You’ve probably heard of rare coins reaching thousands—but did you know six Washington Quarters are so valuable that in mint condition, their collective worth could rival a down payment on a home?
These coins still circulate—and here’s everything you need to know, including condition, mint mark, and impressive auction records.
1. 1932‑D Washington Quarter
- Mint & Rarity: Only ~436,800 struck in Denver—one of the lowest mintage numbers in series history.
- Value: In gem condition (MS66), it recently sold for ~$143,750; others in MS66 grade can go up to ~$74,400 depending on color toning.
2. 1932‑S Washington Quarter
- Mint & Rarity: San Francisco mintage of ~408,000—extremely scarce.
- Value: Circulating pieces can reach $5,000–$50,000 depending on grade.
3. 1966 Washington Quarter (Philadelphia)
- Context: Over 800 million were minted, but only a handful reached high grades.
- Value: MS68+ examples have fetched ~$21,000 in top‑tier auctions.
4. 1967 SMS (Special Mint Set) Washington Quarter
- Background: Produced outside normal proof sets—only issued 1965–1967 due to proof coin shortage.
- Value: Exceptional examples can command up to ~$17,000.
5. 1982 Philadelphia Washington Quarter
- Background: No uncirculated mint sets were issued in 1982 or ’83, making MS‑condition coins rare.
- Value: High-grade (MS68) pieces have sold for ~$10,200 .
6. 1971‑S Proof (San Francisco) Washington Quarter
- Condition: Proof coin in deep cameo finishes; scarce in higher grades.
- Value: Exceptional specimens reach about $3,500–$7,475 at auction.
What Makes Each Quarter So Valuable
| Year & Mint | Mintage | Rarity Factor | Top Auction Price* | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932‑D | ~436,800 | Very Low | $143,750 | Gem quality & collector demand |
| 1932‑S | ~408,000 | Very Low | $50,000 | Early issue, scarce in top grades |
| 1966‑P | ~800M+ | Common, but gem‑rare | $21,000 | Few high-grade survivors |
| 1967 SMS | Limited sets | Set rarity | $17,000 | Only Special Mint Set coins |
| 1982‑P | ~500M | Rare in mint state | $10,200 | No mint sets issued |
| 1971‑S Proof | Millions? | Proof‑only rare | $7,475 | High-grade cameo proofs |
*Top prices reflect highest known auction results for mint/proof states.
Why These Quarters Still Circulate
Despite the high values, many of these coins remain in circulation because:
- Unrecognized Rarity: Most people don’t check mint marks or grades.
- Condition Hidden in Daily Use: A gem coin might look like any other until professionally graded.
- Special Mint Sets (1967 SMS) and proofs (1971‑S) were often released unintentionally into circulation.
If you’re curious how small change could turn into a real estate down payment, keep these six rare Washington Quarters in mind.
Whether it’s the ultra‑scarce 1932‑D or the surprisingly valuable 1982‑P, these hidden gems demonstrate that knowledge + luck = serious money. Always check mint marks, inspect condition closely, and consider grading to unlock their true value.
FAQ
Can I actually find one of these in my pocket change?
Yes—while rare, there are real stories of these quarters turning up in circulation. Even one in MS60‑MS63 can be worth hundreds.
How do I know if my quarter is in mint or proof condition?
Look for sharp details, luster, absence of wear, and mint marks (D, S, or absence). For proofs, mirror-like background and cameo contrast are key.
Should I get my quarter professionally graded?
Absolutely—coins valued in the thousands should be graded by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS to authenticate and maximize resale value.