Most people see a Washington quarter as just 25 cents, but collectors know some are worth thousands. From early mintages to error coins, certain quarters have become extremely valuable, with some fetching as much as $26,000 in auctions. In this article, we’ll highlight 9 ultra-rare Washington quarters you should be looking for in your change right now.
Why Washington Quarters Can Be Valuable
The Washington quarter series, introduced in 1932, has many varieties that attract collectors. Rarity comes from factors like:
- Low mintages (fewer coins struck at a specific mint).
- Key dates that are harder to find.
- Error coins caused by minting mistakes.
- High-grade condition, especially coins graded MS65+ or with proof-like surfaces.
9 Ultra-Rare Washington Quarters Worth Up to $26,000
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Mintage: 436,800
- Value: Circulated: $250 – $1,000 | Mint State: Up to $20,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: First-year issue with one of the lowest mintages in the series.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Mintage: 408,000
- Value: Circulated: $300 – $1,200 | High Grade: $25,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Along with the 1932-D, this is a “key date” coin highly prized by collectors.
3. 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
- Value: $1,500 – $8,000 depending on grade
- Why It’s Valuable: Features doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
4. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse
- Value: $1,000 – $6,500
- Why It’s Valuable: World War II-era quarter with clear doubled lettering, rare in Mint State.
5. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
- Value: $2,000 – $9,500
- Why It’s Valuable: Shows a “D” struck over an “S” mintmark—an unusual variety collectors love.
6. 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
- Value: $3,000 – $12,000
- Why It’s Valuable: One of the last 90% silver quarters, with dramatic doubling on inscriptions.
7. 1970-S Proof Quarter Struck on a 1941 Canadian Quarter
- Value: Up to $25,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: An incredible minting blunder where a U.S. design was struck on a foreign coin.
8. 1995-D Doubled Die Obverse
- Value: $1,000 – $3,500
- Why It’s Valuable: Popular modern doubled die variety with strong collector demand.
9. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter (High Leaf & Low Leaf Varieties)
- Value: Circulated: $200 – $1,500 | Mint State: Up to $5,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: A die gouge created an “extra leaf” on the corn husk, making this Statehood quarter a modern rarity.
9 Ultra-Rare Washington Quarters and Their 2025 Values
Coin | Mintage | Key Feature | Value Range (2025) |
---|---|---|---|
1932-D | 436,800 | First-year issue | $250 – $20,000+ |
1932-S | 408,000 | Key date | $300 – $25,000+ |
1937 DDO | Standard | Doubling on obverse | $1,500 – $8,000 |
1943-S DDO | Standard | WWII-era doubled die | $1,000 – $6,500 |
1950-D/S | Standard | Overmintmark error | $2,000 – $9,500 |
1964-D DDO | Standard | Silver quarter doubled die | $3,000 – $12,000 |
1970-S Proof on Canada coin | Very low | Foreign planchet error | Up to $25,000+ |
1995-D DDO | Standard | Strong doubled obverse | $1,000 – $3,500 |
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf | Standard | Extra leaf variety | $200 – $5,000+ |
The Washington quarter series holds some of the most exciting discoveries in U.S. coinage history. From classic rarities like the 1932-D and 1932-S to modern varieties like the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf, these coins can be worth thousands, with the most valuable examples exceeding $26,000. Checking your pocket change carefully might just reveal a hidden treasure that turns 25 cents into a life-changing payday.
FAQs
Not all, but any pre-1965 quarter has silver melt value, and rarer varieties are worth much more.
Key-date coins like the 1932-D and 1932-S and rare errors like the 1970-S struck on a Canadian coin are among the most valuable.
Yes. Error coins like the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf can sell for thousands even though they’re relatively recent.