Washington quarters have become some of the most exciting and profitable coins for collectors in recent years. With rising interest in rare varieties, minting anomalies, and key early dates, these quarters have seen remarkable value growth. From silver issues to highly coveted mint errors, certain Washington quarters can deliver impressive returns, with top examples reaching prices as high as $50,700. This detailed guide breaks down the most valuable Washington quarters and explains what makes them so desirable in today’s competitive numismatic market.
Whether you are starting a collection or looking to evaluate coins already in your possession, understanding these rare Washington quarters can help uncover hidden treasures.
Key Highlights
The most valuable Washington quarters share common characteristics:
- Low mintage numbers or special production runs
- Major minting errors or doubled die varieties
- Historic significance from early silver years
- High-grade certification from trusted grading services
- Strong collector demand and active auction performance
- Scarce survival rates in mint-state condition
These traits help rare Washington quarters command high premiums.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D is one of the most sought-after quarters:
- Lowest mintage of any Washington quarter
- Very few high-grade examples survive
- Strong demand from series collectors
- Values rise significantly in mint-state condition
- Auction prices can exceed tens of thousands
The 1932-D remains a foundational rarity in the series.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Another key early date:
- Limited mintage and restricted production
- Scarce in high-grade preservation
- Popular among collectors completing early sets
- Strong long-term value appreciation
- Certified MS examples command premium prices
The 1932-S is considered essential for serious collectors.
1934 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
This famous error variety draws considerable attention:
- Noticeable doubling on the motto and lettering
- Easily identifiable even in circulated condition
- High-grade examples exceed high auction estimates
- Strong demand from error collectors
- Prices climb sharply at higher grades
This error remains one of the most dramatic in the series.
1937 Washington Quarter in High Grade
Certain 1937 examples achieve remarkable values:
- Early silver issue in the series
- High-grade versions are significantly scarce
- Strong eye appeal boosts price potential
- Popular among collectors focusing on silver-era coins
- MS67 or higher examples reach impressive values
The 1937 quarter shows strong performance in top condition.
1942-D Doubled Die Quarter
A standout mid-century error:
- Visible doubling on key details
- Limited surviving verified examples
- Strong premiums for certified error coins
- Very popular among modern collectors
- High-grade specimens fetch notable returns
This error variety represents a major collectible opportunity.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
One of the most notable overmintmark varieties:
- D mintmark punched over an S
- Rare and highly recognizable variety
- Strong demand from advanced collectors
- Premium growth over the past decade
- Certified examples bring elevated prices
This hybrid mintmark error makes the 1950-D/S particularly desirable.
1964 SMS Washington Quarter
Among the rarest Washington quarter issues:
- Special strike coins with extremely limited production
- Unique satin-like finish differentiates them from regular issues
- Only a very small number confirmed to exist
- High auction values in top condition
- Attracts collectors seeking modern rarities
The 1964 SMS quarter is one of the scarcest coins of the era.
1970-S Small Date Proof Quarter
Proof strikes from this year have gained strong interest:
- Scarce small date variety
- High-grade proof coins maintain premium value
- Popular among modern proof collectors
- Limited numbers add to the appeal
- Consistent demand in the numismatic market
This proof variety stands out among modern quarter issues.
1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter in High Grade
A top modern collectible:
- Struck in 40 percent silver for collectors
- Stunning values for top-graded examples
- Popular due to its commemorative design
- Strong demand in precious metal and numismatic markets
- MS and PR70 examples have reached premium-level pricing
The 1976-S silver quarter remains a fan favorite, achieving values up to $50,700 at top grades.
Current Market Trends in 2025
Washington quarters demonstrate strong growth:
- High interest in early silver issues
- Modern collectors expanding into error varieties
- Certified coins consistently outperform raw examples
- Online auctions drive greater competition
- Rising awareness of rare mint anomalies
These trends highlight a strong and active market.
Final Verdict
The most valuable Washington quarters offer a combination of rarity, historical charm, and investment potential. From early silver dates to impressive error varieties, these coins continue to attract collectors searching for significant long-term value. Whether discovered in inherited collections or acquired at auction, these rare Washington quarters represent some of the most exciting opportunities in modern numismatics.