Have you ever checked the change in your pocket and wondered if one of those quarters could actually be worth thousands of dollars? While most Washington quarters are worth just 25 cents, a few rare pieces can fetch serious money at auctions and from collectors. Some of them have sold for as much as $26,000, and in certain cases, even more. The key factors are rarity, mint errors, and condition.
Here are nine Washington quarters that could turn an ordinary coin into an extraordinary treasure.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D is one of the most sought-after Washington quarters. This was the first year the Washington quarter was minted, and production numbers were very low. Only about 436,800 pieces were struck at the Denver Mint. Because of this limited mintage and high collector demand, these coins can sell for impressive amounts.
In top-graded condition (MS65 or better), a 1932-D quarter can be valued well over $20,000, and in rare cases, even exceed $70,000. If you have an old coin collection at home, this is the quarter you want to look for first.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Alongside the Denver issue, the San Francisco Mint also produced a small run of Washington quarters in 1932. The mintage was slightly higher than the Denver version, but still under one million coins.
High-grade examples of the 1932-S are also extremely valuable. In circulated condition, it may be worth a few hundred dollars, but in mint state, the value climbs quickly. Serious collectors consider this a key date coin for the Washington quarter series.
3. 1934 Doubled Die Obverse
In 1934, some quarters were struck with a noticeable doubled die error on the obverse (the side with George Washington’s portrait). This means parts of the lettering and design appear doubled, making it stand out under magnification.
Error coins like this are always popular among collectors because they are unusual and rare. A sharp, uncirculated example of the 1934 doubled die obverse quarter can sell for thousands of dollars, depending on how strong the doubling appears.
4. 1937 Doubled Die Variety
Another major doubled die can be found in the 1937 Washington quarter. Like the 1934 version, this error affects the obverse design. Collectors search for these coins because error varieties add both rarity and intrigue to a series that otherwise has many common dates.
If you have a 1937 quarter, check carefully for signs of doubling on the inscriptions. Even a circulated example could be worth significantly more than face value.
5. 1943 Doubled Die Obverse
World War II era coins also produced their share of mistakes. The 1943 doubled die obverse quarter is one of the most desirable of the wartime issues. The doubling is visible on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Collectors value this coin not only for the error but also for the history it represents. In top condition, these can bring in thousands of dollars at auction.
6. 1950-D/S Overmintmark
Overmintmark errors occur when a mintmark is struck over another mintmark by mistake. In 1950, some Denver-minted quarters show a “D” punched over an “S.” This unusual marking makes the coin rare and highly collectible.
Because overmintmark errors are relatively scarce in the Washington quarter series, any confirmed example commands premium prices. If authenticated, this coin can easily sell in the high hundreds or even thousands.
7. 1950-S/D Overmintmark
Similar to the 1950-D/S, the San Francisco Mint also had a reverse situation where an “S” was struck over a “D.” These coins are equally desirable to collectors of mint error varieties.
Although not as well known as the Denver version, the 1950-S/D quarter is just as collectible and valuable in high grades. Finding one in your change would be a once-in-a-lifetime event.
8. 1983-D Off-Center Error Quarter
Not all rare quarters are from the early years. Error coins from the 1980s and beyond can also fetch good money. A well-known example is the 1983-D Washington quarter with an off-center strike.
In this error, the design is not properly centered on the coin, leaving part of the surface blank. Depending on how extreme the misalignment is, such coins can sell from a few hundred dollars to much more. One example sold for around $300 online, proving that even modern quarters can be valuable.
9. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1995 doubled die obverse quarter is another modern variety that collectors pay attention to. The doubling can be seen on the inscriptions, particularly “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
While not as valuable as the early silver errors, these coins can still bring in a strong premium, especially in mint state condition. They are easier to spot for new collectors and serve as a reminder that rare finds aren’t limited to older coins.
What Makes a Quarter Valuable?
Several factors determine whether your quarter is worth 25 cents or thousands:
- Mintage numbers: The fewer coins made, the rarer it is today.
- Mint errors: Doubling, overmintmarks, and off-center strikes all add value.
- Condition (Grade): Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Anything above MS65 is considered high grade and can multiply the coin’s value many times over.
- Collector demand: Certain dates and varieties are more popular, which increases market price.
How to Check Your Quarters
If you have old quarters lying around, here’s how to start:
- Check the date and mintmark. Look for the rare years mentioned above.
- Inspect the design closely under a magnifying glass. Search for doubling or strange mintmarks.
- Evaluate the coin’s condition. Uncirculated coins with sharp details are the most valuable.
- Consider professional grading. Services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your coin, which helps you sell it at its true market value.
Final Thoughts
Washington quarters are among the most collected coins in the United States, and for good reason. While most of them are common pocket change, a handful of rare dates and mint errors have made history by selling for tens of thousands of dollars.
If you come across a 1932-D, 1932-S, or one of the major doubled die varieties, you could be holding a small fortune. Even modern errors can bring in impressive amounts. So before you toss that quarter into a vending machine, take a closer look. It might just be the hidden treasure that turns spare change into serious cash.