When was the last time you checked your loose change before tossing it into a drawer or piggy bank? You might want to start now—because some Washington quarters, yes, the everyday coins you use for parking meters or vending machines, could actually be worth a small fortune. Believe it or not, a handful of these quarters from specific years and minting errors have sold for thousands of dollars, with some even reaching values up to $50,000.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of rare Washington quarters, how to spot them, and what makes them so incredibly valuable.
Why Washington Quarters Can Be Valuable
Washington quarters were first minted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. While most of these coins are worth their face value—just 25 cents—certain editions are highly prized by collectors for their limited mintage, minting errors, or unique characteristics.
In short, rarity + condition + collector demand = big money.
Some of these coins were struck in small numbers, others had minting mistakes, and a few were made with special metals. If you happen to stumble across one, you might just have a mini jackpot sitting in your pocket.
9 Rare Washington Quarters Worth Up to $50,00
| Year & Mint | Special Feature / Error | Estimated Value (in USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | Low mintage (only 436,800 made) | Up to $40,000 | One of the first Washington quarters; Denver mint mark below the eagle. |
| 1932-S | Very low mintage (408,000) | Up to $35,000 | San Francisco issue; high collector demand. |
| 1937 Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling visible on “LIBERTY” & “IN GOD WE TRUST” | Up to $20,000 | Classic doubling error; rare find. |
| 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse | Visible doubling on Washington’s face | Around $10,000 | Wartime rarity; silver composition adds value. |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark | D over S mint mark | Up to $7,000 | Minting error; collectors love these “overstrike” pieces. |
| 1964-D Transitional Error | Struck on a 90% silver planchet instead of clad | Up to $16,000 | Transition year before clad coins; silver content increases worth. |
| 1970-S Proof Quarter on 1941 Canadian Quarter | Struck on wrong planchet | Around $35,000–$50,000 | Wild minting error; extremely rare and highly sought-after. |
| 1983-P Spitting Eagle | Die crack through the eagle’s beak | Around $1,000–$5,000 | Unique die break error adds collectible value. |
| 1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse | Die crack on the horse’s mouth | Around $3,500 | Popular state quarter error from the 1999 series. |
How to Identify a Rare Washington Quarter
Now, spotting one of these rare gems requires a bit of patience (and a good magnifying glass doesn’t hurt either). Here’s what to look out for:
- Check the Date & Mint Mark
– The mint mark (D, S, or P) is located just below the wreath or Washington’s neck, depending on the year.
– Quarters from 1932-D and 1932-S are especially valuable due to their low mintage. - Inspect for Errors
– Look for doubling (letters or numbers appearing twice).
– Watch for cracks, off-center strikes, or odd metal surfaces. - Pay Attention to Metal Composition
– Pre-1965 quarters were made of 90% silver.
– Silver coins are generally more valuable than modern clad ones. - Condition Matters (A Lot)
– Coins in mint or near-mint condition fetch much higher prices.
– Even a small scratch can cut the value in half. - Seek Professional Grading
– Getting your coin graded by agencies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) can authenticate and increase its value.
Quick Tip: Don’t Clean Your Coins!
It’s tempting, but resist the urge. Cleaning a coin—even gently—can reduce its collector value drastically. Collectors prefer coins in their natural aged condition.
Why Collectors Go Crazy for These Coins
Coin collectors, or numismatists, often value coins for historical significance, rarity, and aesthetic appeal. Washington quarters, being part of American history for nearly a century, tick all three boxes.
To be fair, part of the charm is the thrill of discovery. You never know when you might find a piece of history hiding in your change. It’s that sense of “what if?” that keeps collectors hooked.
Real-World Examples
- A 1932-D Washington quarter in pristine condition was auctioned for over $40,000 in recent years.
- The 1970-S proof quarter mistakenly struck on a Canadian coin sold for nearly $50,000 on eBay.
- Even a “common” 1983-P Spitting Eagle has fetched over $1,500 depending on condition.
Pretty wild, right? A quarter worth more than a car!
Honestly, it’s worth checking that old coin jar or the back of your drawer. Who knows—you could be sitting on a rare Washington quarter without even realizing it. Even if you don’t find one worth thousands, the hunt itself is fun and surprisingly educational.
So next time you get change, take a closer look. It’s not just spare coins—it could be a slice of American history and a hidden treasure rolled into one.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my Washington quarter is silver?
If it’s dated 1964 or earlier, it’s made of 90% silver. You can also check the coin’s edge—if it looks solid silver (not layered with copper), it’s likely silver.
2. Where is the mint mark located on a Washington quarter?
The mint mark is usually found on the reverse side below the wreath (pre-1968) or near Washington’s ponytail on newer coins.
3. Are all 1970 quarters valuable?
No, only the 1970-S proof quarters with the minting error (struck on a foreign coin) are worth big money.
4. What does “Spitting Eagle” mean?
It’s a nickname for a die crack that appears to come out of the eagle’s beak on some 1983-P quarters.
5. Should I sell my rare quarter online?
You can—but get it professionally graded first. Verified coins sell for much more and protect you from scams.
