Washington quarters have been an essential part of U.S. coinage since 1932, originally minted to honor the 200th birthday of George Washington. While most are worth only face value, certain rare issues, minting errors, and low-mintage editions can turn an ordinary 25-cent coin into a treasure worth thousands of dollars. Many collectors still search for these valuable pieces in pocket change, coin rolls, and old collections.
Below is a complete guide to the nine most valuable Washington quarters and how to identify them.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
Value: Up to $50,700
Mint: Denver
Mintage: 436,800
Why It’s Valuable: Lowest mintage of all Washington quarters.
Identification Tip: Look for the small “D” mint mark beneath the eagle on the reverse.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Value: Up to $35,000
Mint: San Francisco
Mintage: 408,000
Why It’s Valuable: One of the two rarest first-year issues.
Identification Tip: Check for the “S” mint mark under the eagle.
3. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
Value: Up to $20,000
Mint: San Francisco
Why It’s Valuable: Strong doubling on the obverse design.
Identification Tip: Look for doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
Value: Up to $5,000
Mint: Denver
Why It’s Valuable: A “D” mint mark was punched over an “S.”
Identification Tip: A faint “S” can be seen under the “D.”
5. 1950-S/D Overmintmark Quarter
Value: Up to $4,000
Mint: San Francisco
Why It’s Valuable: Reverse of the above error, with an “S” punched over a “D.”
Identification Tip: A small “D” is visible beneath the “S.”
6. 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter
Value: Up to $7,000
Mint: Denver
Why It’s Valuable: Bold doubling on reverse text.
Identification Tip: Check for doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR.
7. 1970-S Proof Quarter Struck on a 1941 Canadian Coin
Value: Up to $35,000
Mint: San Francisco
Why It’s Valuable: Rare proof coin struck on a silver Canadian coin.
Identification Tip: Trace details of the Canadian design may appear beneath the U.S. strike.
8. 1983-P No Mint Mark Quarter
Value: Up to $1,500
Mint: Philadelphia
Why It’s Valuable: Poor strike year; high-grade examples are scarce.
Identification Tip: No mint mark below Washington’s neck.
9. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter
Value: Up to $2,500
Mint: Denver
Why It’s Valuable: A die flaw created an extra leaf on the corn husk.
Identification Tip: Look for “High Leaf” or “Low Leaf” varieties on the reverse.
How to Identify a Rare Washington Quarter
Check the Mint Mark
- Pre-1968: Appears on the reverse
- Post-1968: Appears on the obverse
- Valuable coins often come from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S)
Look for Minting Errors
- Doubling (doubled die)
- Missing mint marks
- Extra shapes or unusual imprints
- Overmintmarks (one mint mark punched over another)
Examine Coin Condition
Higher-grade quarters with MS (Mint State) or Proof grades are worth significantly more.
Use Magnification
A 5x–10x magnifier helps you catch small details that determine value.
Get Professional Verification
Use PCGS or NGC for grading and authentication if you believe your coin is rare.
Conclusion
Rare Washington quarters offer collectors a chance to discover true hidden treasure. From low-mintage 1930s coins to modern error varieties, some quarters can be worth thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars. Always check your spare change, old jars, or inherited collections. Your next valuable coin might be sitting right in your pocket.
FAQs
Q1: Can rare Washington quarters still be found in circulation?
Yes. Coins like the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarter still appear occasionally.
Q2: What is the most valuable Washington quarter?
The 1932-D, worth up to $50,700 in top condition.
Q3: How do I know if my quarter is rare?
Check mint marks, look for errors, and compare with known rare varieties.
Q4: Where can I sell valuable quarters?
Through certified coin dealers, auction houses, or marketplaces like Heritage Auctions.
Q5: Are proof quarters worth keeping?
Yes. Proof quarters—especially with minting errors—can increase significantly in value.