Some Washington quarters in circulation could be worth a fortune
Attention coin collectors and treasure hunters! You might be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it. Certain Washington quarters, which you could find in your pocket change right now, have sold for astronomical prices at auctions. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most valuable Washington quarters that could be worth over $300,000 each. Read on to discover if you have one of these rare gems!
Most people think of Washington quarters as simple 25-cent pieces, but some rare editions have become the holy grail for numismatists. Minting errors, limited production runs, and unique historical circumstances have turned some of these everyday coins into six-figure treasures.
Why Are Some Quarters So Valuable?
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand what makes a quarter exceptionally valuable:
- Minting errors: Doubled dies, off-center strikes, or missing elements
- Low mintage: Fewer coins produced means higher rarity
- Exceptional condition: Coins graded MS-67 or higher by PCGS or NGC
- Historical significance: Coins from specific years with unique stories
- Precious metal content: Silver quarters from before 1965
The Top 10 Washington Quarters Worth Over $300,000
Pro Tip: All values listed are for coins in mint state condition (MS-65 or higher). Worn coins will be worth significantly less, but even damaged examples of these rarities can still command five-figure prices.
| # | Year & Variety | Key Feature | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1932-D Washington Quarter | Extremely low mintage (only 436,800) | $350,000+ |
| 2 | 1932-S Washington Quarter | Second lowest mintage in series | $325,000+ |
| 3 | 1937 Doubled Die Obverse | Pronounced doubling on inscriptions | $340,000+ |
| 4 | 1943-S Double Die Obverse | Major doubling error | $310,000+ |
| 5 | 1950-D/S Overmintmark | “S” mintmark over a “D” | $300,000+ |
How to Check Your Pocket Change
Finding one of these rare quarters is like winning the lottery, but it does happen! Follow these steps to check your coins:
Step 1: Sort by Year
Separate quarters by decade, paying special attention to key dates like 1932, 1937, and 1950.
Step 2: Examine Mintmarks
Look for “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mintmarks on the reverse, below the eagle.
Step 3: Look for Errors
Use a magnifying glass to check for doubling, off-center strikes, or other anomalies.
Step 4: Assess Condition
Uncirculated coins with original luster and no wear are most valuable.
Think You Might Have a Rare Quarter?
Don’t sell it without proper evaluation! Rare coins should be authenticated and graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC. An ungraded coin might sell for thousands less than its true value.
Get a professional appraisal before making any decisions!
Where to Look Beyond Pocket Change
While checking your current change is a great start, here are other places you might find valuable quarters:
- Inherited coin collections from family members
- Old piggy banks or savings jars
- Coin rolls from banks (coin roll hunting)
- Estate sales and garage sales
- Old furniture or safes (people sometimes hide coins in unexpected places)
Final Thoughts
The thrill of the hunt is what makes coin collecting so exciting. While the chances of finding a quarter worth $300,000 in your pocket change are extremely slim, valuable coins do turn up in circulation more often than you might think. Even if you don’t find one of the top 10 rarest, you could still discover quarters worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
