The Washington Quarter has been a cornerstone of American currency since its debut in 1932. However, not all Washington Quarters are of equal value. Over the years, certain rare and error versions of the coin have become highly sought after by collectors, with some fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction. If you’re a coin enthusiast or have a collection of quarters lying around, you might be sitting on a hidden treasure. Below are three Washington Quarters that could make you a small fortune.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable coins in the series. Produced during the first year the coin was minted, only 436,800 of these quarters were made at the Denver Mint, making it extremely rare. Due to the low mintage, even well-worn examples of this coin can sell for $200 to $1,500, while those in uncirculated or mint-state condition can fetch upwards of $10,000.
To identify this coin, look for the “D” mintmark located on the reverse side, just below the eagle’s tail feathers. If the coin shows minimal wear and the details are sharp, it could be worth significantly more than its face value.
2. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
The 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter is another rare gem. This coin is particularly notable for its minting error: the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are doubled, a result of a die misalignment during production. While most 1943-S quarters are fairly common, the doubled die variety is incredibly rare and can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on its condition.
If you spot doubling on the inscriptions, particularly the letters on the front of the coin, it’s worth having the coin authenticated by a professional. The “S” mintmark on the reverse indicates that this quarter was minted in San Francisco.
3. 1950-D/S Over Mintmark Quarter
Another highly prized Washington Quarter is the 1950-D/S Over Mintmark. This coin was struck in Denver, but due to a minting error, it bears an overstruck “S” mintmark beneath the “D.” This occurred because a San Francisco die was repurposed for use in Denver during the minting process. This subtle but significant error makes the 1950-D/S highly collectible and valuable.
Depending on its grade, the 1950-D/S can range from $500 to $3,000, with higher-grade examples selling for $10,000 or more. The over-mintmark is often faint, so using a magnifying glass to examine the area just below the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse side is essential for identifying it.
How to Spot a Rare Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter may seem like a common coin, but some variations are incredibly valuable. If you’re lucky enough to find a rare version, it could be worth thousands of dollars. Here’s a quick guide on how to identify these rare coins:
- 1932-D: Look for the “D” mintmark on the reverse side. It’s one of the first years of the quarter’s production, and the low mintage makes it highly valuable.
- 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse: Check for doubling on the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse of the coin. If the letters appear blurry or doubled, it’s an error coin worth a substantial amount.
- 1950-D/S Over Mintmark: Inspect the reverse side closely, just below the eagle’s tail, for the faint “S” mintmark under the “D.” This error occurs when a San Francisco die is used in Denver, making the coin rare and valuable.
Although the Washington Quarter is commonly found in everyday transactions, some of its variations are worth far more than their face value. Whether it’s the rare 1932-D, the error-prone 1943-S Doubled Die, or the 1950-D/S Over Mintmark, these quarters can bring in thousands of dollars. So, the next time you come across a collection of quarters, take a closer look—you might be holding onto a hidden treasure!
FAQs
Where is the mintmark located on a Washington Quarter?
On pre-1968 quarters, the mintmark is found on the reverse side below the eagle. For coins minted after 1968, the mintmark is located on the obverse, near Washington’s ponytail.
Are all 1932 quarters valuable?
No, the 1932-D and 1932-S are particularly valuable because of their low mintage. Other 1932 quarters, like the 1932-P, are more common and generally not as valuable.
What is a doubled die error?
A doubled die error occurs when the design appears doubled due to a misalignment of the die during the minting process. This can make the coin significantly more valuable.
Can rare Washington Quarters still be found in circulation?
Yes, although it’s rare, older and valuable Washington Quarters occasionally turn up in circulation or in old coin collections.
How do I authenticate a rare quarter?
For expert authentication, consider using a professional grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). They can help you assess the coin’s authenticity and value.
