Some Washington quarters hiding in old jars, wallets, or inherited collections can be worth as much as $26,000 each, thanks to rare mint years, low production numbers, pristine condition, and unique minting errors, making it worthwhile to take a closer look at any quarters you already own.
Why Certain Washington Quarters Are So Valuable
The value of rare Washington quarters depends on a combination of low mintage, mint location, silver content, condition (grade), and minting errors, with early-year coins and well-preserved examples commanding the highest prices at auctions.
9 Rare Washington Quarters Collectors Pay Big Money For
| Coin | Why It’s Valuable | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Extremely low mintage | Up to $26,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Scarce San Francisco issue | Up to $25,000 |
| 1943 Proof Washington Quarter | Limited proof production | Over $20,000 |
| 1950-D Over Mintmark Error | Rare mintmark mistake | Up to $18,000 |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse | Strong doubling error | Over $15,000 |
| 1936 Proof Washington Quarter | Early proof rarity | Up to $22,000 |
| 1942-D Doubled Die | Popular error variety | Over $14,000 |
| 1955 Washington Quarter Proof | Low proof survival | Up to $17,000 |
| 1965 Transitional Error Quarter | Silver planchet mistake | Over $26,000 |
How to Identify a Rare Washington Quarter
Look closely at the year, mintmark (D or S), sharpness of details, and any unusual doubling or errors, and remember that coins minted before 1965 contain silver, which already adds baseline value even before rarity is considered.
Condition Matters More Than You Think
A Washington quarter in mint state or proof condition can be worth many times more than the same coin with heavy wear, which is why professional grading often makes a dramatic difference in final market value.
What To Do If You Think You Found One
If you believe you have a rare quarter, do not clean it, store it safely, and consider getting it professionally graded and authenticated, as even small cleaning scratches can significantly reduce collector value.
Key Takeaways for Coin Holders
- Check dates and mintmarks carefully
- Pre-1965 quarters contain silver
- Errors can be extremely valuable
- Condition dramatically affects price
- Never clean a collectible coin
Conclusion
Rare Washington quarters can turn ordinary pocket change into a five-figure payday, and with values reaching $26,000 or more, it’s absolutely worth checking your collection—you might already be holding a hidden treasure.
Disclaimer
Coin values fluctuate based on market demand, grading, and authenticity. Prices mentioned are based on auction results and collector estimates and are not guaranteed. Professional appraisal is recommended before selling any coin.