Washington quarters are common coins in the United States, but some rare versions are extremely valuable today. These quarters were first issued in 1932 to honour George Washington. While most are worth only 25 cents, a few special coins are worth thousands of dollars because of low production, mint mistakes, or special materials.
Coin collectors and even normal people checking old coins have found hidden treasures. Below are nine rare Washington quarters that can be worth up to $50,700, along with easy ways to identify them.
1932-D Washington Quarter – Highest Value Coin
This coin was made in Denver and is one of the first Washington quarters ever issued. Very few were produced, which makes it very rare today.
Because many coins were used in daily transactions, finding one in good condition is difficult. That is why collectors pay very high prices for it.
1932-S Washington Quarter – Low Supply Treasure
The San Francisco mint also produced a limited number of quarters in 1932. This coin is slightly less valuable than the Denver version but still very rare.
Collectors look for a clear “S” mark on the coin. Clean and well-preserved coins are sold for very high amounts.
1943-S Quarter With Doubling Error
This coin has a printing mistake where letters appear doubled. Such errors happen during the minting process and are not common.
The doubling can be seen on the text and Washington’s face using a magnifying glass. Error coins are very popular among collectors.
1950-D Over S Quarter – Mint Mark Mistake
This quarter shows a “D” mint mark stamped over an earlier “S” mark. This happened due to minting confusion at that time.
These overlapping letters are clear signs of an error coin. Because mistakes were corrected later, very few such coins remain.
1950-S Over D Quarter – Reverse Mint Error
This coin is the opposite of the previous one. Here, the “S” mint mark covers a “D” underneath.
Such errors are highly valued because they show how coins were manually prepared in earlier years.
1964-D Quarter With Reverse Doubling
Some 1964 Denver quarters show doubling on the back side text. This includes words like “United States of America”.
These coins look normal at first, but the error becomes clear under magnification. Good-condition coins are worth several thousand dollars.
1970-S Proof Quarter on Foreign Coin
This is one of the most unusual Washington quarters. It was mistakenly struck on a Canadian silver coin instead of a US blank.
Collectors can see parts of the original Canadian design beneath the US quarter image. This rare mistake makes it extremely valuable.
1983-P Quarter in Perfect Condition
Most quarters from 1983 were poorly made and damaged easily. Very few survived in top condition.
A perfect coin from this year without any damage is hard to find and valuable to collectors.
2004-D Wisconsin Quarter With Extra Leaf
This modern coin has an extra leaf on the corn design at the back. There are two types: one with a high leaf and one with a low leaf.
This error was discovered years later and some people even found it in daily change, making it very exciting for collectors.
How to Identify a Rare Washington Quarter
To find a valuable quarter, first check the year and mint mark. Older coins and coins with low production years are more valuable.
Use a magnifying glass to look for doubling, extra designs, or strange marks. Also, coins in clean and unused condition are worth much more.
For accurate value, experts suggest getting the coin checked by professional grading agencies.
Why These Quarters Are Important
These rare quarters show the history of US coin production and the mistakes that happened during minting. They are not just money but historical items.
Many people in the US and abroad are now checking old coins, hoping to find such rare pieces.
Conclusion
Washington quarters may look ordinary, but some rare versions are worth a fortune today. From low-mintage coins of 1932 to modern error coins like the 2004 extra leaf quarter, these coins prove that small change can hide big value.
Experts advise people to check old coins carefully and not ignore small details. A rare quarter could be sitting quietly in your wallet or coin box.
FAQs
Can rare Washington quarters still be found today?
Yes, though it is rare, some error coins like the 2004 Wisconsin quarter have been found in normal circulation.
Which Washington quarter is the most valuable?
The 1932-D Washington quarter is considered the most valuable and can be worth over $50,000.
How can I sell a rare quarter?
You can sell through certified coin dealers, auction houses, or trusted online platforms.
Are modern quarters also valuable?
Yes, modern quarters with minting errors can also be valuable if they are rare and in good condition.
Should I clean old coins before selling?
No. Cleaning a coin can reduce its value. Always keep it in original condition.