Values
Here’s a table summarizing some of the sought-after varieties, what to look for, and approximate top values:
| # | Year & Mint Mark | Rare Feature / Variety | Approx. High Value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1932-D | Low mintage Denver issue | Up to $40,000 |
| 2 | 1932-S | San Francisco mint, very low survival rate | Up to $35,000 |
| 3 | 1937 P | Doubled Die Obverse (visible doubling on date) | Up to $20,000 |
| 4 | 1943-S | Silver issue + doubled die or key variety | Around $10,000 |
| 5 | 1950-D/S | Over-mint-mark error (“D over S”) | Up to $7,000 |
| 6 | 1964-D (Silver) | Last 90% silver quarter from Denver | Up to $16,000 |
| 7 | 1970-S Proof on Canadian Planchet | Struck on wrong coin blank | Up to $50,000 |
| 8 | 1983-P “Spitting Eagle” | Die crack that looks like eagle spitting | Up to $5,000+ |
| 9 | Modern Mint Error | Wrong planchet, doubled die, strange strike | Most under $5,000 |
*Values depend on grade (“Mint State” or MS condition), rarity, and market demand. These are approximate top‐end values rather than guaranteed sale prices.
How to Spot a Valuable Washington Quarter
To increase your chance of finding one of these rare coins, here’s what to check:
Check the Date & Mint Mark
- The year appears on the obverse (front) below Washington’s visage.
- The mint mark (if present) is usually just to the right of the ribbon on Washington’s bust (for post-1968 issues) or on the reverse bottom left (for older ones).
- Rare mint marks: “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) for early years.
Look for Errors or Varieties
- Doubled die: lettering or date appears shadowed or doubled.
- Wrong planchet: for example a proof coin struck on a circulation blank.
- Over-mint-mark: one mint mark stamped over another (e.g., “D over S”).
- Always use a magnifier or loupe to inspect.
Metal Composition & Condition
- Pre-1965 Washington Quarters are 90% silver, heavier and bright in tone—this makes them more valuable.
- Condition matters: coins with minimal wear, original luster, and no major damage rank higher.
Authentication & Grading
- Valuable coins are usually graded and slabbed by reputable services (e.g., PCGS, NGC).
- Unauthenticated coins may still hold value, but credibility and pricing improve when certified.
Why Collectors Pay Big for These Coins
Collectors are willing to pay premium prices because:
These coins are pieces of American coinage history, especially early decades and silver issues.
- Rarity drives desirability—the fewer survivors in high grade, the higher the value.
- Strong condition and interesting error varieties create excitement in the market.
- The chance that you might find one in regular circulation adds a thrill—your forgotten jar of quarters might hold a treasure.
Discovering one of the 9 rare Washington Quarters worth up to $50,700 would be an extraordinary find—but even coins worth thousands exist, not just millions.
By knowing which years to check (1932-D, 1932-S, 1937, 1964 D) and what features to look for—mint mark, errors, silver content—you increase your chance of spotting a treasure. Remember: condition, rarity, and authenticity are key.
The next time you sort through a jar of change, inspect those quarters carefully—you might just be holding a hidden gem.
FAQs
Can any Washington Quarter be worth thousands?
Not really—only specific years, mint marks, conditions or error varieties earn such high values. Most quarters remain close to face value.
How can I tell if a quarter is 90% silver?
If it’s dated 1964 or earlier it’s likely 90% silver (assuming it’s a regular strike). Silver versions are heavier and have a bright tone compared to modern clad versions.
Should I clean my old quarter if I think it’s rare?
No. Cleaning coins can damage surfaces, reduce value and cause grading companies to downgrade them. If you suspect rarity, handle gently and consider professional appraisal.