Top 4 Washington Quarters Worth a Fortune in 2026: For many, a quarter is just another coin to toss into a jar or leave behind when making a small purchase. But for coin collectors and numismatists, certain quarters especially Washington Quarters can be worth far more than their face value. While many quarters from the Washington series are still circulating with little fanfare, there are a select few that have become highly sought after by collectors and investors. Some of these quarters, minted decades ago, are now valued in the thousands, even millions, of dollars.
As we move into 2026, the value of certain Washington Quarters continues to rise, thanks to their rarity, minting errors, or limited production runs. If you’re holding onto a collection of quarters, it’s worth taking a second look you might be sitting on a small fortune. In this post, we’ll explore the top four Washington Quarters that could be worth a lot more than you think.
The Washington Quarter: A Brief History
The Washington Quarter was first introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Over the years, the design has gone through several changes, but the image of Washington’s profile has remained a constant feature on the obverse (front) of the coin. The reverse (back) design has seen multiple updates, most notably with the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999, which featured individual designs representing each state.
While many of these coins are still circulating today, some Washington Quarters have become rare collectibles. The combination of historical significance, rare minting errors, and limited production makes certain quarters highly valuable. Below are the top four Washington Quarters worth a fortune in 2026, and the ones you should keep an eye out for.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable coins in the series and is often regarded as a cornerstone of any Washington Quarter collection. The 1932-D is particularly rare because it was minted in limited quantities only about 436,800 were produced. During the Great Depression, the U.S. Mint produced fewer coins as demand was low, which is why this particular year and mint mark are so valuable today.
In 2026, a 1932-D Washington Quarter in excellent condition can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the grade. Coins in “mint state” condition can be worth even more, sometimes breaking the $50,000 mark at auctions. Collectors look for these coins in pristine or near-pristine condition, as the finer details of the design are crucial to determining its value. If you find a 1932-D Washington Quarter among your spare change, especially if it shows little wear, you might be holding a rare treasure.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Much like the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is another rare coin from the early years of the Washington series. Minted in San Francisco, only about 408,000 of these coins were struck, making it one of the most coveted Washington Quarters for collectors. The low mintage numbers, combined with the fact that many of these coins were spent and circulated heavily, make it incredibly hard to find a high-quality example of the 1932-S.
As of 2026, the value of a 1932-S Washington Quarter can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the condition. A coin in mint state can be worth much more, often exceeding $25,000. The 1932-S is a top choice for serious numismatists looking to complete their Washington Quarter collections, so it remains in high demand at auctions and coin shows. If you find one of these rare quarters, be sure to have it evaluated by a professional it could be worth far more than you realize.
3. 1950 Washington Quarter (Full Bands)
The 1950 Washington Quarter is not rare in terms of mintage millions were produced that year but there is a specific variation that has become extremely valuable: the “Full Bands” version. The “Full Bands” refers to the details in the design of the eagle on the reverse side of the quarter, particularly the horizontal bands on the eagle’s shield. On some coins, these bands are clearly defined, while on others, they are weakly struck or absent.
A 1950 Washington Quarter with fully defined bands is highly prized by collectors, as these examples are rare compared to the standard 1950 Washington Quarters. A well-preserved Full Bands 1950 quarter can be worth between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the coin’s condition. In pristine, mint state, it can fetch much higher prices up to $10,000 or more. For collectors, the Full Bands version of the 1950 quarter is a significant find and one that can dramatically increase the value of your collection.
4. 1964-D Washington Quarter (Doubled Die)
While many Washington Quarters from the 1960s are common and not worth much more than face value, there is one notable exception: the 1964-D Washington Quarter with a doubled die error. A “doubled die” occurs when the coin die strikes the coin multiple times, creating a noticeable doubling effect on the design. In the case of the 1964-D quarter, this error shows up prominently on Washington’s lips, eye, and some of the lettering on the obverse of the coin.
The 1964-D Doubled Die Washington Quarter is one of the most famous errors in the series, and it has become a highly desirable coin for collectors. A high-quality example of this error coin can be worth anywhere from $500 to $10,000, depending on its condition and the extent of the doubling. Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition can fetch even higher prices, as the error is more pronounced and more distinct in these examples.
The 1964-D Doubled Die Washington Quarter is still relatively easy to find in circulation compared to rarer coins like the 1932-D or 1932-S, but it’s important to examine each quarter carefully for this error. If you come across one, it’s worth getting it checked by a professional to determine if you have a valuable coin on your hands.
Why Washington Quarters are So Valuable
So, what makes these particular Washington Quarters so valuable? It all comes down to rarity, condition, and collector demand. Coins with low mintage numbers, especially those that were accidentally damaged during production (such as with doubled die errors or minting mistakes), are much harder to find, which drives up their price. Similarly, quarters in pristine condition are far rarer than worn-out examples, and collectors are willing to pay top dollar for them.
Furthermore, some of these coins particularly the 1932-D and 1932-S are part of the early Washington Quarter series, which gives them additional historical value. Collectors place a premium on coins that were produced during the early years of a series, as they are seen as more significant in terms of numismatic history.
Conclusion: Could Your Spare Change Be Hiding a Fortune?
While it’s easy to dismiss spare change as insignificant, the truth is that some quarters especially those from the Washington series can be worth a small fortune. The 1932-D, 1932-S, 1950 Full Bands, and 1964-D Doubled Die Washington Quarters are some of the most valuable coins to look out for in 2026, and you might just find one hidden in your collection or spare change.
If you’re unsure whether a particular quarter is valuable, it’s always worth having it appraised by a professional. Numismatists and coin dealers can help you assess the value of your coins and determine whether they’re worth holding onto for future investment. With a little knowledge and a keen eye, your spare change could be hiding a treasure worth much more than 25 cents!
