Top 10 Valuable Washington Quarters: Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby, especially when you stumble upon a hidden gem that’s worth far more than its face value. For many collectors, the Washington Quarter and Standing Liberty Quarter are two of the most sought-after coins in U.S. numismatics. Both of these series have produced some rare and valuable coins that can be worth thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting out, learning about the most valuable coins in these series is an exciting part of the journey. So, if you’ve got a jar full of quarters or are hunting through your change, here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable Washington Quarters and Standing Liberty Quarters that could be sitting in your collection.
What Are Washington Quarters?
The Washington Quarter was first issued in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Washington, while the reverse displays an eagle. Over the years, the design has gone through a few changes, but the coin has remained a popular choice for collectors. Some years of Washington Quarters, particularly those with minting errors, special releases, or low production numbers, are worth far more than their face value.
What Are Standing Liberty Quarters?
The Standing Liberty Quarter was first minted in 1916 and was designed by Hermon MacNeil. It features Lady Liberty standing with a shield and olive branch on the obverse, while the reverse shows an eagle in flight. The coin was minted until 1930 and is highly regarded for its beauty and historical significance. Although many Standing Liberty Quarters were produced, certain years and mintmarks are extremely rare and can fetch a high price on the collector’s market.
Top 10 Most Valuable Washington Quarters
While most Washington Quarters are worth only a few dollars, several key dates and errors make certain coins worth a small fortune. Here are the top 10 most valuable Washington Quarters.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the entire series. The 1932-D is rare due to its low mintage, and it can be worth several thousand dollars in good condition. In excellent condition, this coin can sell for upwards of $30,000 or more, depending on its grade. Because of its rarity and historical significance, it is a must-have for many collectors.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is another coin with a low mintage. It is widely considered one of the most valuable quarters in the Washington series. A 1932-S in high-grade condition can sell for as much as $50,000 or more. Even a coin in lower grades can fetch several thousand dollars, making it highly sought after by collectors.
3. 1943/2 Washington Quarter
The 1943/2 Washington Quarter is a result of a minting error where a 1942 die was accidentally used to strike 1943 quarters. This error produced a “double-dated” coin, and the 1943/2 Washington Quarter is highly coveted by error coin collectors. A coin in good condition can be worth around $10,000, with high-grade examples selling for much more.
4. 1937 Doubled Die Washington Quarter
The 1937 Doubled Die Washington Quarter is a rare error coin where the design elements on the obverse of the coin are doubled, creating a unique visual effect. This error is not as commonly found, but when it is, the coin can be worth up to $10,000 or more depending on its condition.
5. 1949-D Washington Quarter
The 1949-D Washington Quarter is notable for its low mintage and strong demand among collectors. Coins in mint state can sell for over $4,000, while those in lower grades are still worth a significant amount. Its rarity makes it a highly desirable coin for Washington Quarter collectors.
6. 1936-S Washington Quarter
The 1936-S Washington Quarter has a relatively low mintage compared to other years, and it is highly valued by collectors. In top condition, this coin can be worth more than $20,000. Even coins in good condition can command thousands of dollars, making this one of the most sought-after quarters in the Washington series.
7. 1950 Washington Quarter (Proof)
The 1950 Washington Quarter was only issued in proof sets, and due to its limited production, it is highly sought after by collectors. A well-preserved example can sell for $1,500 or more, while pristine coins can reach prices of up to $5,000 or higher. Its rarity and beautiful design make it a key coin for collectors looking to complete a Washington Quarter set.
8. 1964 SMS Washington Quarter
In 1964, the U.S. Mint issued a small number of Special Mint Sets (SMS), which were produced using special dies to create coins with an exceptional finish. The 1964 SMS Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable coins from this series. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other quarters on this list, in excellent condition it can command a price of $5,000 or more.
9. 1934 Washington Quarter (Silver)
The 1934 Washington Quarter, minted in silver, is another rare coin that can command a high price. While not as rare as some of the other quarters mentioned, it is still highly desirable for collectors. In great condition, it can fetch several thousand dollars. Its value is largely tied to its low mintage and historical significance.
10. 1961 Washington Quarter (Proof)
The 1961 Washington Quarter, minted in proof quality, is another coin that’s highly valued by collectors. Proof coins are produced with special dies to create a flawless finish, and the 1961 proof quarter is no exception. Well-preserved examples can sell for $2,000 to $5,000, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Top 10 Most Valuable Standing Liberty Quarters
Standing Liberty Quarters are another series of coins that have captured the imagination of collectors, thanks to their striking design and historical importance. The following are the top 10 most valuable Standing Liberty Quarters.
1. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is the first year of issue for this coin and is one of the most valuable in the series. Its low mintage and historical significance make it highly sought after. In mint condition, the coin can fetch as much as $500,000 or more, depending on its grade. Even coins in lower grades can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
2. 1916-D Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916-D Standing Liberty Quarter is another rare and valuable coin. With a mintmark indicating it was struck at the Denver Mint, this coin is one of the most coveted in the series. Coins in good condition can be worth upwards of $50,000, with higher-grade examples reaching even higher prices.
3. 1923-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1923-S Standing Liberty Quarter is another highly valuable coin, particularly due to its low mintage and the limited number of coins that were struck at the San Francisco Mint. Well-preserved examples can sell for more than $20,000, and it remains one of the key coins in the Standing Liberty series.
4. 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter is significant for its unique design. The first version of the coin featured Liberty with a bare right breast, which was later changed to a more modest design. A high-quality 1917 Type 1 quarter can fetch $40,000 or more, depending on its grade.
5. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter is another rare coin that’s in high demand among collectors. A 1927-S in great condition can sell for over $20,000, and even coins in lower grades can fetch a few thousand dollars. Its low mintage and scarcity make it highly valuable.
6. 1918/7-D Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1918/7-D Standing Liberty Quarter is an overdate error coin where a 1917 die was used to strike 1918 quarters. This error is highly sought after, with prices reaching $30,000 or more for high-grade examples. It’s one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. history.
7. 1920-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1920-S is another rare and valuable coin from the Standing Liberty series. Its low mintage and scarcity make it a favorite among collectors. Coins in excellent condition can sell for upwards of $15,000.
8. 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter is notable for its low mintage and the fact that it was only produced for a short period. A high-quality 1919-S can command $10,000 or more, making it an attractive addition to any collection.
9. 1925 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1925 Standing Liberty Quarter has become increasingly valuable in recent years, thanks to its low mintage and historical importance. Coins in great condition can sell for upwards of $12,000, with higher-grade examples reaching even higher prices.
10. 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter is another highly sought-after coin, especially in good to excellent condition. With its low mintage