9 Rare Washington Quarters Worth Up to $50,700 – How to Identify & Other Details

Everyday coins that we often overlook can sometimes hide incredible value. Among the most fascinating examples are rare Washington quarters, some of which are worth thousands of dollars today. While most quarters in your pocket are worth only 25 cents, a few rare versions can bring collectors huge rewards — even up to $50,700 in some cases.

If you’ve ever collected coins or just wondered if the change in your wallet might be special, this article will help you understand why certain Washington quarters are valuable, how to identify them, and what to look for before spending them.

A Brief Background of Washington Quarters

The Washington quarter was first introduced in 1932, replacing the Standing Liberty quarter. It was created to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday, the first President of the United States.

The design was done by sculptor John Flanagan, showing Washington’s portrait on the front (obverse) and an eagle on the back (reverse). Over the years, the coin’s metal composition, design, and mint marks have changed — and those small differences are what make some quarters rare and valuable today.

From silver compositions (before 1965) to minting errors and limited production runs, certain Washington quarters have become treasures for collectors.

Why Some Washington Quarters Are Worth Thousands

The value of a coin depends mainly on four things:

1. Rarity – How many were made or survived in good condition.

2. Condition – Whether it’s uncirculated, lightly worn, or damaged.

3. Mint Marks – Where it was made (like Denver “D”, San Francisco “S”, or Philadelphia “P”).

4. Errors or Unique Features – Any mistakes during minting like double strikes, missing letters, or unusual metals.

When these factors combine — especially in early or error coins — values can skyrocket. Some Washington quarters that once circulated for decades are now worth more than a luxury car.

Overview Table

1. 1932-D Washington Quarter

This was the first year the Washington quarter was minted. Because of limited production at the Denver Mint, only around 436,800 coins were made — one of the lowest mintages in the series. Most were circulated heavily, making mint-condition pieces extremely rare.
If you find one in excellent shape with the small “D” mint mark on the back, near the eagle’s tail feathers, it could easily be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

2. 1932-S Washington Quarter

The San Francisco (S) version of the same first-year coin is another collector’s favorite. It had slightly higher production than the Denver version but still very limited. Because of its age and silver content, it’s highly sought after. In pristine, uncirculated condition, it can reach values up to $35,000.

3. 1943 Washington Quarter Struck on Wrong Planchet

During World War II, mistakes happened at the U.S. Mint due to high production speed. Some 1943 quarters were struck on nickel or copper planchets instead of silver. These error coins are incredibly rare.
If you see a 1943 quarter that looks different in color or weight, it might be one of these — possibly worth $15,000 to $30,000.

4. 1950-D Washington Quarter

This coin stands out because it was one of the cleaner, sharper strikes from the Denver Mint. Collectors appreciate its clarity and condition. While not as rare as the early 1930s issues, an uncirculated 1950-D quarter can fetch $5,000 to $12,000, especially if it retains its natural silver shine.

5. 1955 Doubled Die Washington Quarter

Coins with “doubled die” errors show slightly overlapping letters or numbers, caused by a misalignment in the minting process. The 1955 doubled die version has a noticeable doubling on the phrase “In God We Trust.”
These errors are highly collectible, and pristine samples can sell between $12,000 and $25,000.

6. 1964-D Washington Quarter

The 1964-D was the last year the U.S. Mint used 90% silver for quarters before switching to copper-nickel. Because of this, it marks the end of an era. While many were made, perfect-condition examples or special mint errors can still reach $3,000–$7,000 in value.

7. 1965 Transitional Error Quarter

In 1965, the Mint switched from silver to a copper-nickel composition. But a few silver planchets from 1964 were mistakenly used in 1965 production. These transitional error quarters are extremely rare and valuable.
If you find a 1965 quarter that seems heavier or shinier than usual, it could be silver — worth as much as $20,000–$40,000.

8. 1970-S Proof Quarter Overstruck on a 1941 Coin

This one is an extraordinary minting error. Some 1970-S proof quarters were mistakenly struck over 1941 Canadian quarters. Because of its uniqueness, one of these coins sold for over $25,000.
Proof coins are mirror-like in appearance and were never meant for circulation, which makes this overstrike error even more special.

9. 1983-P Washington Quarter

While more modern, the 1983-P quarter is valuable because no official mint sets were made that year. Finding one in near-perfect, uncirculated condition is rare.
Collectors look for sharp strikes and no wear marks. Such coins can fetch between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on grade.

How to Identify a Valuable Washington Quarter

1. Check the Year and Mint Mark – Look under the eagle’s tail or beside Washington’s ponytail. Early dates or rare mint marks (like D or S) often mean higher value.

2. Look for Errors – Doubling, missing letters, or unusual shine can mean a minting error.

3. Test for Silver – Quarters made before 1965 contain 90% silver. Silver coins have a higher-pitched ring when dropped lightly and show no copper edge.

4. Condition Matters – Coins with no scratches, dullness, or wear are worth more.

5. Use Professional Grading – Services like PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity and grade, increasing the coin’s resale value.

FAQs

1. Are all Washington Quarters before 1965 valuable?
Not all, but many silver quarters can be worth more than face value due to their metal content and condition.

2. How can I tell if my quarter is made of silver?
Silver quarters lack the brown copper edge you see on modern coins. They also have a distinct shine and slightly heavier feel.

3. Where can I sell rare quarters?
You can approach coin dealers, collectors, or certified auction platforms that specialize in rare coins.

4. Are error coins common?
No, minting errors are rare and usually discovered by collectors or grading experts. They are the main reason some coins become extremely valuable.

5. What’s the best way to preserve valuable quarters?
Keep them in protective holders, avoid cleaning them, and store them in dry, temperature-controlled conditions.

Final Verdict

The Washington Quarter is more than just pocket change — it’s a piece of American history that could be hiding great value. From the 1932-D and 1932-S silver quarters to the 1965 transitional error, these coins prove that attention to detail can pay off.

Whether you’re a casual collector or just curious about your spare change, it’s always worth checking your quarters. You never know — one small coin could be worth thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars. The next time you find an old quarter, take a closer look. It might just be a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.