Washington Quarters have been part of U.S. history since 1932. These quarters aren’t just everyday coins; some are highly valuable and cherished by collectors. Key coins from certain years can be worth thousands of dollars because they were produced in limited numbers or during significant periods in U.S. history. Let’s explore three specific Washington Quarters that are particularly valuable today.
What is a Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter is a 25-cent coin featuring George Washington on the front (or obverse) side. The U.S. Mint first created it in 1932 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. It was supposed to be a one-time issue, but the coin’s popularity ensured its continued production.
Below are some of the most valuable Washington Quarters and the reasons why collectors love them.
| Coin | Year | Mintage | Current Value | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | 436,800 coins | Over $2,000 | First year of issue, low mintage, very rare |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | 408,000 coins | Over $2,000 | Extremely low mintage, key date in the series |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | 1943 | 21,700,000 coins | Over $2,000 (high quality) | World War II era, made of silver |
The 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Mintage: 436,800 coins
- Value Today: Over $2,000
- Why It’s Special: First Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter, minted in Denver, is one of the rarest and most valuable quarters. With a small production run of just 436,800 coins, collectors consider it a prized item. It is especially valuable because it was part of the first batch of Washington Quarters ever made.
The 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Mintage: 408,000 coins
- Value Today: Over $2,000
- Why It’s Special: Low Mintage, Key Date
The 1932-S Washington Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is even rarer than the 1932-D, with only 408,000 coins produced. Its scarcity makes it a key date for coin collectors. Coins with lower mintages, like the 1932-S, are harder to find today, which increases their value.
The 1943-S Washington Quarter
- Mintage: 21,700,000 coins
- Value Today: Over $2,000 (if in excellent condition)
- Why It’s Special: World War II Era, Silver Content
The 1943-S Washington Quarter was minted during World War II, making it a valuable historical coin. While more than 21 million of these coins were produced, only those in excellent condition are worth over $2,000 today. These quarters were made from 90% silver, which also adds to their value, as silver coins are always sought after by collectors.
Why Are These Washington Quarters So Valuable?
The value of these Washington Quarters comes from a combination of factors:
- Rarity: The fewer coins that were made, the rarer and more valuable they become.
- Condition: Coins in excellent or “mint” condition are worth much more than worn or damaged ones.
- Historical Importance: Coins like the 1943-S that were minted during World War II have added value because of their connection to important historical events.
- Silver Content: Before 1965, U.S. quarters were made of 90% silver, which makes them more valuable than modern coins.
Changes in Washington Quarter Design
The design of the Washington Quarter has remained largely the same since 1932, with Washington’s face on the front. However, in 1975-1976, a special Bicentennial version was created to celebrate 200 years of American independence. More recently, the U.S. Mint launched the “50 State Quarters” program in 1999, which featured different designs on the back for each state. These changes have made the Washington Quarter more exciting and collectible over time.
Conclusion
Washington Quarters are not just ordinary coins; some are rare and valuable pieces of history. The 1932-D, 1932-S, and 1943-S Washington Quarters are perfect examples of how certain coins can become prized by collectors due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance. If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these quarters, it could be worth much more than just 25 cents.
FAQ’s
Why are the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters so valuable?
The 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are valuable because they had very low mintages (only 436,800 and 408,000 coins, respectively). Their rarity makes them highly sought after by collectors, driving up their value to over $2,000 in good condition.
Why is the 1943-S Washington Quarter important?
The 1943-S Washington Quarter was minted during World War II and made from 90% silver. While many were produced, only well-preserved coins are worth over $2,000 today. Its historical significance and silver content add to its value.
How do I know if my Washington Quarter is valuable?
A Washington Quarter’s value depends on factors like its mintage, condition, and whether it contains silver (pre-1965 quarters are 90% silver). Coins from 1932 (D and S) or during WWII, especially in excellent condition, are typically more valuable.