5 Washington Quarter Dollar : Have you ever pulled out a quarter and wondered if it’s worth more than 25 cents? Well, some Washington Quarters actually are! The Washington Quarter has been around since 1932, when it was first made to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. While most quarters you find today are only worth their face value, certain rare ones have sold for thousands of dollars. In 2026, collectors are still hunting for these hidden treasures, and you could find one too if you know what to look for.
What Makes a Washington Quarter So Special?
Not all quarters are created equal. Some are worth way more because of three main things. First, some quarters had very few made, so they’re super rare today. Second, coins that look brand new, even though they’re old, are worth more money. Third, sometimes mistakes happened at the mint, creating error coins that collectors go crazy for. The early Washington Quarters were made of real silver too, which adds value. When you combine rarity, good condition, and cool errors, you get coins that can sell for thousands at auction.
The Big Five Rarest Washington Quarters You Should Know
Let’s talk about the five Washington Quarters that collectors want the most in 2026. The 1932-D and 1932-S are the superstars of the series. Only about 400,000 of each were made, which is tiny compared to modern quarters. Then there are error coins like the 1937 Doubled Die Obverse, where the writing looks all blurry and doubled because the die stamped twice. The 1943-S Doubled Die Reverse has the same kind of mistake on the back. Finally, the 1950-D/S Overmintmark happened when someone stamped a D over an S by accident. All five can be worth huge money!
Washington Quarter Quick Facts Table
Here’s a handy table showing all the important info about these rare quarters. Use it as your cheat sheet when checking your change!
| Coin Type | Year | Mint Mark | Why It’s Rare | Approx. Value (2026) | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Quarter | 1932 | D (Denver) | Only 436,800 made | $5,000 – $15,000+ | Sharp details, no wear |
| 1932-S Quarter | 1932 | S (San Francisco) | Only 408,000 made | $6,000 – $20,000+ | Original shine, clear S mark |
| 1937 Doubled Die Obverse | 1937 | None (Philly) | Doubling on date and words | $1,500 – $8,000+ | Blurry doubling on front |
| 1943-S Doubled Die Reverse | 1943 | S (San Francisco) | Doubling on eagle feathers | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Double image on eagle |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark | 1950 | D over S | D stamped over S mintmark | $500 – $3,000+ | Look closely at mint mark |
Smart Collector Tips for Finding Gems
If you want to start hunting for valuable quarters, here are some tips that real collectors use:
- Always check the date and mint mark on every quarter you get. You never know what you’ll find!
- Look closely at the letters and numbers. If they look doubled or weird, you might have an error coin.
- Keep your coins in holders or flips to protect them from scratches and fingerprints.
- Don’t clean old coins! Cleaning actually lowers their value because collectors want original surfaces.
- Join online coin collecting groups or forums to learn from experienced collectors.
- When you find something promising, consider getting it graded by a professional service.
Can You Really Get Rich from Quarters?
Here’s the honest truth: finding a super rare quarter in your pocket change is rare, but it does happen! People have found valuable coins in the most random places. The key is knowing what to look for. The 1932-D and 1932-S are the holy grails, but even finding a nice error coin could pay for a new phone or a fun trip. Plus, collecting quarters is just cool because you’re holding history in your hands. Every coin has a story, and some stories are worth way more than 25 cents!
Where to Look for Rare Quarters
You might be wondering where to start your search. Good question! Look through your piggy bank, check coin rolls from the bank, ask grandparents if they have old coins, and visit garage sales or flea markets. Sometimes people sell old coins without knowing their true value. Coin shows are great too because you can learn from dealers and see rare coins up close. Just remember to be patient. Building a collection takes time, and finding that one special quarter makes all the searching worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Quarters
Q: How can I tell if my quarter is made of silver?
A: Silver quarters were made before 1965. If your quarter is dated 1964 or earlier, it’s 90% silver. You can also check the edge – silver quarters have a solid silver color all the way through, while newer ones have a copper stripe.
Q: What does the mint mark mean and where do I find it?
A: The mint mark tells you which US Mint made the coin. D means Denver, S means San Francisco, and no mark means Philadelphia. On Washington Quarters, look on the back under the eagle, just above the word “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Q: Should I clean my old quarters to make them look better?
A: Never clean them! Cleaning scratches the surface and ruins the value. Collectors want coins in their original condition, even if they’re a little dark. Cleaning is the fastest way to turn a $100 coin into a $10 coin.
Q: How do I know if I have a doubled die error?
A: Look closely at the letters, numbers, and design with a magnifying glass. If you see ghost-like doubling or blurry edges, you might have one. The doubling should look like a shadow next to the main image.
