9 Rare Washington Quarters Valued More Than 50,000
Not every Washington quarter in a jar is valuable, but nine specific types or conditions can reach values above 50,000 in the market. This guide explains which Washington Quarters to watch for and how to spot them without guesswork.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter (Key Date)
The 1932-D is one of the two key dates for Washington Quarters. Low mintage and high collector demand make sharp, high-grade examples extremely valuable.
Spotting tips: look for a clear D mint mark on the reverse below the wreath and strong detail on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. Heavy wear drastically lowers value.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter (Key Date)
The 1932-S is the other key date. Like the 1932-D, only brilliant, well-struck specimens reach six-figure prices.
Spotting tips: check the S mint mark on the reverse and inspect for original luster and strike sharpness, especially around the hairline and cheek.
3. Early Proof Washington Quarters (1932 Proofs)
Proofs from 1932 and early years are rare. Sharp, original proof surfaces and strong cameo contrast push values very high.
Spotting tips: look for mirror-like fields, frosted devices, and a lack of circulation marks. Proofs were struck differently than business strikes, so look for exceptional reflectivity.
4. Major Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarters
Major doubled dies show clear doubling on the date, legend, or portrait. Significant doubled dies can command very high premiums when well preserved.
Spotting tips: use a loupe to check the date and the words UNITED STATES and LIBERTY for doubled lines. Doubling that is crisp and localized points to a doubled die, not damage.
5. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) and Overmint Mark Quarters
Strong repunched mint marks or overmint marks (visible secondary letters) are collectible and sometimes rare enough to be extremely valuable.
Spotting tips: inspect the mint mark area with magnification. Multiple impressions, off-center letters or visible re-punching lines indicate RPMs or OMMs.
6. Off-Center Struck Washington Quarters
Off-center strikes where design elements are missing can become highly valuable depending on degree and appeal. Large, attractive off-center errors draw collectors.
Spotting tips: look for a full coin border that is incomplete on one side and obvious empty fields on the other. Small off-centers are common and low value; large ones are not.
7. Broadstruck and Weakly Struck Varieties
Broadstruck coins (expanded planchet on the die) and unusually weak strikes that show distinct design distortions can be rare. Exceptional examples collect high prices.
Spotting tips: broadstruck coins have flattened or spread rims and sometimes doubled appearences. Weak strikes show soft hairlines or faint devices but otherwise intact surfaces.
8. Large Die Cracks and ‘Mudbug’ Die Breaks
Significant die breaks that create raised, irregular lumps or spiderweb patterns are sought after when bold and in good condition.
Spotting tips: check for raised, irregular blobs or lines across the fields and devices. True die breaks are raised (not gouged), which separates them from post-mint damage.
9. High-Grade Survivors of Early 1930s and 1940s Dates
Certain dates from the early Washington series are not rare in low grade but are extremely scarce in MS67 and above. Certified top grades push values past 50,000.
Spotting tips: any early-date quarter that looks flawless and has full luster should be considered for grading. Focus on hair detail, ear, and rim sharpness as grade indicators.
How to Spot Valuable Washington Quarters
Finding a high-value Washington Quarter starts with careful observation. You do not need a grading certification to identify promising pieces, but magnification and good lighting help.
Key visual checks
- Mint mark location and clarity — reverse below the wreath for most early quarters.
- Date sharpness — check for doubling, repunching, or overdates.
- Surface condition — look for original luster, lack of scratches, and no signs of cleaning.
- Error indicators — off-center, broadstrike, doubled die, repunched mint marks, and die breaks.
- Strike quality — well-struck devices often indicate a coin worth grading.
Tools to use
- 10x jeweler’s loupe for detail work.
- Good LED light and a flat surface to view reflectivity.
- Reference guides or an online variety attribution site for die variety images.
Real-World Case Study
A collector once brought an old roll to a coin shop and found a 1932-S Washington Quarter with deep lustre and virtually no wear. After professional grading confirmed a very high grade, the coin attracted major auction interest and sold for a six-figure sum.
Lesson: always look closely at key dates and high-grade survivors in any old collection. Small differences in strike and surface often mean big differences in value.
Next Steps for Collectors
If you think you have a rare Washington Quarter, document it with clear photos and compare it to verified examples in reference books and online databases. For coins that match high-value categories, get a professional opinion from a reputable dealer or have the coin graded by a major service.
Grading and authentication add credibility and often unlock the market value. Enjoy the hunt and handle possible treasures carefully to preserve value.