The Washington Quarter has been a staple of American currency since 1932, but not all of these coins are created equal. Over the years, some rare and error Washington Quarters have become incredibly valuable, with collectors paying tens of thousands of dollars for specific minting variations. In fact, one recently discovered quarter shocked the numismatic world by selling for over $10,000. Below are three rare Washington Quarters that could be hiding in your coin jar right now.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest in the entire series. Produced during the first year of the quarter’s release, only 436,800 were minted in Denver, making it a key date for collectors.
Because of its low mintage, even well-circulated versions can sell for $200 to $1,500. But in uncirculated or mint-state condition, prices can skyrocket over $10,000. Look for the “D” mintmark on the reverse side below the eagle’s tail feathers. If the details on the coin are sharp and show minimal wear, it could be a financial windfall.
2. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
One of the most striking and valuable error Washington Quarters is the 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse. On these rare coins, the lettering on the front—particularly “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”—appears doubled due to a die misalignment during production.
These are incredibly rare and were minted in San Francisco, marked with an “S.” While regular 1943-S quarters are common, the doubled die variety can fetch $5,000 to $20,000 depending on condition. If you spot noticeable doubling on the inscriptions, it’s worth getting the coin authenticated.
3. 1950-D/S Over Mintmark Quarter
Another valuable error quarter is the 1950-D/S Over Mintmark. This coin was struck in Denver but displays traces of an “S” mintmark underneath the “D,” due to a minting process error where a San Francisco die was repurposed in Denver.
This variety is rare and extremely sought-after by error collectors. Depending on its grade, the 1950-D/S can range from $500 to $3,000, and higher-grade examples can approach $10,000 or more. The over-mintmark is subtle, so a magnifying glass is helpful when inspecting the area just below the eagle’s tail on the reverse.
The Washington Quarter may be a common coin in circulation, but some versions are anything but ordinary. Whether it’s the rare 1932-D, the visually stunning 1943-S Doubled Die, or the unique 1950-D/S Over Mintmark, these coins prove that a small piece of change can carry huge value. If you have a stash of quarters lying around, now might be the perfect time to take a closer look—you could be sitting on a hidden treasure worth over $10,000.
FAQ’s:
1. Where is the mintmark located on a Washington Quarter?
It’s typically found on the reverse below the eagle (pre-1968) or on the obverse near Washington’s ponytail (post-1968).
2. Are all 1932 quarters valuable?
The 1932-D and 1932-S are particularly valuable due to low mintage. Other 1932 quarters are more common.
3. What is a doubled die error?
It’s a minting mistake where the design appears doubled due to a misaligned die. These errors can be very valuable.
4. Can rare Washington Quarters still be found in circulation?
Yes, although rare, older quarters do occasionally turn up in circulation or old collections.
5. How do I authenticate a rare quarter?
Use a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for expert authentication and valuation.
