Think that pocket change rattling in your car console is worthless? Think again. Some Washington quarters, which have been a part of everyday currency since 1932, are worth far more than 25 cents—some fetching up to $26,000 or more in the collector market. Rare errors, low mintages, and historical significance have turned certain quarters into treasures hiding in plain sight.
In this article, we’re diving into nine rare Washington quarters that are potentially worth a fortune. If you happen to be holding one, you might just strike silver.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: Up to $26,000 in uncirculated condition
- Why It’s Rare: This was the first year of the Washington quarter, and the Denver Mint only produced 436,800 of them—one of the lowest mintages in the series.
- What to Look For: A small “D” mintmark on the back of the coin under the eagle. Coins in mint state (MS-65 or higher) are extremely valuable.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $5,000 to $26,000+ depending on condition
- Why It’s Rare: Just like the 1932-D, the San Francisco Mint also had a low mintage—only 408,000 quarters were struck.
- Key Features: Look for an “S” mintmark under the eagle. High-grade versions are rare and command top dollar.
3. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
- Estimated Value: $20,000–$26,000
- Why It’s Rare: This quarter exhibits a rare doubled die error on the obverse (front), where the date and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear doubled.
- What to Look For: A strong doubling, especially noticeable on the date and lettering. Collectors pay a premium for certified examples.
4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
- Estimated Value: $10,000–$25,000
- Why It’s Rare: A mint error occurred when a Denver mintmark was stamped over a San Francisco mintmark.
- How to Spot It: You’ll need a magnifier. Look for traces of an “S” beneath the “D” on the back. It’s one of the most fascinating and valuable overmintmark errors in the series.
5. 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
- Estimated Value: $15,000–$26,000
- Why It’s Rare: Similar to the 1943-S, this quarter has a doubled die on the obverse, creating a noticeable doubling of the inscriptions.
- Spotting Tip: Examine “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” under magnification—doubling will be obvious to trained eyes.
6. 1937-S Washington Quarter (Proof-Like Finish)
- Estimated Value: $18,000–$26,000
- Why It’s Rare: While not officially a proof coin, some 1937-S quarters were struck with proof-like surfaces, showing deep mirrors and sharp details.
- Collector’s Note: Grading services like PCGS and NGC label these coins as “PL” (Proof-Like). These coins fetch premium prices in high grades.
7. 1944-D Washington Quarter (Full Head Detail)
- Estimated Value: Up to $26,000 in MS-68+
- Why It’s Rare: While not an error or low-mintage issue, this coin is prized for its superb condition—only a few examples exist in pristine mint-state condition.
- What Makes It Valuable: A coin graded MS-68 or higher with strong head detail on Washington’s bust is extremely rare.
8. 1950-S/D Overmintmark Quarter
- Estimated Value: $8,000–$26,000
- Why It’s Rare: A San Francisco mintmark was stamped over a Denver mintmark, the opposite of the 1950-D/S coin.
- What to Look For: A faint “D” under the “S.” These types of errors are seldom found in circulation and are often discovered by sharp-eyed collectors.
9. 1964-D Transitional Error (Clad Planchet)
- Estimated Value: $15,000–$26,000
- Why It’s Rare: In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from silver to clad coinage. A few 1964-D quarters were mistakenly struck on clad planchets, not the usual 90% silver ones.
- Key Feature: Lighter weight than a standard silver quarter and a duller ring when dropped. You’ll need a scale and possibly professional testing to confirm.
How to Know If You Have a Rare Quarter
It can be tough to distinguish valuable quarters from common ones without close inspection. Here’s how to improve your odds:
- Check mintmarks: Focus on “D” and “S” marks from early years.
- Look for doubling: Use a magnifier to spot doubled letters or numbers.
- Weigh your coins: A silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams; anything else could indicate an error.
- Check condition: Coins with no wear, clean surfaces, and strong details are worth more.
- Get it graded: If you think you’ve found something valuable, professional grading by PCGS or NGC can confirm its authenticity and boost value.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook Your Change Jar
It’s easy to dismiss quarters as just small change, but among them could lie a coin worth $26,000 or more. Whether it’s an overlooked doubled die, a rare overmintmark, or an uncirculated early edition, Washington quarters remain one of the most collected U.S. coins—and some of the rarest are still out there.
So next time you’re handed a quarter, take a closer look—you might just be holding a hidden gem in your palm.