Discover the hidden treasures in your pocket change that could be worth thousands!
The Washington quarter, first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, has become one of America’s most collected coins. While most are worth only face value, certain rare dates, mint marks, and error coins can be worth a small fortune to collectors.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 most valuable Washington quarters that you should be looking for in your collection or pocket change. These coins have sold for impressive amounts at auction and could be hiding in plain sight!
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D is the key date of the entire Washington quarter series. With a mintage of only 436,800 pieces, it’s by far the lowest mintage regular issue Washington quarter. This coin was minted in Denver during the first year of the series.
In lower grades, the 1932-D quarter is worth around $1,000, but specimens in mint state condition can easily bring $10,000 to $15,000 or more at auction. The record price for this coin exceeds $35,000 for a pristine example.
Key Facts:
- Mintage: 436,800
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Record Price: $35,250 (MS67)
- Special Note: First year of issue, lowest mintage in series
1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S is the second key date of the Washington quarter series. With a mintage of 408,000 pieces, it’s only slightly more common than the 1932-D. Like its Denver counterpart, this coin was struck in the first year of the series at the San Francisco Mint.
Values range from around $500 for heavily circulated examples to over $10,000 for mint state specimens. The finest known examples have sold for more than $20,000 at auction.
Key Facts:
- Mintage: 408,000
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Record Price: $22,800 (MS67)
- Special Note: Second lowest mintage in series
1937 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most dramatic and valuable error coins in the Washington quarter series. The doubling is most noticeable on the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”
This error occurred when the coin die was struck twice by the hub during the manufacturing process, creating a doubled image. Values vary significantly based on the strength of the doubling and the coin’s condition, with the finest examples selling for over $20,000.
Key Facts:
- Mintage Year: 1937
- Variety: Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Record Price: $22,325 (MS65)
- Special Note: Most dramatic DDO in Washington quarter series
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S overmintmark is a popular variety where a “D” mintmark was punched over an “S” mintmark. This occurred at the Denver Mint when they repurposed dies from the San Francisco Mint. The underlying “S” mintmark is visible beneath the “D.”
This variety is highly sought after by collectors. While circulated examples can be found for a few hundred dollars, mint state specimens command prices in the thousands, with the finest examples selling for over $5,000.
Key Facts:
- Mintage Year: 1950
- Variety: D Over S Overmintmark
- Record Price: $5,175 (MS67)
- Special Note: Clear repunched mintmark variety
1970-S Proof Quarter with Doubled Die
The 1970-S Proof Doubled Die quarter is a modern rarity that commands significant premiums. The doubling is most evident on the obverse, particularly noticeable on the word “LIBERTY” and the date.
As a proof coin, it was specially struck for collectors, making high-grade examples more common than business strikes. However, the doubled die variety is scarce, with values ranging from a few hundred dollars for impaired proofs to several thousand for perfect specimens.
Key Facts:
- Mintage Year: 1970
- Variety: Proof Doubled Die Obverse
- Record Price: $4,313 (PR69)
- Special Note: Modern proof error coin
Conclusion: Your Pocket Change Could Be Worth a Fortune!
The Washington quarter series contains numerous hidden treasures that could be worth far more than their 25-cent face value. From the ultra-rare 1932-D and 1932-S issues to error coins like the 1937 Doubled Die and 1950-D/S overmintmark, there are plenty of opportunities for collectors to find valuable coins.
When searching for these rare quarters, pay close attention to mint marks, look for doubling or other errors, and always check your change carefully. Even if you don’t find one of these top five rarities, many other Washington quarters have significant numismatic value above their face value.
Tips for Collectors:
- Always check the condition of your coins – higher grade equals higher value
- Look for mint marks on the reverse (back) of the coin below the eagle
- Consider having rare coins professionally graded by PCGS or NGC
- Store valuable coins in proper holders to protect them from damage
- Research recent auction prices to understand current market values
