Most Washington quarters are worth just 25 cents, but a rare variety could be hiding in your wallet or coin collection right now—worth up to $35,000. Stories of valuable quarters turning up in everyday places continue to excite collectors and casual coin hunters alike.
So which Washington quarter is it, why is it so valuable, and how can you tell if you have one?
Why Some Washington Quarters Are Extremely Valuable
The Washington Quarter, first issued in 1932, has been minted for decades. While billions exist, a small number of rare dates, mint errors, and special varieties are worth serious money.
Value is driven by:
- Low mintage years
- Minting errors
- Silver content
- Exceptional condition
- Collector demand
When several of these factors combine, prices can skyrocket.
The Washington Quarter That Can Be Worth $35,000
1932-D or 1932-S Washington Quarter
The most famous and valuable regular-issue Washington quarters are from 1932, the coin’s first year of issue.
Why These Coins Are Special
- Very low mintages
- 1932-D: ~436,800
- 1932-S: ~408,000
- Many were heavily circulated
- Scarce in high-grade condition
A high-grade, original example can reach $35,000 or more at auction.
Other Washington Quarters Worth Big Money
1. 1943 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
Strong doubling on:
- “LIBERTY”
- “IN GOD WE TRUST”
Value: $5,000 – $35,000+
2. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
A rare mint mark variety where:
- Denver “D” is struck over a San Francisco “S”
Value: $1,000 – $10,000+
3. 1965 Silver Transitional Error Quarter
Some 1965 quarters were accidentally struck on 90% silver planchets.
Value: $7,000 – $25,000+
4. Major Mint Error Washington Quarters
Including:
- Off-center strikes
- Wrong planchet errors
- Broadstrikes
Value: $500 – $20,000+
How to Identify a Valuable Washington Quarter
Step-by-Step Checklist
- Check the date
- Focus on 1932, 1943, 1950, and 1965
- Look for a mint mark
- D or S can dramatically increase value
- Check the edge
- Solid silver (no copper stripe) = pre-1965 silver
- Use magnification
- Look for doubling or unusual features
- Weigh the coin
- Silver quarter: ~6.25 g
- Never clean the coin
Washington Quarter Value Chart (High-Value Examples)
| Year | Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | Regular Issue | $1,000 – $35,000 |
| 1932-S | Regular Issue | $1,200 – $30,000 |
| 1943 | Doubled Die | $5,000 – $35,000 |
| 1950 | D/S Overmintmark | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| 1965 | Silver Error | $7,000 – $25,000 |
Could These Quarters Still Be in Circulation?
Yes—though rare.
Some valuable Washington quarters:
- Were unknowingly spent decades ago
- Came from broken collections
- Sat unnoticed in jars or drawers
Collectors still find rare quarters through coin roll hunting and estate cleanouts.
What to Do If You Think You Found One
- Handle only by the edges
- Store it in a protective holder
- Do not clean or polish
- Have it evaluated by a reputable dealer
- Consider grading with PCGS or NGC
Professional authentication is essential for coins worth thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is any Washington quarter really worth $35,000?
Yes. High-grade 1932-D and 1932-S quarters, as well as rare error varieties, have sold for that amount.
Are all old Washington quarters valuable?
No. Most common dates are worth silver value or slightly more.
How do I know if my quarter is silver?
Check the edge—silver quarters have no copper stripe.
Should I clean a dirty quarter?
No. Cleaning can destroy collector value.
Where is the best place to sell a rare quarter?
Certified coin dealers or major auction houses after grading.
Final Thoughts
The idea that a Washington quarter worth $35,000 could be hiding in plain sight is not a myth—it’s a documented reality in coin collecting. While most quarters are common, rare dates, mint errors, and pristine examples continue to surprise collectors.