You may spend them without a thought—but certain rare Washington quarters actually sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
These six key-date coins, minted between 1932 and 1986, have been found in everyday change yet command house-level values due to unique mintages, pristine condition, and error varieties.
1. 1932‑D Washington Quarter
- Mint: Denver
- Mintage: ~436,800 pieces
- Why it’s rare: Only three mints struck quarters that year; Denver run is the smallest.
- Value: $20,000+ in good condition, MS66 gem with pink/olive toning sold for $74,400; mint‑state examples reach $80,000+
2. 1932‑S Washington Quarter
- Mint: San Francisco
- Mintage: ~408,000
- Why it’s rare: Depressed-era low production.
- Value: Usually $5,000–$50,000 depending on grade
3. 1934 Philadelphia Doubled Die Reverse
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 31.9 million (all 1934 P)
- Why it’s rare: Doubled‑die reverse error is scarce.
- Value: $340–$660 in mint state; rare MS specimens reach $1,100–$5,000
4. 1966 Philadelphia Quarter (MS68+)
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: ~821 million clad; silver content pre‑1965
- Why it’s rare: Despite huge mintage, MS68+ grade is extremely scarce.
- Value: Up to $21,000 in top grade (May 2023 sale)
5. 1968‑S Washington Quarter (Proof)
- Mint: San Francisco
- Mintage: ~3 million proof; clad composition
- Why it’s rare: First S‑mint circulation‑quality quarters since 1954; S moved to obverse.
- Value: ~$2,875 in high-grade proof
6. 1986‑P Washington Quarter (MS67)
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: ~551 million
- Why it’s rare: MS67+ examples are extremely scarce—only about 10 known.
- Value: $2,880 auction record
Value Comparison
| Year & Mint | Mintage | Condition | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932‑D | ~436,800 | MS66 gem | $74,400 – $143,750 The Sun+1The Sun+1 |
| 1932‑S | ~408,000 | AU to MS | $5,000 – $50,000 |
| 1934 P (DDO) | 31.9 million | Mint State | Up to $5,000 |
| 1966 P | ~821 million | MS68+ | $21,000 |
| 1968‑S Proof | ~3 million | Proof MS | $2,875 |
| 1986‑P | ~551 million | MS67 | $2,880 |
Why These Quarters Are So Valuable
- Low mintage (1932 issues), error varieties (1934 doubled die), and exceptional condition for high‑mintage years (1966–1986).
- 90 % silver content (pre‑1965 coins) adds extra intrinsic value
- High MS/proof grades are extremely rare—quality counts.
These six Washington quarters may pop up in your pocket, yet they’re worth far more than face value, with top-tier specimens selling for $75,000 or more—enough to make serious real estate impact.
FAQs
Can I still find these in change?
Yes—there are verified instances of people spending 1932‑D/S and 1966 MS68 specimens in everyday transactions by mistake.
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Check the year and mint mark, inspect for die errors like doubled‑die reverses, and consider getting it graded by a service like PCGS or NGC.
Should I send my coin for grading?
If it’s potentially rare or in great condition (sharp detail, lustrous surface), grading can unlock big value—MS concerns dramatically affect price.