6 Washington Quarters That Could Buy You a House : To most people, a quarter is just 25 cents — something you toss in a tip jar, laundry machine, or vending machine. But what if one of those coins could be worth tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars? Some rare Washington quarters have sold for home-buying money, and believe it or not, a few of them may still be floating around in circulation.
Here are six Washington quarters that, under the right conditions, could be worth the price of a house — and why they’re so valuable.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $10,000–$85,000+
- Why It’s Rare: The Denver Mint produced only 436,800 of these quarters — the second-lowest mintage in the entire Washington quarter series.
- What to Look For: A clear “D” mint mark on the reverse below the eagle. Watch for worn or altered examples. High-grade uncirculated coins with sharp details command the highest prices.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $5,000–$80,000+
- Why It’s Rare: Like the 1932-D, the San Francisco version had a very low mintage — only 408,000.
- What to Look For: A strong “S” mint mark and crisp details. These coins are often faked, so authentication is critical for high-value sales.
3. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse
- Estimated Value: $15,000–$25,000+
- Why It’s Rare: A dramatic doubled die error on the obverse (front) of this coin shows doubling in the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date.
- What to Look For: Use a magnifying glass to spot clear doubling on the lettering. This error is very rare and highly sought after by error collectors.
4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
- Estimated Value: $3,000–$25,000+
- Why It’s Rare: A minting anomaly occurred when a Denver “D” mint mark was stamped over a San Francisco “S.” These “overmintmark” coins are incredibly scarce.
- What to Look For: Under magnification, you’ll see traces of the underlying “S” behind the “D” on the reverse.
5. 1964-D Washington Quarter (SMS Finish or Transitional Error)
- Estimated Value: $35,000–$100,000+
- Why It’s Rare: 1964 was the last year quarters were made with 90% silver. A few mysterious 1964-D quarters exist with a Special Mint Set (SMS) finish or struck using dies intended for 1965 copper-nickel coins.
- What to Look For: A satiny, matte-like surface (not mirror proof) and no wear. These are sometimes mistaken for normal uncirculated coins. Only a handful are known to exist.
6. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter on a 1941 Canadian Quarter Planchet
- Estimated Value: $35,000–$50,000+
- Why It’s Rare: This legendary mint error occurred when a 1970-S proof quarter was mistakenly struck on a silver 1941 Canadian quarter blank.
- What to Look For: Slight size differences, reeding inconsistency, and odd weight. The coin will look “off” to the trained eye. One example sold for over $45,000 at auction.
Still Being Spent? Yes, It’s Possible.
Though these coins are rare, the chance of one slipping through cracks — especially from estate sales, old collections, or someone unaware of what they have — is very real. Many rare quarters have been found in pocket change, roll hunts, and even coin jars.
Tips to Find One of These Quarters
- Check Your Change: Especially from banks, toll booths, vending machines, or cash-based businesses.
- Know Your Mint Marks: “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), and no mint mark (Philadelphia).
- Weigh Silver Quarters: Pre-1965 quarters are 90% silver and weigh 6.25 grams.
- Use a Loupe or Magnifier: Essential for spotting small mint marks or die errors.
- Get Professional Help: If you find something odd, have it graded by PCGS or NGC.
Conclusion
The thrill of treasure hunting isn’t just for pirates or antique collectors — it can happen in your pocket. With a sharp eye and a little luck, a single Washington quarter could turn into a down payment — or an entire house. So next time you get change back, take a second look. That ordinary coin might just be worth a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
Q1: Why are some Washington quarters so valuable?
A: Rare Washington quarters are valuable due to factors like low mintage numbers, minting errors, overmintmarks, special finishes, and silver content. Coins in excellent condition with these rare traits can fetch tens of thousands — or even over $100,000 — at auction.
Q2: Are all old Washington quarters valuable?
A: Not necessarily. While quarters minted before 1965 contain 90% silver and are worth more than face value (based on silver content), only certain dates, mint marks, and error varieties carry high collector premiums.
Would you like a printable checklist of these valuable quarters or a guide for identifying silver coins?
