If you’re fortunate to have a 1932 Washington Quarter, your coin can be considered one of the rarest of the rare-most valuable coins ever minted. Some versions of this coin have traded hands in the range of $143,750 at auction! If there is a mint mark on your coin and it has retained its luster, thousands of dollars await you.
In this article, we’ll inform you about how to check for the rarity of a 1932 Washington Quarter, which issues are worth the most, how to get it certified, and sell it for the highest price.
Features of the 1932 Washington Quarter
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1932 Washington Quarter |
| Mint Marks | “D” (Denver) and “S” (San Francisco) |
| Mintage (Production Numbers) | Denver: 436,800; San Francisco: 408,000 |
| Metal Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Rarity | Low mintage numbers; significant for collectors |
| Estimated Value | Up to $143,750 depending on condition |
| Authentication Required? | Yes, certification from PCGS or NGC is recommended |
| Record Auction Price | $143,750 (PCGS MS66, 2008) |
A Historical Look at the 1932 Washington Quarter
This coin was released in 1932 in honor of the 200th birthday of George Washington. Originally conceived as a commemorative coin, its popularity led to its constant production, displacing the Standing Liberty Quarter.
However, due to the Great Depression, a very small number of quarters were minted in 1932, making coins with the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mint marks extremely rare today.
How to tell if your 1932 Washington Quarter is valuable:
- Look at the mintmark:
Mintmarks are perhaps the most important determinants of coin values. They’re visible on the back of the coin, just above the eagle on the right.
- “D” mintmark: Denver mint, exceedingly rare with only 436,800 pieces struck.
- “S” mintmark: San Francisco mint, comparably rare with only 408,000 coins struck.
- No mintmark: Philadelphia mint with 54,040,000 coins struck.
If your coin has a “D” or “S” mintmark, you may find it worth thousands of dollars!
- The grading of coins
The condition and the value of all coins are, as I said before, weighted. Coins in exceptionally good condition go for high prices, with a continuous scale from 1 for very poor to 70 for as good as new.
| Grade | Estimated Value (1932-D) | Estimated Value (1932-S) |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $100 – $200 | $80 – $150 |
| Fine (F-12) | $400 – $600 | $300 – $500 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $1,200 – $2,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Mint State (MS60-MS65) | $8,000 – $35,000 | $4,000 – $15,000 |
| MS66+ (Auction Record) | $143,750 | $45,500 |
Even at its alleged lowest grade, the 1932-D or 1932-S quarter will sell for over face value!!
- Does the coin have an error?
Some 1932 Washington quarters have rare minting errors that can increase their value even more.
Types of common errors:
- Doubled Die Obverse – Double imaging in letters and numbers.
- Weak Strike – Some details of the coin may be weak and unclear.
- Clipped Planchets – Part of the coin may be clipped.
If you notice any errors in your coin, getting it certified can increase its value!
How to Authenticate and Sell Your 1932 Quarter?
Given the high price of the 1932 Washington Quarter, it is extremely important to get it certified before selling it.
Where to Get Authenticated?
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)
Where to Sell a 1932 Quarter?
- Online Auctions – Heritage Auctions, eBay
- Coin Dealers – Choose an authorized dealer from the American Numismatic Association
- Local Coin Shows – Have an expert evaluate the coin
Conclusion
The 1932 Washington Quarter can be not just a historical coin but also a valuable treasure! If you have a coin with a “D” or “S” mint mark, it can be worth thousands to millions of dollars.
If you think you have a rare 1932 quarter, get it certified and get the best price for it by selling it on the right platform. Who knows, maybe you have the next $143,750 coin!
FAQs
Q. How rare is the 1932 Washington Quarter?
A. The 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are extremely rare due to their low mintage, making them highly valuable for collectors.
Q. How can I identify a valuable 1932 quarter?
A. Check for a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mint mark on the reverse side below the eagle. These versions are the most valuable.
Q. What is the highest price ever paid for a 1932 quarter?
A. A 1932-D Washington Quarter in MS66 condition sold for $143,750 at auction.
Q. How do I get my 1932 quarter authenticated?
A. You can send it to professional grading services like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS for certification.
Q. Where can I sell a rare 1932 Washington Quarter?
A. You can sell it through online auctions (Heritage Auctions, eBay), coin dealers, or local coin shows for expert evaluation.