Most of us see a quarter as just 25 cents — but some are worth hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars today. Thanks to rare minting errors, low mintages, and historical significance, certain Washington quarters have become treasure pieces in the world of coin collecting.
And the best part? Any one of these valuable coins could already be sitting in your pocket, purse, or change jar.
Here are the top 4 Washington quarters to look for in 2025 — and what makes them so valuable.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter — The First and Rarest
The very first year of the Washington Quarter produced one of the rarest coins in the entire series. The 1932-D (minted in Denver) had a very low production of only 436,800 coins, making it a dream find for collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
- First year of the series
- Low mintage
- Silver composition
- Highly demanded by collectors
Value in 2025
- $500+ in circulated condition
- $3,000+ in mint-state grades
Look for a clear “D” mint mark on the reverse. If you spot one, you’re holding silver treasure.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter — A Twin Rarity
The San Francisco version of the first-year quarter, the 1932-S, is just as collectible. With a mintage of only 408,000, it’s the second rarest coin in the Washington series.
Value in 2025
- $200–$2,500 depending on grade
- Higher prices for lightly circulated or uncirculated coins
Check for the tiny “S” mint mark under the eagle — this small letter can mean a big payday.
3. 1970-S Proof Quarter Overstruck on a 1941 Canadian Quarter
This is one of the wildest U.S. Mint errors ever discovered. A small number of 1970-S proof quarters were mistakenly struck on old 1941 Canadian quarters.
This means:
- You can see traces of the Canadian design
- The U.S. proof strike sits on top
Why It’s So Valuable
- Extreme rarity
- Unique error
- Loved by high-end error collectors
Value in 2025
- $30,000–$40,000 at auction
Only a handful exist — but it proves modern-looking quarters can hide huge value.
4. 1999-P Connecticut Quarter (Broad Strike Error)
The 50 State Quarters series created a collecting boom, and one of the most interesting errors came from the 1999 Connecticut quarter.
What to Look For
A broad strike error — where the coin was struck outside the metal collar, causing:
- A wider, flatter rim
- A stretched, mis-shaped appearance
Value in 2025
- $50–$250, based on condition
These still appear in circulation from time to time, making them one of the easiest valuable errors to find.
Quick Reference Table: 2025 Values
| Coin Name | Mint Mark | Year | Estimated Value (2025) | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | D (Denver) | 1932 | $500 – $3,000+ | First-year issue, rare mintage |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | S (San Francisco) | 1932 | $200 – $2,500+ | Low mintage early collectible |
| 1970-S Proof Error Quarter | S | 1970 | $30,000 – $40,000 | Overstruck on 1941 Canadian coin |
| 1999-P Connecticut Error Quarter | P | 1999 | $50 – $250 | Broad strike error |
Why Collectors Love Washington Quarters
- Many early versions were made of 90% silver
- Affordable to collect — but some pieces are incredibly valuable
- Packed with history from early 20th-century America
- Error coins keep the hunt exciting
Even everyday pocket change can hide coins worth far more than face value.
How to Identify a Valuable Quarter
Check these features first:
- Mint mark: Found under the eagle (older coins)
- Year: Look closely at 1932, 1970, and 1999
- Errors: Off-center strikes, broad strikes, double strikes, missing rims
If a coin looks unusual, misaligned, or stretched, it might be an error worth real money.
For high-value finds, always consider professional grading from PCGS or NGC.
FAQs
1. Are all 1932 quarters valuable?
The 1932-D and 1932-S are the most valuable. The 1932 (no mint mark) is common.
2. Can modern quarters still be worth money?
Yes — error quarters from the 1990s and 2000s can be valuable.
3. How much silver is in older quarters?
Quarters minted before 1965 contain 90% silver.
4. Where can I sell a rare quarter?
Try coin shops, auctions, or grading services like PCGS and NGC.
5. What’s the easiest valuable quarter to spot?
The 1999 Connecticut broad strike is noticeable even at a glance.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Washington quarters remain one of the most exciting and rewarding coins to search for. Whether it’s a first-year 1932 rarity or a spectacular mint error, these coins prove that even the smallest change can hold big value.