The Washington Quarter is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history, first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. While most of the quarters you come across in circulation are worth just 25 cents, some rare versions of the Washington Quarter can fetch astronomical prices among collectors. In fact, certain quarters can be worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on their rarity, minting errors, and condition. Here are the top 9 most valuable Washington Quarters that could make you rich.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable quarters you can find. Minted in Denver, this coin was part of the first batch of Washington Quarters released by the U.S. Mint. However, only a small number of them were produced, making it incredibly rare. In excellent condition, this coin can be worth anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on its grade. A coin with exceptional features or unique characteristics could even fetch more at auction.
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2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is another rare and valuable coin from the early years of the Washington Quarter series. Minted in San Francisco, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is highly sought after by collectors. With low mintage numbers and a limited number of coins in circulation, it can be worth between $7,500 and $25,000 in high-grade condition.
3. 1943/2 Washington Quarter
The 1943/2 Washington Quarter is a famous example of a minting error, making it a highly prized coin among collectors. The coin was minted with the wrong die, resulting in the year being mistakenly struck as 1943 instead of 1942. This error makes it incredibly valuable, with well-preserved examples reaching prices of $25,000 or more at auctions. The more pristine the coin, the higher its potential value.
4. 1950-D Washington Quarter
The 1950-D Washington Quarter is another coin that commands a high price. While it may seem like a more common date, it is actually one of the key dates in the Washington Quarter series. The rarity of this coin, combined with its low mintage, makes it very valuable. If you find one in excellent condition, it could be worth between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on its grade.
5. 1936 Washington Quarter (Double Die Reverse)
The 1936 Washington Quarter with a double die reverse is another rare and valuable coin, thanks to a minting error that caused the design to appear twice on the reverse side. This doubling effect creates a striking error that makes the coin highly collectible. Well-preserved examples of this error coin can be worth between $10,000 and $40,000, depending on its condition.
6. 1941 Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse)
The 1941 Washington Quarter with a doubled die obverse is one of the most sought-after error coins in the Washington Quarter series. The doubling of the design on the obverse (front) side of the coin makes it a highly collectible piece for error coin enthusiasts. Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be valued between $4,000 and $15,000. Finding one in uncirculated or near-uncirculated condition could significantly increase its value.
7. 1937 Washington Quarter (Full Bands)
A 1937 Washington Quarter with full bands is a rare variant of this coin that has a well-defined design, particularly on the ribbons and bands across the eagle’s chest. The clarity and sharpness of the details increase the coin’s value. In excellent condition, a 1937 Washington Quarter with full bands can be worth up to $10,000 or more, especially if it is graded highly by professional numismatists.
8. 1964 Washington Quarter (Silver Version)
The 1964 Washington Quarter is unique because it was the last year the U.S. Mint issued quarters made of 90% silver. After 1964, the composition of quarters was changed to a clad metal, making the 1964 silver version highly sought after by collectors. While it’s not as rare as some of the earlier quarters, its silver content and popularity among collectors still make it worth between $10 and $25 in good condition. If you find one in uncirculated or high-grade condition, it could be worth $300 or more.
9. 1934 Washington Quarter (Full Head)
The 1934 Washington Quarter with a full head is another valuable coin. The term “full head” refers to the coin’s design, where the details on George Washington’s head and the rest of the coin are sharp and clear. A 1934 Washington Quarter with a full head is a rare find, and collectors are willing to pay significant amounts for coins in excellent condition. Depending on its grade, this quarter could be worth between $5,000 and $15,000.
Tips for Identifying Valuable Washington Quarters
If you’re trying to determine whether you have a rare and valuable Washington Quarter, here are a few things to look out for:
Mint Mark
The mint mark on a quarter indicates where it was produced. Common mint marks for Washington Quarters include “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), and no mint mark (Philadelphia).
Condition
Coins that are in better condition, with fewer scratches, marks, and signs of wear, will be worth more. Coins that are uncirculated or in mint state are especially valuable.
Minting Errors
Look for doubled dies, misaligned strikes, or other minting errors that can significantly increase a coin’s value.
Rarity
The fewer coins that were minted in a particular year, the more valuable the coin will be.
Conclusion
While most Washington Quarters are worth only a quarter, there are many rare and valuable coins within the series that could be worth a small fortune. Whether you have a 1932-D, a 1943/2, or a 1936 double die reverse, these coins could make you rich if you happen to find one in your collection or while going through your change. Be sure to keep an eye out for these top 9 valuable Washington Quarters, as even a single rare coin could significantly boost the value of your collection.
