Most Washington quarters are only worth 25 cents—but a small handful can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even over $50,000 in top condition. These hidden gems often look ordinary at a glance, yet tiny details like a mint mark, doubled lettering, or an extra design element can make all the difference. This guide walks you through 9 rare Washington quarters, how to identify them, and what makes them so valuable.
Why Some Washington Quarters Are Worth Big Money
Washington quarters were first issued in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. Over the decades, changes in mint locations, production quantities, and occasional mistakes have created genuinely rare and highly collectible pieces.
Key Value Drivers
- Low mintage (very few made)
- Mint errors (like doubled dies or wrong planchets)
- Condition/grade (uncirculated and proof coins bring much higher prices)
- Strong collector demand for specific dates and varieties
9 Rare Washington Quarters to Watch For
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter – Up to $50,700
- Mint: Denver
- Mintage: 436,800 (very low)
- Why It’s Rare: One of the first-year Washington quarters and the lowest mintage in the series.
- How to Spot It:
- “1932” date
- Small “D” mint mark on the reverse under the eagle (for original design issues)
- Estimated Value Range: About $1,000–$50,700 in top mint-state grades.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter – Up to $35,000
- Mint: San Francisco
- Mintage: 408,000
- Why It’s Rare: Another inaugural low‑mintage issue, heavily collected as a key date.
- Identification Tip:
- “1932” date
- “S” mint mark under the eagle on the reverse
- Estimated Value Range: Around $800–$35,000, with the highest prices for superb uncirculated coins.
3. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter – Up to $20,000
- Mint: San Francisco
- Type: Error variety
- Why It’s Rare: Strong doubling on the front of the coin.
- How to Spot It:
- Use magnification
- Look for clear doubling on “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and around Washington’s eye
- Estimated Value Range: Roughly $2,000–$20,000, depending on how strong the doubling is and the coin’s grade.
4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter – Up to $5,000
- Mint: Denver
- Type: Over-mintmark error (D over S)
- Why It’s Rare: A Denver “D” mint mark punched over an earlier “S.”
- Identification Tip:
- Under magnification, you may see an “S” shadow beneath the “D”
- Estimated Value Range: About $400–$5,000 in higher grades.
5. 1950-S/D Overmintmark Quarter – Up to $4,000
- Mint: San Francisco
- Type: Over-mintmark error (S over D)
- Why It’s Rare: The reverse of the previous variety—an “S” over a “D.”
- Identification Tip:
- Look for traces of a “D” under the “S” using a loupe
- Estimated Value Range: Around $300–$4,000, depending on condition and clarity of the overmark.
6. 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter – Up to $7,000
- Mint: Denver
- Type: Doubled die reverse error
- Why It’s Rare: Noticeable doubling on the back lettering of the coin.
- How to Spot It:
- Check “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” for doubled letters
- Estimated Value Range: Roughly $500–$7,000 in better mint-state grades.
7. 1970-S Proof Quarter Struck on a 1941 Canadian Coin – Up to $35,000
- Mint: San Francisco
- Type: Wrong-planchet proof error
- Why It’s Rare: A proof Washington quarter mistakenly struck on a 1941 Canadian silver coin.
- Identification Tip:
- Under magnification, you may see remnants of the Canadian design beneath the U.S. quarter details
- These are typically certified by major grading services due to their rarity
- Estimated Value Range: Around $25,000–$35,000 in top condition.
8. 1983-P Washington Quarter (High-Grade No-Mint-Mark) – Up to $1,500
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Why It’s Notable: 1983 quarters are often poorly struck and heavily worn, so finding a sharp, high‑grade example with no mint mark is surprisingly hard.
- Identification Tip:
- Look under Washington’s neck: there will be no mint mark at all
- Focus on sharp details, full rims, and clean surfaces
- Estimated Value Range: About $100–$1,500 for top-end mint-state coins.
9. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter – Up to $2,500
- Mint: Denver
- Type: Die variety (Extra leaf)
- Why It’s Rare: A die flaw added an extra “leaf” on the corn husk on the reverse, in two versions: High Leaf and Low Leaf.
- How to Spot It:
- Check the corn on the Wisconsin state quarter reverse
- Look for an extra leaf pointing higher (High Leaf) or lower (Low Leaf) than the normal leaves
- Estimated Value Range: About $150–$2,500, depending on type and grade.
How to Identify a Rare Washington Quarter
Check the Mint Mark
- Pre‑1968: Mint mark is on the reverse (under the eagle).
- 1968 and later: Mint mark is on the obverse, near Washington’s neck.
Look for Errors and Varieties
Use a magnifier (10x loupe is ideal) and watch for:
- Doubled letters or numbers
- Overlapping mint marks (D/S or S/D)
- Strange extra design elements (like the Wisconsin extra leaf)
- Wrong-planchet or wrong‑metal strikes
Condition Matters
- MS (Mint State) coins with strong luster and no wear are worth far more.
- Proof coins, especially with errors, can be highly desirable.
For anything that looks unusual or very high grade, consider getting it authenticated and graded by a major service such as PCGS or NGC.
FAQs: Rare Washington Quarters Worth Money
1. Can rare Washington quarters still be found in circulation?
Yes, especially state and modern quarters like the 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf.” Older silver key dates are more likely found in collections, rolls, or estate hoards than in normal change.
2. What is the most valuable Washington quarter?
The 1932-D is one of the most valuable regular-issue Washington quarters, with the finest examples bringing tens of thousands of dollars.
3. Are all 1932 quarters valuable?
Not equally. The 1932-D and 1932-S with low mintages are key dates. A 1932 quarter without a mint mark is collectible but usually worth much less than the “D” or “S” in similar grade.
4. How can I quickly check my quarters for value?
Start by checking the date, mint mark, and whether the coin is silver (1964 and earlier). Then look for known error types and compare your coin to trusted coin value resources.
5. Where should I sell a rare quarter if I find one?
For valuable pieces, use reputable coin dealers or major auction houses. For mid-range coins, you can also consider established online marketplaces and coin shows.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Your Pocket Change
Washington quarters may seem ordinary, but a few dates and error varieties can be worth thousands—or, in exceptional cases, over $50,000. By learning the key dates, mint marks, and error types, you turn every handful of change into a mini treasure hunt. Start checking your quarters today; the next rare find could be sitting quietly in your wallet, coin jar, or old collection, just waiting to be discovered.