Introduced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, the Washington Quarter has become a cornerstone of American coinage. While most are common pocket change, some rare versions can be worth thousands of dollars to collectors. From silver content to mint errors and low-mintage years, these are the 7 most valuable Washington quarters ever discovered.
š„ 1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $2,000ā$25,000+
- Why Itās Valuable: With only 436,800 minted, itās one of the lowest-mintage quarters in the entire series.
- Key Tip: High-grade uncirculated examples fetch the most moneyāespecially with strong detail and luster.
š„ 2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $1,500ā$20,000+
- Why Itās Valuable: Like the Denver issue, the San Francisco mint had low outputājust 408,000 made.
- Bonus: A complete 1932-D and 1932-S pair is a prized duo among collectors.
š„ 3. 1943-S Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse)
- Estimated Value: $500ā$3,000+
- Why Itās Valuable: This error coin shows noticeable doubling in the word “LIBERTY” and other design elements.
- Collector Tip: Look for strong doubling with a magnifying glass or loopāit adds significant value.
š 4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
- Estimated Value: $500ā$1,000+
- Why Itās Valuable: This variety was created when a Denver mintmark was stamped over a San Francisco mintmarkāan unusual and collectible error.
- Fun Fact: These types of āovermintmarkā errors are popular with error coin enthusiasts.
š 5. 1983-P Washington Quarter (Spitting Eagle Error)
- Estimated Value: $100ā$600
- Why Itās Valuable: A die crack causes a raised line from the eagleās beakāappearing as if the eagle is spitting.
- Tip: Common in circulated grades but still valuable due to the fun and obvious visual error.
šļø 6. 1964-D Washington Quarter (SMS Specimen)
- Estimated Value: $5,000ā$10,000+
- Why Itās Valuable: This Special Mint Set (SMS) variety was not intended for public release and has a distinct satin-like finish.
- How to Spot: Look for sharp, proof-like detail and smooth lusterāvery different from normal strikes.
š„ 7. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf High/Low)
- Estimated Value: $300ā$6,000
- Why Itās Valuable: While technically a State Quarter, itās still part of the Washington series and has a famous errorāa mysterious extra corn leaf on the reverse.
- Hot Collector Item: Both “Low Leaf” and “High Leaf” varieties are highly sought after.
š° Bonus Tip: Check for Silver Content
- Quarters minted from 1932 to 1964 contain 90% silver.
- Even common dates can be worth $5ā$10 or more depending on silver prices.
š Final Thoughts
Most Washington Quarters are only worth 25 centsābut key dates, errors, and silver compositions can turn an ordinary coin into a small treasure. Whether you’re a casual collector or just coin-curious, it pays to check your change. Who knows? You might have one of these valuable coins hiding in your stash.