While most of us use quarters every day without thinking much about them, some rare Washington Quarters are worth a lot of money—up to $140,000! These valuable quarters are rare due to special minting errors or their historical significance. If you have Washington Quarters from certain years, you might be holding onto a small fortune. In this article, we’ll look at two such rare quarters and show you how to identify them, so you know if you have one in your collection.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter: A Rare and Valuable Coin
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors. Let’s take a closer look at why it is so valuable.
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter So Rare?
In 1932, the U.S. Mint released the Washington Quarter to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday. But only 436,800 of these quarters were made in Denver, making the 1932-D extremely rare. Many of these coins were used in daily transactions, causing them to wear down over time. As a result, few 1932-D quarters are still in good condition, adding to their rarity.
Value of the 1932-D Washington Quarter
A 1932-D Washington Quarter can be worth anywhere from $7,000 to $140,000 depending on its condition. If the coin is in mint or near-mint condition (meaning it looks almost new), its value could reach the highest range. Even if it’s not perfect, it can still be worth a significant amount, especially if it’s in good condition. To check if you have a 1932-D, look for the year and the mintmark “D” under the date.
The 1964 Proof Washington Quarter: A Special Minting Error
Another rare Washington Quarter is the 1964 Proof Washington Quarter. Unlike regular coins, proof coins are specially made for collectors and have a shinier finish.
Why is the 1964 Proof Washington Quarter Valuable?
The 1964 Proof Washington Quarter is rare because of a minting error. The U.S. Mint used regular dies instead of special dies to strike some of these proof quarters, which resulted in coins with a mix of features from both regular coins and proof coins. This mistake makes the 1964 Proof quarter highly valuable to collectors.
Value of the 1964 Proof Washington Quarter
A regular 1964 Proof Washington Quarter may be worth between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on its condition. But if it has the minting error (the mix of features), it can be worth up to $140,000! The value of this coin depends on its condition, so it’s important to have it professionally graded to understand its worth. If you find a 1964 Proof quarter, you should get it checked by a coin expert to verify its authenticity and value.
How to Identify These Rare Washington Quarters
If you want to know whether you have one of these rare coins, here’s how to identify them:
1. Check the Year and Mintmark
First, look at the year and mintmark. If it’s a 1932-D, there will be a “D” below the year, which means it was minted in Denver. If it’s a 1964 Proof quarter, look for the word “PROOF” on the packaging. For the special error coin, check for a mix of features like a polished surface but less detail than a typical proof coin.
2. Look for Signs of Wear
The condition of the coin is very important. Coins that have been used a lot will have scratches or wear, which lowers their value. Coins that are in excellent condition, with clear details and no damage, are worth much more.
Conclusion
Most Washington Quarters are still worth just 25 cents, but the 1932-D and 1964 Proof coins are rare and can be worth thousands, even up to $140,000! If you find one of these special coins, it could be a hidden treasure. Be sure to check the year, mintmark, and condition of your coins. If you have a 1932-D or a 1964 Proof quarter, you might want to get it appraised by an expert. Whether you’re a collector or just someone looking through old coins, these rare quarters could be worth much more than you think!
FAQs
1. How do I know if my Washington Quarter is worth a lot of money?
Specifically, the 1932-D Washington Quarter is highly sought after because of its rarity, and the 1964 Proof Washington Quarter is valuable due to a minting error.
2. What is the difference between a regular Washington Quarter and the rare ones?
A regular Washington Quarter is just a typical coin worth 25 cents. However, rare Washington Quarters like the 1932-D and 1964 Proof coins are valuable due to unique minting conditions or errors.
3. How can I get my Washington Quarter appraised?
To get your Washington Quarter appraised, you can visit a professional coin dealer or a numismatist (a coin expert).