9 Rare Washington Quarters : For nearly a century, the Washington quarter has been a familiar piece of American currency, jingling in pockets and filling coin jars since its 1932 debut celebrating the nation’s first president. While most are worth their face value, a select few are numismatic legends, their values soaring into the thousands due to historical significance, minuscule mintages, or fascinating production errors. This guide explores these exceptional coins, offering insights on how to identify them and appreciate their unique stories.
The Coveted 1932 Denver Issue
As a first-year coin from the Denver Mint, the 1932-D quarter holds a premier position in the series. With a mintage of just 436,800, it is the lowest of any regular-issue Washington quarter. Its scarcity is compounded by the fact that many were actually spent during the Great Depression. To identify it, look for a small “D” mint mark on the reverse, beneath the eagle. In worn conditions, it’s still a valuable collectible, but an example in pristine, mint-state condition can command prices approaching $50,000, making it the king of the series.
Reference Table: Key Rare Washington Quarters
| Coin Date & Variety | Mint Mark | Mintage/Notes | Key Identifying Feature | Estimated Value Range (Circulated to High Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | D | 436,800 | “D” on reverse below eagle. Lowest regular mintage. | $1,000 – $50,000+ |
| 1932-S | S | 408,000 | “S” on reverse below eagle. Key first-year issue. | $800 – $35,000 |
| 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse | S | Error Coin | Doubling on “LIBERTY” & “IN GOD WE TRUST” on front. | $2,000 – $20,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark | D over S | Error Coin | Visible “S” shape under the Denver “D” mint mark. | $400 – $5,000 |
| 1950-S/D Overmintmark | S over D | Error Coin | Visible “D” shape under the San Francisco “S” mint mark. | $300 – $4,000 |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse | D | Error Coin | Strong doubling on “UNITED STATES…” on the back. | $500 – $7,000 |
| 1970-S Proof on Canadian Planchet | S | Error Coin | Proof coin struck on a 1941 Canadian 25¢ planchet. | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| 1983-P (High Grade) | None (P) | Condition Rarity | Sharp details are rare; seek full hair detail on Washington. | $100 – $1,500 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf | D | Die Variety | Extra leaf on upper left corn husk (“High” or “Low” variety). | $150 – $2,500 |
The Scarce 1932 San Francisco Mintage
Sharing the inaugural-year spotlight, the 1932-S quarter had an even lower production figure of 408,000 pieces. It faces similar historical circumstances as its Denver counterpart, with many coins entering circulation. Identified by an “S” mint mark in the same location on the reverse, its value is heavily dependent on preservation. While a well-circulated coin is still desirable, an uncirculated specimen represents a major find for any collection, with values reaching into the tens of thousands.
The 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse Error
This striking error from the San Francisco Mint occurred when a misaligned die created a visible doubling effect on the coin’s front (obverse). Collectors particularly look for this doubling in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as well as around George Washington’s eye and hairline. Because these coins were released into circulation, finding one requires careful examination, often with a magnifying glass. Depending on the strength of the doubling and its condition, this error coin can be worth a substantial sum.
The Intriguing 1950 Mint Mark Overprints
A unique chapter in minting history occurred in 1950, resulting in two distinct error coins. The 1950-D/S features a Denver “D” mint mark punched over a leftover San Francisco “S” die. Conversely, the 1950-S/D shows an “S” over a “D.” These overmintmarks are sought-after varieties. Identification requires close inspection under good light or magnification to see the faint underlying mint mark. These coins are a tangible record of a mint’s attempt to correct a mistake, adding to their collector appeal.
The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Variety
Created in the final year of 90% silver quarter production, this error coin exhibits dramatic doubling on the reverse (tails) side. The doubling is most prominent in the phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” As a relatively modern error, it is more likely to be found in higher grades, which significantly enhances its value. It remains a popular and valuable variety for error coin enthusiasts.
The Unique 1970-S Proof on a Foreign Planchet
Perhaps one of the most bizarre errors, a small number of proof quarters struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1970 were accidentally made on planchets (blank coins) intended for 1941 Canadian silver coins. This resulted in a U.S. proof quarter with remnants of a foreign design subtly visible beneath its surface. These hybrid coins are extremely rare and are considered a pinnacle find for specialists in mint errors, commanding premium prices.
The Elusive 1983 Philadelphia Issue
In 1983, the Philadelphia Mint produced quarters without a mint mark, as was standard. However, the overall strike quality for that year was notoriously weak. Consequently, finding a 1983-P quarter with sharp, well-defined details is a notable challenge. While not an error, its value lies in its condition rarity. A flawless, gem-quality 1983-P quarter stands out sharply from its poorly struck peers and is valued by specialists in modern coins.
The Modern 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
A more recent collectible, this state quarter features a prominent die variety on the reverse. On the corn husk design to the left of the wheel of cheese, an extra leaf appears. There are two recognized types: the “High Leaf” and the “Low Leaf,” referring to the leaf’s position. This variety was widely circulated, making it a modern “treasure hunt” coin that can still potentially be found in everyday change, especially in higher grades.
How to Begin Your Search
Identifying these rare quarters starts with careful observation. Always check the mint mark location, which moved from the reverse (below the eagle) to the obverse (above the date) starting in 1968. Use a simple magnifying glass to inspect details for doubling or overmarks. The coin’s condition, or grade, is paramount to its value; even a rare date can be worth little if heavily worn. For any potentially valuable find, consider submitting it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and encapsulation, which protects the coin and verifies its authenticity for future sale or trade.
Final Thoughts
Washington quarters offer an accessible and exciting field for coin collecting, blending everyday history with the thrill of a potential discovery. From the classic rarities of the 1930s to the intriguing errors and varieties of the modern era, each coin tells a story of American minting history. Whether you’re sorting through an old collection or simply checking your change, remember that numismatic treasure can appear in the most ordinary places, waiting for a keen eye to uncover its true worth.
