The Washington quarter has been a cornerstone of U.S. coinage due to the fact its advent in 1932, honoring the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s beginning. While most quarters in flow are still well worth simply 25 cents, sure rare dates, mint marks, and error types have emerge as surprisingly treasured. As of 2026, collector demand remains sturdy, and some Washington quarters are really worth thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars. This guide explores the most valuable examples and what makes them so ideal.
Table of Contents
Why Some Washington Quarters Are Valuable
A coin’s value relies upon on several key factors:
- Rarity: Lower mintage figures or coins with constrained surviving examples are frequently really worth extra.
- Condition (Grade): Coins in pristine, uncirculated circumstance (high Mint State grades) are more valuable than worn examples.
- Historical Importance: Early dates and special issues attract strong collector demand.
- Errors & Varieties: Striking errors, consisting of doubled dies or off-center strikes, can remodel everyday coins into high-value rarities.
Professional grading via services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) frequently increases value, mainly for rare pieces.
Top Valuable Washington Quarters Worth Thousands in 2026
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Mint: Denver
- Why It’s Valuable: Lowest mintage among the 1932 issues and a key date in the series.
- Estimated Value: $2,000 – $10,000+ in high grades (MS65+).
This is one of the most sought-after Washington quarters; even worn examples may be worth well above face value.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Mint: San Francisco
- Why It’s Valuable: Slightly rarer than the Denver issue, with limited supply.
- Estimated Value: $2,500 – $12,000+ (MS65+).
High-grade examples and certified coins often command strong premiums at auction.
3. 1934 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Why It’s Valuable: Doubling on the obverse — especially visible in inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and the date — makes this a classic error variety.
- Estimated Value: $1,500 – $8,000+ depending on severity and grade.
Error coins like this are highly collectible, especially in uncirculated condition.
4. 1937 Doubled Die Obverse
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Why It’s Valuable: A lesser-known but genuine doubled die with noticeable doubling on lettering.
- Estimated Value: $1,000 – $6,000+ (higher grades get bigger premiums).
Collectors prize these subtle varieties when the doubling is clear and bold.
5. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse
- Mint: San Francisco
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare error on a steel cent series quarter — significant doubling is visible on key features.
- Estimated Value: $2,500 – $15,000+ in strong grades.
This error is notable because the steel planchet series is already distinctive.
6. 1950-D/S & 1950-S/D Overmintmarks
- Mint: Denver/San Francisco
- Why They’re Valuable: Transitional mintmark errors (one mintmark punched over another) are rare and collectible.
- Estimated Value: $3,000 – $25,000+ depending on clarity and authenticity.
These pieces are highly sought after by variety collectors due to their extreme scarcity.
7. High-Grade Common Dates
- Examples: 1964, 1965, 1967 Quarters
- Why They’re Valuable: Common dates can still be valuable if graded MS67 or better.
- Estimated Value: $1,000 – $5,000+ for top-graded examples.
Sharp strikes and perfect surfaces in late-date coins can be rare surprises.
Tips for Collectors in 2026
- Check Your Change: Rare Washington quarters still flip up in circulation, mainly older silver-clad portions (pre-1965).
- Look for Errors: Doubling, misplaced mintmarks, and stale-middle strikes are well worth investigating.
- Grade Professionally: Certification can appreciably boost marketplace value and buyer confidence.
- Understand Mint Marks: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) can have huge value differences.
- Avoid Cleaning: Cleaning coins often destroys value; take care of coins through the edges and keep them cautiously.
Conclusion
The Washington zone collection maintains to offer exciting opportunities for collectors in 2026. While most quarters are really worth most effective face value, rare dates, mintmarks, and error sorts can be well worth lots — or maybe tens of lots — of dollars. By information what to look for and seeking expert grading, each new and skilled collectors can find out treasured pieces in collections, old change, or property finds. Whether you’re chasing key troubles just like the 1932-D or surprising discoveries like doubled dies, the Washington quarter remains a fascinating and potentially rewarding series to explore.
