The familiar profile of George Washington has graced America’s quarter dollar since 1932, creating one of the nation’s longest-running coin designs.
While most Washington quarters spent decades circulating through cash registers and pockets, certain dates and varieties have become surprisingly valuable.
For the observant collector willing to examine coin rolls and estate sales, these silver and copper-nickel treasures occasionally surface at face value.
1932-D Washington Quarter When the Washington quarter debuted in 1932, the Denver mint produced only 436,800 examples – the lowest mintage in the entire series. This first-year rarity commands significant premiums, with well-worn examples typically bringing $150-$250, while uncirculated specimens can exceed $5,000. The distinctive “D” mintmark appears on the reverse below the wreath.
1932-S Washington Quarter The San Francisco mint struck just 408,000 quarters in 1932, creating another key date. Though slightly less rare in circulated grades than its Denver counterpart, the 1932-S remains highly desirable, with worn examples typically selling for $125-$200. Mint state specimens regularly bring $4,000-$8,000 at auction, with exceptional gems occasionally exceeding $20,000.
1937 Doubled Die Obverse This dramatic error shows distinct doubling throughout Washington’s head, particularly visible in his hair, ear, and the word “LIBERTY.” Long overlooked, this variety has gained recognition in recent decades, with circulated examples now bringing $500-$1,500. The doubling appears most pronounced when examined under angled light with 5-10x magnification.
1942-D Doubled Die Obverse Another spectacular doubled die shows pronounced separation in “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date, and Washington’s profile. Relatively few examples have been certified, suggesting many remain undiscovered in collections and dealer inventory. Current values range from $600+ in circulated condition to $5,000+ for uncirculated specimens with full mint luster.
1950-S/D Overdate This fascinating variety occurred when a San Francisco mint worker punched an S mintmark over an existing D, creating a distinctive “S/D” combination visible under magnification. The underlying D remains clearly visible beneath the S, particularly in the mintmark’s lower curve. Market values typically start around $100 for identifiable circulated examples, while uncirculated specimens can reach $1,000+.
1943-S Doubled Die Obverse This wartime issue shows significant doubling throughout the obverse, particularly in “LIBERTY” and the date. The doubling creates a distinctive spread appearance rather than mere thickness in the affected elements. Values typically range from $300+ for well-preserved circulated examples to $3,000+ for uncirculated specimens with sharp strike characteristics.
1934 Light Motto Doubled Die Reverse This variety shows pronounced doubling in “E PLURIBUS UNUM” with secondary images clearly offset from the primary motto. Though discovered decades ago, this variety remains under-collected, with many examples likely sitting unattributed in collections. Market values range from $400+ for identifiable circulated specimens to $2,500+ for sharp uncirculated examples.
1952-S Supergrade Examples While not rare in typical grades, the 1952-S becomes exceptionally scarce in gem uncirculated condition with full strike. Examples graded MS66 or higher with full head details often bring $1,000-$5,000, with recent auction records exceeding $10,000 for perfect MS68 specimens. The strike characteristics prove particularly important, as most examples show weakness in Washington’s hair details.
1964 Special Mint Set Finish In preparation for the 1965 Special Mint Sets, the Philadelphia mint experimented with various finishing techniques on 1964-dated quarters. These distinctive specimens show sharper strike and different surface characteristics than regular uncirculated coins. Though visually distinctive, they remain challenging to attribute without considerable expertise. Authenticated examples typically bring $1,000-$2,500 depending on quality.
1983-P Doubled Die Reverse The most valuable copper-nickel Washington quarter, this dramatic error shows significant doubling in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The doubling appears most pronounced in “STATES” and “QUARTER,” with clear separation visible without magnification. Recent sales range from $150+ for worn examples to $1,500+ for uncirculated specimens.
Authentication Wisdom
Experienced collectors recommend several approaches when searching for these valuable quarters:
Lighting proves crucial for doubled die identification, with angled illumination revealing doubling that direct light might obscure. Magnification of 5-10x allows proper examination of mintmark varieties and die characteristics. Weight verification helps distinguish silver issues (6.25 grams) from copper-nickel (5.67 grams).
Professional certification becomes advisable for high-value examples, as sophisticated counterfeits occasionally enter the market. PCGS, NGC, and ANACS provide third-party verification services with tamper-evident holders.
Hunting Strategies
Several approaches have proven successful for collectors seeking these elusive quarters:
Searching bank rolls occasionally yields silver quarters and overlooked varieties, particularly in less urban areas. Estate sales and coin shop “junk silver” bins sometimes contain key dates sold by weight rather than numismatic value. Online marketplace listings occasionally mislabel important varieties due to seller inexperience.
Most importantly, developing knowledge through reference materials provides the foundation for successful hunting. The subtle differences between valuable varieties and common issues often become apparent only to the educated eye.
Market Trends – Valuable Washington Quarters Worth
Washington quarter values have shown steady appreciation, particularly for highest-grade examples and dramatic varieties. However, unlike some commemorative issues, the series maintains strong connections to historical collecting traditions, providing some insulation from speculative bubbles.
For the patient collector willing to develop specialized knowledge, Washington quarters offer a compelling blend of accessibility and discovery potential. Their familiar design conceals surprising treasures waiting for the observant hunter willing to look beyond face value.