Originally introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th birthday of George Washington, the Washington Quarter has become one of the most iconic and enduring coins in American numismatics. While billions have been minted over the years, a select few quarters stand out as truly rare and highly valuable to collectors.
Some of these elusive pieces have sold for thousands-or even tens of thousands-of dollars at auction, making the Washington Quarter series a rewarding pursuit for both veteran collectors and enthusiastic beginners.
In this guide, we’ll reveal six of the rarest and most valuable Washington Quarters ever released, and explain what features give them their impressive worth.
What Makes a Washington Quarter Valuable?
Before diving into the list of standout coins, it’s helpful to understand why certain Washington Quarters are more valuable than others:
- Low Mintage Figures: Quarters with limited production runs are harder to find, making them more desirable.
- Mint Errors & Varieties: Coins with striking anomalies-like doubled dies or mismatched designs-are prized for their rarity.
- High Condition (Grade): Quarters in pristine condition, especially those professionally graded by PCGS or NGC, can fetch significant premiums.
- Historical Relevance: Coins tied to notable periods in U.S. history often hold extra appeal for collectors.
Now, let’s explore six rare Washington Quarters that could turn up in a collection-and potentially bring big returns.
6 Washington Quarters That Could Be Worth a Fortune
1. 1932-D (Denver Mint)
- Why It’s Special: This is the first year of the Washington Quarter series and features the lowest mintage of all, with only 436,800 coins struck. Many were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples scarce.
- Auction Highlight: An MS-66 specimen sold for $18,500 in 2022.
- Collector Note: As a key date in the series, the 1932-D is a must-have for serious quarter collectors.
2. 1932-S (San Francisco Mint)
- Why It’s Special: Even rarer than the Denver issue, only 408,000 of the 1932-S were minted. Finding one in top condition is incredibly difficult.
- Auction Highlight: An MS-67 example brought in $35,000 at auction in 2023.
- Historical Insight: Minted during the Great Depression, this coin reflects a time of economic hardship when many coins were hoarded or melted.
3. 1937 Doubled Die Obverse
- Why It’s Special: A dramatic minting error caused Washington’s profile and the date to appear doubled on the obverse. Very few have been found.
- Auction Highlight: A Fine-grade example sold for $12,000 in 2021.
- Collector Note: Error coins like this are highly collectible due to their rarity and eye-catching anomalies.
4. 1943 Doubled Die Reverse
- Why It’s Special: This variety displays doubling on the reverse, especially visible in the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Extremely limited in number.
- Auction Highlight: An AU-55 example sold for $8,500 in 2022.
- Historical Insight: Struck during World War II, this coin combines error appeal with wartime history, adding to its collectability.
5. 1950-D (Denver Mint)
- Why It’s Special: Though not as old as others on this list, the 1950-D boasts the lowest mintage of any post-WWII Washington Quarter, at just over 21 million.
- Auction Highlight: An MS-67 coin realized $10,000 in 2023.
- Collector Note: This issue is a favorite among modern coin collectors for its rarity and accessibility in circulated condition.
6. 1999 Georgia State Quarter – Mule Error
- Why It’s Special: One of the most famous modern minting blunders, this error paired the obverse of a Georgia state quarter with the reverse of a Sacagawea dollar. Fewer than 20 are believed to exist.
- Auction Highlight: One example fetched $60,000 in 2022.
- Historical Insight: This mule error underscores how valuable modern coins can become when mint mistakes occur.
Tips for Finding Rare Washington Quarters
Ready to begin your search? Here are a few practical tips for finding rare quarters:
- Check Your Change: While rare quarters are unlikely in everyday circulation, it’s always worth a look-you never know what might pop up.
- Explore Estate Sales & Flea Markets: These are often goldmines for old coin collections, sometimes sold by people unaware of their value.
- Have Coins Graded: Submitting your finds to services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade them, boosting their market value.
- Study Key Dates and Errors: The more you know about which coins are rare, the better your chances of spotting one.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, the Washington Quarter series offers a fascinating mix of history, artistry, and hidden value. With a bit of research and some luck, you might just find a small fortune hiding in your pocket change.
