An essential part of U.S. money is the Washington Quarter, but not all are worth the same amount. What makes a coin valuable to coin owners and numismatists is its year, where it was made, and even mistakes made during the making process.
People want many Washington Quarters, but the rare 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are some of the most sought-after. The first quarters to have John Flanagan’s image of George Washington on them are these 90% silver quarters. They have a special place in the history of American coins.
It’s hard to find these two quarters, which is why they are so valuable. This piece will discuss their worth in different situations. If you think you might have one hidden, you should take a moment to check!
Why the 1932 Washington Quarters Are Unique
They are some of the most valuable Washington Quarters in the world. They were struck in Denver (1932-D) and San Francisco (1932-S). A charming 1932-S quarter (marked MS66) sold at a sale in 2020 for $45,000. David Lawrence Rare Coins sold it.
The most valuable coin ever sold was a 1932-D quarter, which brought in a record-breaking $143,750. The high prices of these coins come from the fact that they are scarce, have historical value, and are in great shape.
One of the main things that makes these 1932 quarters important is how few were made. A total of 408,000 1932-S coins were made, while 436,000 1932-D coins were made. Collectors like them even more because they aren’t made very often, and fewer good models have survived over time.
A Better Look at the Washington Quarter from 1932–D
The oldest of the two coins is the 1932-D Washington Quarter. It’s precious to fans because it was made in small numbers, and very few high-grade samples have been found. It is one of the most sought-after U.S. coins because collectors and numismatists have been looking for perfect copies for over 60 years.
Records were broken at a sale where a 1932-D quarter in perfect shape (graded MS65) sold for a massive $143,750. Most versions of the 1932-D quarter are valuable, but they only sell for a lot of money when they’re in great shape.
An MS65 1932-D Washington Quarter from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) could fetch around $12,000 if you have one. Even though this is less than the record bidding price, it is still a pretty good deal for a 25-cent coin.
The 1932-S Washington Quarter Is Less Common but Costs Less
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is also very hard to find, but fans can get their hands on it more easily because it costs less. Although the 1932-S quarter is still hard to find, it’s cheaper than the 1932-D form since only 408,000 were made.
These days, the 1932-S quarter is worth less than the 1932-D quarter in MS65. The going rate for a good MS65 example of the 1932-S is about $3,000.
Supply and demand are The main reasons for the change in value between the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters. High-grade 1932-D quarters are more expensive because few are available.
How Rare and Good the Condition Are for 1932 Washington Quarters
When you collect coins, the condition of the coins is critical. The condition of the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters can significantly affect the price. Money that has been kept in the “Mint State” (M.S.) state, without any wear, is worth a lot more than money that has been used.
What does MS65 mean? MS65 is a high grade for almost perfect coins, with only tiny flaws that can be seen under a microscope. Because they are so old and have been used a lot, it is hard to find 1932 quarters in such good shape.
Certified Grading: Coins rated by PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) have had a professional check their state, which gives buyers peace of mind that the coins are genuine and of good quality. Collectors often look for these verified coins to make sure the price they’re being given is correct.
Value Comparison Table for 1932 Washington Quarters
| Type | Mint Location | Mintage | Estimated Value in MS65 | Highest Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Quarter | Denver (D) | 436,000 | $12,000 | $143,750 |
| 1932-S Quarter | San Francisco (S) | 408,000 | $3,000 | $45,000 |
| Regular Circulated | Denver & San Francisco | Common | Face Value ($0.25) | Varies by condition |
| High-Grade Error | Denver or San Francisco | Limited | High Premium | Varies, often 5-10x face value |
Over time, these ancient Washington Quarters have become more valuable, and fans still want them. Because they are hard to find, contain silver, and were part of the original design for the Washington Quarter, they have stayed famous and cost a lot.
If you own one of these rare coins, it might be a good idea to get it verified and valued. If your coin is in perfect shape, it could be worth a lot of money and would be a great addition to any collection.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter so valuable?
Very few of the 1932-D Washington Quarter were made, so they are very expensive, especially if they are in perfect shape. The price stays high because fans want them so much.
2. How can I tell if my quarter from 1932 is a 1932-D or a 1932-S?
The mint mark below the eagle’s tail on the back of the coin will either say “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco. This tells you where the coin was made.
3. Where can I get my grade in Washington Quarter?
Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC can grade and authenticate your coins. Certified by them, rare coins are worth more and are seen as more trustworthy.
4. How often do you see 1932-D or 1932-S quarters in circulation?
Because they are so rare, you probably won’t see these quarters in everyday use. A lot of them can be found in coin collections or at sales.
5. How much does it cost to grade a coin?
Grading fees depend on the coin’s value and which service is used. They are usually between $20 and $100. Rare coins, like the 1932 Washington Quarters, are often worth the money.
Collectors and history buffs alike are still interested in these rare 1932 quarters. It can be interesting to learn about these coins’ past and market value, whether you’re an experienced collector or someone just now learning about their worth.
READ MORE: Are You Missing Out on Fortune in the $750,000 Bicentennial Quarters Search?
