Most Valuable Washington Quarters: The Washington Quarter is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history, first struck in 1932 to honor the nation’s first president, George Washington. Over the decades, these quarters have not only seen widespread circulation but also have become highly coveted by collectors due to various errors, limited mintage years, and special editions. While most Washington Quarters can be found for face value in circulation today, some rare specimens have become highly valuable, fetching prices that can reach as high as $50,700. If you’re a coin collector or simply intrigued by rare finds, this guide highlights nine of the most valuable Washington Quarters you should be on the lookout for.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is often considered the holy grail of Washington Quarters due to its rarity and historical significance. This coin is particularly valuable because it was the first year the Washington Quarter was produced, and the 1932-D variant had a relatively low mintage. Only about 436,800 coins were struck with the Denver mintmark, making it one of the rarest coins in the series. The value of a 1932-D quarter can range from $5,000 for coins in good condition to over $50,000 for specimens in mint state quality (MS-65 or higher).
If you’re lucky enough to find a well-preserved 1932-D Washington Quarter, it could be a major addition to your collection. Its scarcity combined with historical significance makes it one of the most sought-after Washington Quarters among collectors.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Another key rarity in the Washington Quarter series is the 1932-S, minted at the San Francisco mint. Much like the 1932-D, this coin is a first-year issue and features a low mintage number, with only around 408,000 coins struck. The 1932-S is a rare find in any condition, but the higher-grade examples are particularly valuable. Even coins in good condition can be worth several thousand dollars, while those in near mint or MS-65 condition can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the market.
Collectors are always on the lookout for this rare coin, and its value has remained strong over the years, making it one of the most valuable Washington Quarters in existence.
3. 1943 Double Die Obverse Washington Quarter
The 1943 Double Die Obverse Washington Quarter is a coin that commands attention due to its rarity and the noticeable error in its production. A double die error occurs when a coin is struck twice, resulting in the doubling of certain features on the coin’s design. In the case of the 1943 Double Die Obverse, the doubling is most evident on the word “Liberty” and the date “1943” on the obverse of the coin.
This error is highly sought after, and even coins in lower-grade conditions can fetch upwards of $1,000. Higher-grade examples of this rare error coin can command prices ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on their quality. A top-grade specimen could be worth even more, making the 1943 Double Die Obverse Washington Quarter a must-have for error coin collectors.
4. 1964 Silver Washington Quarter (SMS)
While the 1964 Washington Quarter is a regular issue, one special variety from this year stands out among collectors—the 1964 Silver Washington Quarter from the Special Mint Set (SMS). The 1964 Silver SMS quarter was produced for collectors and not intended for general circulation, making it more valuable than the standard 1964 quarters. These coins were struck with higher precision and had a much shinier finish.
In excellent condition, a 1964 Silver SMS Washington Quarter can be worth around $500 to $1,000. If the coin is in pristine mint condition (MS-67 or better), its value can increase substantially, reaching upwards of $10,000 or more. The rarity and quality of these coins make them a top pick for serious collectors.
5. 1937 Proof Washington Quarter
Proof coins are struck with special care, typically using polished dies to create a mirror-like finish, and they were produced in limited quantities for collectors. The 1937 Proof Washington Quarter is one such coin that stands out due to its rarity and condition. The 1937 Proof coins were struck in small numbers—only 4,000 were produced, making them a rare and highly desirable find.
These coins are highly sought after by collectors, and depending on their condition, they can command prices from $1,000 to $20,000 or more. Higher-grade specimens, especially those graded above PF-65, can fetch upwards of $30,000. This coin’s limited mintage and impeccable craftsmanship make it a valuable addition to any collection.
6. 1934-D Washington Quarter
The 1934-D Washington Quarter is a rare find, with a mintage of just over 1.5 million coins. While not as rare as the 1932-D or 1932-S, it is still a sought-after coin among collectors. The value of the 1934-D quarter can range from $100 for lower-grade examples to several thousand dollars for coins in uncirculated condition.
For coins in excellent condition, the value can rise significantly. A high-grade 1934-D Washington Quarter could be worth $10,000 or more, depending on its specific condition. This makes the 1934-D one of the more valuable and collectible Washington Quarters in the series.
7. 1950-D Washington Quarter
The 1950-D Washington Quarter is another rare coin that is highly valued by collectors. Though not as rare as some of the earlier years, the 1950-D features a low mintage for the time, with only around 2.6 million coins produced. Because it is often overlooked in the general coin-collecting community, it tends to be undervalued in comparison to some of the rarer issues.
In good condition, the 1950-D can fetch around $200 to $500, but coins in higher grades (such as MS-65 and higher) can be worth $10,000 or more. Its relative scarcity in high-quality condition makes the 1950-D a desirable piece for collectors.
8. 1949-S Washington Quarter
The 1949-S Washington Quarter is another standout coin due to its low mintage and high demand among collectors. The coin has an estimated mintage of only around 2.6 million, making it a rare find in excellent condition. Although it isn’t as rare as other quarters from earlier years, the 1949-S is one of the most sought-after quarters from the late 1940s.
Depending on its condition, the 1949-S can be worth anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars. In uncirculated or MS-65 condition, it can fetch over $5,000 or more. This makes it one of the top picks for collectors interested in post-WWII Washington Quarters.
9. 1976 Bicentennial Washington Quarter (Proof and MS-67 or Better)
The 1976 Bicentennial Washington Quarter, celebrating America’s 200th anniversary, is a relatively modern coin, but it has garnered significant attention among collectors, especially in proof and high-grade uncirculated (MS-67 or better) conditions. The coin features a reverse design that celebrates the nation’s independence with an image of the colonial drummer. While the 1976 Bicentennial quarter was produced in large numbers, certain varieties, especially in near-perfect condition, have become highly valuable.
A 1976 Bicentennial quarter in MS-67 or higher condition can be worth anywhere from $500 to $1,500, with some top-grade examples reaching prices close to $5,000. The rarity of these high-grade coins combined with their commemorative nature makes them a favorite among collectors of U.S. coinage.
Conclusion
Washington Quarters have long been a staple in the world of coin collecting, and several rare varieties from the 1930s through the 1970s can fetch impressive sums at auction. From the low-mintage 1932-D and 1932-S quarters to the sought-after error coins like the 1943 double die obverse, collectors are always on the lookout for those elusive gems. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare coins, you could be sitting on a small fortune. Whether you’re just starting your collection or adding to an established one, these Washington Quarters are worth investigating for their historical value and potential returns.
