9 Rare Washington Quarters: Washington quarters have been a staple of U.S. currency since 1932, but did you know that some of these seemingly ordinary coins are worth thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars? If you have a collection of quarters lying around, you might just be sitting on a goldmine. This article will explore nine rare Washington quarters worth over $25,000 and provide practical advice on identifying valuable coins.
9 Rare Washington Quarters
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Most Valuable Washington Quarter | 1932-D Washington Quarter – Worth up to $143,750 |
| Low Mintage Key Dates | 1932-D, 1932-S, 1943-S, 1950-D, 1963-D |
| Grading Importance | Higher grades (MS65+) significantly increase coin value |
| Material Composition | Silver quarters (pre-1965) are more valuable |
| Where to Sell? | Auctions, online marketplaces, certified coin dealers |
| Official Reference | U.S. Mint |
Rare Washington quarters can be worth a small fortune, especially if they are in pristine condition. Whether you’re a casual collector or a seasoned numismatist, it pays to check your pocket change—you never know when you might find a hidden treasure. If you suspect you have a valuable quarter, get it professionally graded and explore selling options to maximize your return.
Why Are Some Washington Quarters Worth So Much?
The value of rare Washington quarters depends on several factors:
- Low Mintage: Coins produced in smaller quantities tend to be rarer and more valuable.
- Mint Marks: Coins from certain mints (such as Denver and San Francisco) often carry higher premiums.
- Condition & Grading: Coins graded MS65 or higher by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) can be worth significantly more.
- Errors & Variants: Misprints, double strikes, and off-center errors increase a coin’s worth.
- Silver Content: Quarters minted before 1965 contain 90% silver, making them intrinsically valuable.
Now, let’s break down the rarest and most valuable Washington quarters.
9 Rare Washington Quarters Worth Over $25,000
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Value: Up to $143,750 (MS66)
- Mintage: 436,800
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1932-D quarter is a key date with one of the lowest mintages in the series. High-grade specimens fetch massive premiums.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Value: Up to $46,000 (MS66)
- Mintage: 408,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Another low-mintage key date, this coin is especially rare in uncirculated condition.
3. 1943-S Washington Quarter
- Value: Around $23,500 (MS68)
- Mintage: 21,700,000 (but very few in top condition)
- Why It’s Valuable: A high-grade example is extremely rare, with very few MS68 coins in existence.
4. 1949-D Washington Quarter
- Value: Approximately $22,500 (MS68)
- Mintage: 10,852,000
- Why It’s Valuable: While common in lower grades, pristine examples are scarce and highly sought after.
5. 1955-D Washington Quarter
- Value: Around $22,500 (MS68)
- Mintage: 3,182,400
- Why It’s Valuable: The low mintage and pristine condition drive up the value for collectors.
6. 1963-D Washington Quarter
- Value: Around $24,000 (MS68)
- Mintage: 135,288,184
- Why It’s Valuable: Despite a high mintage, top-condition specimens are extremely rare.
7. 1945-S Washington Quarter
- Value: Approximately $25,000 (MS68)
- Mintage: 17,004,001
- Why It’s Valuable: Coins in the highest grade (MS68) are difficult to find, making them highly collectible.
8. 1937 Washington Quarter
- Value: Around $25,000 (MS68)
- Mintage: 19,696,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Despite a relatively high mintage, near-perfect examples are rare.
9. 1936 Washington Quarter
- Value: Up to $25,000 (MS68)
- Mintage: 41,300,000
- Why It’s Valuable: High-grade specimens command a premium due to their scarcity.
How to Determine If Your Quarter Is Valuable
- Check the Date & Mint Mark: Look for key dates like 1932-D, 1932-S, and other low-mintage years.
- Examine the Condition: Coins with little to no wear fetch the highest prices.
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Look for mint errors, double dies, or missing letters.
- Get It Professionally Graded: PCGS and NGC certification adds credibility and increases sale value.
- Compare Sales Prices: Check auction sites like Heritage Auctions or eBay for recent sales data.
Where to Sell Rare Washington Quarters
- Professional Coin Dealers: Reputable dealers offer fair appraisals.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections are popular platforms.
- Local Coin Shops: A quick way to sell, though prices may be lower.
- Coin Shows & Conventions: Meet collectors and dealers in person for the best deals.
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FAQs About 9 Rare Washington Quarters
Q1: What makes a Washington quarter rare?
A quarter is considered rare if it has a low mintage, a mint error, or is in exceptional condition.
Q2: How can I tell if my quarter is silver?
Quarters minted before 1965 are 90% silver. Check the edge—if it lacks a copper stripe, it’s likely silver.
Q3: Should I clean my rare quarter?
No! Cleaning a coin can significantly reduce its value. Leave it as-is and get it professionally appraised.
Q4: What’s the best way to store valuable quarters?
Use coin holders, airtight capsules, or slabs from professional grading services to preserve their condition.
Q5: Where can I check the latest quarter values?
Websites like PCGS Price Guide and NGC Coin Values provide up-to-date pricing information.
