Have you ever checked your spare change and wondered if one of those quarters might actually be worth a small fortune? Well, if it’s a Washington quarter, it just might be. These coins aren’t just everyday pocket fillers—they’re a slice of American history and, in some cases, a gateway to thousands of dollars.
Originally minted in 1932 to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday, Washington quarters have become one of the most collected coins in the U.S. Some rare editions and minting mistakes have turned these 25-cent pieces into jaw-dropping treasures for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at nine of the most valuable ones and why they’re so special.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter – Worth Up to $50,700
- Minted in: Denver
- Why It’s Valuable: It was one of the first quarters in the series and had the lowest mintage—just 436,800 made.
- What to Look For: A tiny “D” under the eagle on the reverse.
- Value Range: Starts at around $1,000 and can soar past $50,000 if it’s in pristine condition.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter – Worth Up to $35,000
- Minted in: San Francisco
- Why It’s Valuable: Like the Denver version, it had a very low mintage—only 408,000 coins.
- What to Look For: The “S” mint mark beneath the eagle.
- Value Range: $800 to $35,000, depending on grade.
3. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse – Worth Up to $20,000
- Minted in: San Francisco
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare error where parts of the design, including “LIBERTY” and Washington’s eye, appear doubled.
- What to Look For: Use a magnifier to check “IN GOD WE TRUST” for obvious doubling.
- Value Range: $2,000–$20,000.
4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark – Worth Up to $5,000
- Minted in: Denver
- Why It’s Valuable: A minting error where a “D” was punched over an “S.”
- What to Look For: A faint “S” beneath the “D.”
- Value Range: $400–$5,000.
5. 1950-S/D Overmintmark – Worth Up to $4,000
- Minted in: San Francisco
- Why It’s Valuable: The reverse of the previous error—a “S” over a “D.”
- What to Look For: A subtle “D” hiding under the “S.”
- Value Range: $300–$4,000.
6. 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse – Worth Up to $7,000
- Minted in: Denver
- Why It’s Valuable: The reverse shows strong doubling on the lettering.
- What to Look For: Check the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
- Value Range: $500–$7,000.
7. 1970-S Proof Quarter Struck on a 1941 Canadian Coin – Worth Up to $35,000
- Minted in: San Francisco
- Why It’s Valuable: This wild mint error resulted in a U.S. quarter being struck on a silver Canadian coin.
- What to Look For: Look closely—traces of the original Canadian coin may peek through under the U.S. design.
- Value Range: $25,000–$35,000.
8. 1983-P Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark) – Worth Up to $1,500
- Minted in: Philadelphia
- Why It’s Valuable: Most 1983 quarters are poorly struck, and this version lacks a mint mark—making high-quality examples rare.
- What to Look For: No mint mark under Washington’s neck.
- Value Range: $100–$1,500.
9. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter – Worth Up to $2,500
- Minted in: Denver
- Why It’s Valuable: A die flaw caused an extra leaf to appear on the corn husk—there are two versions: “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf.”
- What to Look For: Examine the corn on the back of the coin carefully.
- Value Range: $150–$2,500.
How to Spot a Rare Washington Quarter
- Check the Mint Mark: Before 1968, it’s on the reverse. After that, it’s on the obverse.
- Look for Errors: Doubled dies, missing mint marks, and overstrikes are key signs.
- Use a Magnifier: Small details can mean big bucks.
- Consider the Condition: Coins in “Mint State” or “Proof” condition are significantly more valuable.
- Get it Verified: Services like PCGS and NGC can grade and certify authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Washington quarters aren’t just common coins—they’re snapshots of U.S. history, and in rare cases, golden tickets hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re flipping through a coin jar or digging through an old collection, keep your eyes peeled. You never know when you might stumble upon a quarter worth thousands.
FAQ: Rare Washington Quarters
Q: Can I still find rare quarters in circulation?
A: Yes! Coins like the 2004-D “Extra Leaf” have popped up in everyday change.
Q: What’s the most valuable Washington quarter?
A: The 1932-D in mint condition—valued at up to $50,700.
Q: Where can I sell a valuable quarter?
A: Look to auction houses like Heritage Auctions, trusted coin dealers, or online platforms like Stack’s Bowers.
Q: Are proof quarters worth keeping?
A: Definitely. Especially ones with minting errors—they can be highly sought after by collectors.