10 Washington Quarters: The Washington quarter is one of the most familiar coins in American history. Introduced in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday, it has been jingling in pockets for generations. Most are worth only face value, but a small number of Washington quarters are in a completely different league. Because of rarity, minting errors, or exceptional condition, some examples have sold for $80,000 or more at auction.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a quarter in your collection might be a hidden treasure, here are ten Washington quarters that have earned legendary status among collectors.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D is often considered the holy grail of Washington quarters. Minted in Denver during the series’ first year, it had a very low production number compared to most other dates. Many were heavily circulated during the Great Depression, leaving very few in high-grade condition today. A well-preserved example with sharp details and original luster can easily climb past $80,000, especially when certified at the highest mint-state levels.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Right alongside the Denver issue is the 1932-S from San Francisco. Like its Denver counterpart, it had a low mintage and saw heavy use in everyday commerce. Collectors have long chased this date, and competition is fierce for top-quality examples. When one appears with minimal wear and strong eye appeal, it can command staggering prices at auction.
1943 Washington Quarter Struck on a Silver Planchet Error
During World War II, minting errors were more common than many people realize. One of the most valuable Washington quarter errors involves coins struck on the wrong metal. A 1943 quarter accidentally struck on a silver planchet intended for another denomination is incredibly rare. These mistakes slipped through quality control and became prized discoveries decades later. Verified examples have sold for well over $80,000.
1949-D Washington Quarter in Top Mint State
Most 1949-D quarters are fairly ordinary, but condition changes everything. Finding one with full mint luster, strong strike details, and no major marks is exceptionally difficult. Coins graded at the very top of the scale, such as MS68 or higher, are almost unheard of. When one surfaces, collectors are willing to pay extraordinary sums to secure it.
1950-D Washington Quarter With Full Bands and Exceptional Strike
The 1950-D quarter is another case where quality matters more than rarity. Many were struck weakly, especially in the finer details of Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. A sharply struck example with crisp details and flawless surfaces stands out immediately. High-grade pieces that check all the boxes have crossed the $80,000 mark in competitive auctions.
1964 Washington Quarter With a Rare Mint Error
The year 1964 marked the final year of silver quarters for circulation, and the mint was working overtime to meet demand. That rush led to some unusual errors. Certain 1964 quarters show dramatic off-center strikes, double dies, or other rare anomalies. When such an error is paired with excellent preservation and proper certification, the value can soar into six-figure territory.
1970-S Washington Quarter Struck on a Silver Planchet
By 1970, quarters were no longer supposed to be made of silver, except for special collector issues. However, a few 1970-S quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover silver planchets. These coins look almost normal at first glance, which makes them even more fascinating. Their extreme rarity and historical significance have pushed auction prices beyond $80,000.
1983-P Washington Quarter in Pristine Condition
You might not expect a relatively modern quarter to make this list, but the 1983-P is a surprising standout. That year, many coins were poorly handled, and few were saved in mint condition. As a result, top-grade examples are astonishingly rare. A flawless 1983-P quarter with no signs of wear and strong eye appeal has shocked the collecting world with record-breaking prices.
1999-P Delaware State Quarter With a Major Error
The launch of the 50 State Quarters program sparked massive public interest, but it also produced some memorable mistakes. Certain 1999-P Delaware quarters feature dramatic errors, such as missing layers or misaligned strikes. While most state quarters are common, these extreme error coins are anything but. High-quality examples have fetched prices rivaling classic rarities.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter With the Extra Leaf Error
The Wisconsin quarter is famous for its “extra leaf” error, where an additional leaf appears on the corn stalk. While many of these are worth a few hundred or a few thousand dollars, the most pristine examples are in a class of their own. Coins with perfect surfaces, strong strikes, and clear error details have sold for astonishing amounts, occasionally reaching or exceeding $80,000 when collector demand peaks.
Why Condition and Authentication Matter So Much
One theme runs through all these valuable quarters: condition and authenticity are everything. Even a rare date can be worth a fraction of its potential value if it is worn or damaged. Professional grading services play a crucial role in confirming a coin’s legitimacy and assigning an accurate grade. For coins that might be worth tens of thousands of dollars, certification is not optional.
Final Thoughts
While most Washington quarters will never be worth more than 25 cents, a select few have become true numismatic legends. Whether due to low mintage, historical quirks, or dramatic mint errors, these coins remind us that incredible value can sometimes hide in plain sight. If you have old quarters tucked away, it might be worth taking a closer look. You never know when an ordinary-looking coin could turn out to be an extraordinary find.