American quarter dollars have been adorned with the well-known likeness of George Washington since 1932, making this one of the longest-running designs on coins in the nation.
Along with most Washington quarters that circulated for many years through cash registers and pockets, some dates and varieties seem astonishingly valuable.
The observant collector may stumble upon these treasures, silver and copper-nickel pieces, at face value while rolling coins or estate sales.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Only 436,800 examples were struck by the Denver mint upon launch of the Washington quarter in 1932, and that is the lowest mintage in this entire series. This first-year rarity earns significant price premiums: worn examples normally go for $150 to $250, while uncirculated examples run over $5,000. The distinctive “D” mintmark is located on the reverse beneath the wreath.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Colorado’s Denver mint produced only 436,800 examples in 1932, making it yet another key date. While not as rare in circulated grades as the Denver equivalent, the 1932-S remains highly sought after, with worn examples fetching around $125-$200. “Mint state” specimens regularly sell in auctions for $4,000-$8,000, with extraordinary examples occasionally going for over $20,000.
1937 Double Die Obverse
This dramatic error shows distinct doubling throughout Washington’s head, particularly in his hair, ear, and the word “LIBERTY.” Long overlooked, this variety has gained recognition with time, with values rising into the thousands for circulated specimens today at $500-$1,500. Doubling shows up most pronounced when the coin is examined under angled light with 5-10x magnification.
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse
Another sensational doubled die, it shows really pronounced separation in “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date and Washington’s profile. Relatively few pieces have been certified, meaning lots remain hidden in collections and dealer inventories. Current values are from $600+ if circulated to $5,000+ for uncirculated examples with complete mint luster.
1950-S/D Overdate
It was made when a mint worker at the San Francisco mint internally punched over the existing D with an S mintmark, thus creating a fine “S/D” combo visible under magnification but will require a good eye to see the underlying D clearly beneath the S especially on the lower curve.
Circulating examples that are identifiable typically fetch at least $100 on the market, and those that are uncirculated go for upwards of $1,000.
1943-S Doubled Die Obverse
This war-time issue has obvious doubling all over the obverse, particularly in “LIBERTY” and the date. Doubling gives it a characteristic spread rather than just being thick in the affected elements. From $300 for well-preserved circulated samples, uncirculated examples with fine strike characteristics could be valued above the $3,000 mark.
1934 Light Motto Doubled Die Reverse
The motto seems beautifully doubled from “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with secondary images well offset from the primary motto. This variety was discovered more than a few decades ago, yet it still remains under-collect. Thus, many specimens likely sit unattributed in all sorts of collections. Values in the market range from $400+ for identifiable circulated specimens to $2,500+ for really great uncirculated specimens.
1952-S
Super grade Examples Despite the non rarity of the 1952-S to typical grades, it becomes very elusive in gem uncirculated condition with full strike. Examples graded MS66 or better featuring full head details usually realized between $1,000 to $5,000, and record auction results have exceeded $10,000 for perfect MS68 specimens.
Important are the strike characteristics, as most have mushy or weak details in Washington’s hair.
1964 Special Mint Set Finish
Before using those finishes during the Special Mint Sets of 1965, the Philadelphia mint used a number of less common finishing techniques on 1964-dated quarters. Such specimens showed sharper strike and dissimilar surface characteristics compared to normal uncirculated coins. Visually distinctive as they may be, without considerable expertise they are, however, challenging to attribute. As a rule, authenticated examples attract anywhere from $1,000-$2,500, depending on their quality.
1983-P Doubled Die Reverse
The most valuable copper-nickel Washington quarter by far, this dramatic error shows significant doubling in the field for “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The most apparent doubling can be seen in “STATES” and “QUARTER,” although it has some clear separation visible with the naked eye.
Recent sales have ranged from $150+ for worn to $1,500+ for uncirculated specimens. Authentication Wisdom
Several different approaches are advised by experienced collectors on searching for such fabulous quarters:
If you wish to identify a doubled die, lighting is crucial; that angled lighting reveals doubling that might be hidden by direct light. Proper examination of mintmark varieties and identifiers can be carried out under 5-10x magnification.
Weight verification distinguishes between an issue on the silver (6.25 grams) and one in copper-nickel (5.67 grams).
But it is highly even more important to have professional certification for these high-value specimens because sophisticated fakes enter the market every so often. Third-party verification services by tamper-evident holders are PCGS, NGC, and ANACS.
Hunting Methods
These approaches have brought collectors success in finding these elusive coins:
Some bank rolls may contain silver coins or overlooked varieties, especially from banks in less populated areas. Estate sales and junk silver bins in coin shops are sometimes heavy with key dates sold by weight instead of by numismatics. Online marketplace listings occasionally mislabel important varieties due to seller inexperience.
Most of all, though, the best tool for successful hunting is education through reference materials, as the differences between a valuable variety and a common issue are often most apparent to the trained eye.
Market Trends, as in the Last Quarter: Washington Quarters Worth and More
Washington quarter prices have been rising at a relatively constant pace for the most part, especially for the highest-grade examples and the most dramatic variety.
FAQS:
What factors cause a Washington quarter to be regarded as valuable?
Errors in minting such as double dies, overdates, and rare mintage years make Washington quarters become valuable. Coins graded at high levels and those with distinguishing attributes, such as the 1932-D and 1949-S, will generally demand a higher price.
How would I know if I have a Washington quarter that is worth something?
Look for errors that are confined to one side of the coin: doubling on the date, odd mintmarks, or low mintage years. Coins from the 1930s and 1940s, especially, worth particularly high prices if they are in high-grade condition.