9 Rare Washington Quarters Worth $26,000 Each – Could You Be Holding One?
9 Rare Washington Quarters Worth $26,000 Each – Could You Be Holding One?
Most of us don’t think much about the coins in our pockets. A quarter is just 25 cents, right? Something you throw in a parking meter, laundry machine, or maybe into a jar at home. But what if I told you that a plain-looking quarter sitting in your drawer could actually be worth thousands of dollars?
Yes, you read that right. Some rare Washington quarters are selling for as much as $26,000 each in today’s coin-collecting market. And here’s the crazy part: many of these valuable coins are still in circulation, hiding in plain sight.
This guide is for everyone — whether you’re a serious coin collector, someone curious about old coins, or just wondering if that jar of change in your kitchen could make you rich. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of rare Washington quarters, why they’re so valuable, and how you can spot them.
Why Washington Quarters?
The Washington quarter was first minted in 1932 to honor the 200th birthday of George Washington. Since then, it has become one of the most collected and widely recognized U.S. coins. Over the decades, millions of quarters have been struck. But here’s the catch: not all quarters are created equal.
Some have low mintages (meaning very few were made). Others have minting errors — small mistakes that happened during production. And some are just historically significant because of their timing or composition. All of these factors make certain Washington quarters extremely valuable.
The 9 Rare Washington Quarters to Watch Out For
Here’s a quick snapshot before we break them down one by one:
| Coin Year & Type | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | First-year issue, low mintage | $26,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Scarce San Francisco mint edition | $23,000+ |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | Rare in mint condition | $20,000+ |
| 1950-D/S Overmint Mark | “D” over “S” mint mark | $10,000–$20,000 |
| 1950-S/D Overmint Mark | “S” over “D” mint mark | $10,000–$15,000 |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse | Doubled letters on reverse | $10,000–$25,000 |
| 1970-S Proof on Canadian Coin | Struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter | $26,000 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf High | Extra leaf error on corn design | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Low | Alternate extra leaf version | $3,000–$6,000 |
Now let’s explore them in detail.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter – The Big One
The 1932-D quarter is one of the holy grails for collectors. It was the very first year Washington quarters were minted, and only 436,000 pieces came out of the Denver Mint. That’s an incredibly low number compared to millions of coins produced in later years.
How to Identify:
- Look for the year 1932.
- Check the reverse (back) for a small “D” mint mark near the bottom.
Value: In uncirculated or near-perfect condition, this coin can reach $26,000 or more.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Alongside the Denver version, the San Francisco (S) mint also released a small batch of quarters in 1932. With only 408,000 minted, the 1932-S is almost as rare as the 1932-D.
Why It’s Valuable: Being part of the first-year release makes it historically important. Its scarcity drives the value.
Estimated Value: $23,000+ in high-grade condition.
3. 1943-S Washington Quarter
At first glance, a 1943 quarter might not seem special. After all, it was minted during World War II when millions of coins were needed. But the San Francisco (S) mint versions in pristine, uncirculated condition are extremely rare.
Pro Tip: If you happen to find a shiny 1943-S that looks untouched, get it graded. Collectors pay a premium for coins that have survived in near-perfect condition.
Value: Up to $20,000 or more.
4. 1950-D/S Overmint Mark
This coin is fascinating because it showcases a minting mistake. A Denver (“D”) mint mark was accidentally stamped over a San Francisco (“S”) mark.
How to Identify:
- Use a magnifying glass.
- Look closely under the “D.” If you see traces of an “S,” you may have a winner.
Value: $10,000–$20,000 depending on grade.
5. 1950-S/D Overmint Mark
This is the opposite situation of the coin above. Here, an “S” mint mark was stamped over a “D.” The error is more subtle, but collectors still love it.
Estimated Value: $10,000–$15,000.
6. 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse
Doubling errors are always exciting. In this case, the letters on the reverse side — especially “QUARTER DOLLAR” — look doubled.
How to Spot It:
- Use bright light or magnification.
- The lettering should show a clear shadow-like doubling.
Value: $10,000 to $25,000 depending on sharpness and condition.
7. 1970-S Proof Quarter Struck on a Canadian Coin
This one is wild. In a rare error, a few proof quarters from 1970 were accidentally struck on 1941 Canadian silver quarters.
How to Identify:
- The coin may look slightly off-center.
- The edges or design might appear mismatched.
Value: Up to $26,000 — one of the highest prices ever for Washington quarters.
8 & 9. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarters
Not all valuable coins are old. In 2004, a design error appeared on some Wisconsin state quarters. The corn stalk on the reverse has an extra leaf. There are two variations: Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low.
How to Spot Them:
- Flip your quarter over.
- Look closely at the corn husk.
- If you see an extra leaf (either pointing up or down), you’ve struck gold.
Value: $3,000–$6,000 each depending on condition.
How to Check Your Quarters at Home
The good news is you don’t need fancy equipment to start searching. Here’s a simple process:
- Gather Your Quarters – Especially older ones from before 2005.
- Good Lighting – A bright desk lamp helps you see details.
- Magnifying Glass – Useful for spotting mint marks and errors.
- Look for Dates & Mint Marks – Focus on 1932, 1943, 1950, 1964, 1970, and 2004.
- Check for Errors – Doubling, extra marks, unusual edges.
- Compare with Online Images – Plenty of coin forums and databases exist.
- Get Graded – If you think you have something valuable, send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
What Makes a Quarter Valuable?
Not every old coin is worth money. The value depends on several factors:
- Low Mintage: The fewer coins made, the rarer they are.
- Minting Errors: Mistakes like double dies or overmint marks are prized.
- Condition: A coin in mint state (no scratches, high detail) is always worth more.
- Metal Content: Older quarters (pre-1965) contain 90% silver.
- Historical Significance: First-year releases or unique production years matter.
FAQs About Rare Washington Quarters
1. Are all old quarters valuable?
No. Age alone doesn’t guarantee value. The year, mint mark, and condition are crucial.
2. How do I know if my quarter is rare?
Start by checking the year and mint mark, then compare with lists of known rare quarters.
3. What does “mint condition” mean?
It means the coin looks untouched — sharp details, no wear, no scratches.
4. Can newer quarters be valuable?
Yes! The 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf proves that even modern coins can fetch thousands.
5. Where should I sell my rare quarter?
Options include:
- Professional coin dealers
- Auction houses (like Heritage Auctions)
- Online platforms (eBay, coin forums)
Always get an expert opinion first.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Overlook Your Change
The next time you empty your pockets or roll up coins for the bank, take a closer look. That shiny quarter could be more than just pocket change — it could be a hidden treasure worth thousands.
From the historic 1932-D to the quirky 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf, rare Washington quarters remind us that history, mistakes, and scarcity can turn ordinary coins into extraordinary collectibles.
So go ahead, grab that jar of change from your dresser, and start searching. Who knows? You might be holding a $26,000 treasure in your hand right now.