10 Rare Washington Quarters Worth Thousands: The Washington Quarter has been a staple of American coinage since 1932. Originally minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, this coin quickly became one of the most recognized pieces of circulating currency in the United States. While most quarters are worth only their face value, certain rare varieties, minting errors, and low-mintage issues have become highly sought after by collectors. Some of these coins are valued at more than ten thousand dollars, making them treasures hidden in plain sight. This article explores ten rare Washington Quarters that have achieved remarkable values in the numismatic market.
1932 D Washington Quarter
The 1932 D Washington Quarter is one of the most famous key dates in the series. With a mintage of only around 436,800 coins, it is among the lowest produced quarters in modern history. Collectors prize this coin for its rarity, and high-grade examples can easily surpass ten thousand dollars. Even circulated versions are valuable, but pristine specimens graded by professional services are the ones that command the highest prices.
1932 S Washington Quarter
Alongside the Denver issue, the 1932 S Washington Quarter is another key rarity. With a mintage of approximately 408,000 coins, it is even scarcer than the 1932 D. Collectors often seek both coins as a pair to complete their sets. In top condition, the 1932 S can reach values well above ten thousand dollars, making it a cornerstone of any serious Washington Quarter collection.
1937 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse is a striking variety where the doubling of the design is clearly visible on the inscriptions. Error coins like this are highly collectible because they represent unique minting anomalies. Depending on grade and clarity of the doubling, this coin can fetch prices exceeding ten thousand dollars. It is a reminder that mistakes at the mint can sometimes create treasures for collectors.
1942 D Over Horizontal D Quarter
This coin is a fascinating example of a repunched mint mark error. The 1942 D Over Horizontal D shows a Denver mint mark punched twice, with one impression placed horizontally beneath the correct one. Such varieties are rare and highly desirable. In high grades, this coin can reach values above ten thousand dollars, especially when certified by reputable grading services.
1950 D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950 D/S Quarter is another variety where the mint mark was struck incorrectly. In this case, a Denver mint mark was punched over a San Francisco mint mark. These overmintmark coins are scarce and command strong premiums. Collectors are willing to pay thousands, and top-grade examples can exceed ten thousand dollars due to their rarity and historical significance.
1964 Proof Washington Quarter with Accented Hair
Proof coins are specially struck for collectors, and the 1964 Accented Hair variety is one of the most famous. This coin shows a distinctive design detail in Washington’s hair that differs from the standard proof issue. Because of its limited production and unique appearance, it has become a prized collectible. High-grade examples can reach values over ten thousand dollars, especially when preserved in original proof sets.
1965 Silver Washington Quarter
The year 1965 marked the transition from silver coinage to clad coinage in the United States. While quarters were supposed to be struck in copper-nickel clad that year, a small number of silver planchets were mistakenly used. These rare 1965 Silver Quarters are highly valuable, with prices often exceeding ten thousand dollars. They represent a fascinating moment in American coinage history when the mint was adjusting to new materials.
1970 S Proof Quarter Struck on Silver Planchet
Another minting error that has captured collectors’ attention is the 1970 S Proof Quarter struck on a silver planchet. Most quarters of that era were clad, but a few proof coins were mistakenly struck on leftover silver blanks. These coins are extremely rare and can command values well above ten thousand dollars. Their rarity and unusual composition make them standout pieces in any collection.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse
The Bicentennial Quarter, issued in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, is one of the most iconic designs in the Washington Quarter series. While most are common, a rare doubled die obverse variety exists. This error coin shows doubling in the inscriptions and design elements. Collectors prize it for its historical significance and rarity, with high-grade examples valued at more than ten thousand dollars.
1999 P Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
The 1999 Delaware Quarter from the State Quarters program introduced a new era of collecting. Among these coins, the Spitting Horse variety is particularly famous. It shows a die crack that appears like a line of spit coming from the horse’s mouth. While many examples are worth hundreds, pristine high-grade versions certified by grading services have sold for values exceeding ten thousand dollars. This coin demonstrates how even modern issues can become rare treasures.
Conclusion
The Washington Quarter series is filled with history, artistry, and unexpected rarities. From the low-mintage 1932 D and 1932 S issues to modern error coins like the Delaware Spitting Horse, these quarters remind us that extraordinary value can be hidden in ordinary change. Collectors who study mint marks, varieties, and errors can uncover coins worth thousands, sometimes more than ten thousand dollars. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a curious beginner, the pursuit of rare Washington Quarters offers both excitement and the potential for remarkable discoveries. These coins are not just currency but pieces of history that continue to captivate collectors around the world.
