If you’ve ever jingled a few quarters in your pocket without a second thought, you might want to pause for a second. Because—believe it or not—some of those old Washington quarters could be worth thousands, even up to $51,000 in rare cases. That’s right, those shiny little coins that once bought you a soda could now buy you a car.
Collectors across the country are constantly on the lookout for valuable Washington quarters, especially ones minted during special years or with specific errors. And the exciting part? Many of these coins are still floating around in circulation, quietly hiding in change jars and cash drawers.
So, let’s take a deep dive into nine of the most valuable Washington quarters ever minted—and more importantly, how you can spot them.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter ($25,000 – $51,000)
The 1932-D (Denver Mint) Washington quarter is the crown jewel for collectors. It was part of the very first year of issue, celebrating George Washington’s 200th birthday. Only 436,800 were made—an incredibly low mintage.
What makes it special? Its scarcity. If you find one in mint or uncirculated condition, it could easily fetch over $25,000, and pristine examples have sold for $51,000 or more at auctions.
Spotting tip: Look for a small “D” under the eagle on the reverse side. Make sure it’s not worn off or faint—those details matter.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter ($20,000 – $35,000)
Another first-year issue, the 1932-S is nearly as rare as the Denver version. With only 408,000 produced, these San Francisco Mint coins are highly sought after.
Even circulated ones can bring in several hundred dollars, while near-mint specimens are easily worth tens of thousands.
Spotting tip: Check for an “S” mintmark under the eagle’s tail feathers.
3. 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter ($7,000 – $15,000)
Error coins are collector gold—and the 1937 doubled die obverse is one of the most famous. This error occurs when the coin is struck twice slightly out of alignment, causing noticeable doubling in the lettering.
Spotting tip: Look closely at “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” If they look doubled, you’ve likely got something special.
4. 1943-S Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse) – ($5,000 – $15,000)
Another doubled die rarity, the 1943-S has visible doubling in the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” Because this happened during World War II, not many people saved coins from that era, making it even harder to find today.
Spotting tip: Use a magnifying glass—minor doubling can make a huge price difference.
5. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter ($10,000 – $18,000)
In this fascinating minting error, an “S” was stamped over a “D,” creating the D/S overmintmark variety.
Collectors love overmintmark errors because they’re both unusual and visually distinct.
Spotting tip: Focus on the mintmark. If it looks like two overlapping letters, you’ve found a gem.
6. 1950-S/D Overmintmark Quarter ($8,000 – $15,000)
The reverse of the previous error—this one has a “D” punched over an “S.” It’s an equally rare and valuable find.
Spotting tip: The overlapping letters are typically faint but visible under good lighting or magnification.
7. 1964-D Washington Quarter (Transitional Error) – ($7,500 – $12,000)
1964 was the final year quarters were made of 90% silver before switching to copper-nickel clad coins. Some transitional error coins from that period feature mixed metal compositions or minting quirks.
Spotting tip: If your 1964-D quarter looks slightly off in color or weight, have it checked—some weigh differently due to metal mix errors.
8. 1970-S Proof Quarter (Struck on 1941 Canadian Quarter) – ($35,000+)
Now this one’s wild. A few proof quarters from 1970-S were accidentally struck on Canadian quarters from 1941. Yes, you read that right.
Spotting tip: These coins have a slightly different thickness and odd design traces under the U.S. pattern. You’ll need an expert to confirm it, but it’s worth the check.
9. 1983-P Washington Quarter (Double Die Reverse) – ($2,000 – $6,000)
Lastly, we have the 1983-P doubled die reverse, a modern error coin that has gained strong popularity. The doubling is visible on the word “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Spotting tip: Even lightly circulated examples can fetch hundreds, while pristine ones go for thousands.
Quick Value Table for Reference
| Year & Mintmark | Type / Error | Estimated Value Range | Key Identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | Low mintage | $25,000–$51,000 | “D” under eagle |
| 1932-S | Low mintage | $20,000–$35,000 | “S” under eagle |
| 1937 | Doubled die obverse | $7,000–$15,000 | Doubling on “LIBERTY” |
| 1943-S | Doubled die obverse | $5,000–$15,000 | Doubling on lettering |
| 1950-D/S | Overmintmark | $10,000–$18,000 | “S” over “D” |
| 1950-S/D | Overmintmark | $8,000–$15,000 | “D” over “S” |
| 1964-D | Transitional error | $7,500–$12,000 | Unusual metal mix |
| 1970-S | Struck on foreign coin | $35,000+ | Design traces underneath |
| 1983-P | Double die reverse | $2,000–$6,000 | Doubling on “E PLURIBUS UNUM” |
How to Check If Your Quarter Is Valuable
Here’s a quick rundown if you’re curious whether you have a rare one:
- Check the mintmark: Look under the eagle or on the obverse (depending on the year).
- Examine for doubling: Use a magnifying glass and look closely at the text.
- Weigh your coin: Genuine silver quarters weigh about 6.25 grams.
- Consult a coin expert: If something looks “off,” don’t guess—get a professional opinion.
And remember—condition matters a lot. A rare quarter with scratches or heavy wear will still be valuable, but not nearly as much as one in mint condition.
To be fair, most quarters you find won’t be worth more than 25 cents. But the thrill is in the hunt. The possibility that a single coin sitting in your change tray could be a $51,000 treasure keeps collectors (and casual finders) searching every day.
So next time you get change from your morning coffee, take a peek. Who knows? You might just be holding a tiny piece of American history—and a pretty profitable one at that.
FAQs
1. What makes a Washington quarter valuable?
Rarity, minting errors, and condition. Coins with low mintages or unique features are often worth the most.
2. Are all silver Washington quarters valuable?
Not all, but silver ones (pre-1965) are usually worth more than face value due to silver content alone.
3. How can I tell if my quarter is silver?
Check the coin’s edge—silver quarters have a solid silver edge, not a copper stripe.
