9 Rare Washington Quarters Worth $26,000 Each – Are You Holding One?
Most people think quarters are only worth 25 cents. That’s usually true — but in some cases, a Washington Quarter can be worth as much as $26,000. Yes, you read that right. Certain rare quarters have become incredibly valuable due to minting mistakes, low production numbers, or special metal content.
There’s a chance one of these valuable coins could be lying unnoticed in a jar at home, or mixed in with your everyday change. In this article, we’ll go over 9 rare Washington Quarters that are worth big money, explain how to spot them, and help you figure out if you might be holding one right now.
Overview Table: 9 Rare Washington Quarters Worth $26,000 Each
| Coin Year & Type | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Low mintage, first year of issue | $26,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Low mintage, very hard to find | $23,000+ |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | Sharp strike, rare in mint condition | $20,000+ |
| 1950-D/S Overmint Mark | Mint mark error (D over S) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 1950-S/D Overmint Mark | Mint mark error (S over D) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse | Doubled letters on reverse | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| 1970-S Proof Quarter on Canadian Coin | Struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter | $26,000 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf High | Leaf error on reverse | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Low | Another leaf error version | $3,000 – $6,000 |
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
This quarter is one of the first ever made in the Washington series, and only about 436,000 were minted — which is very low. If you find one of these in excellent condition, it can sell for $26,000 or more.
How to Identify:
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Look for a 1932 quarter with a small “D” mint mark on the back (near the bottom).
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Check the coin’s edges for strong detail — the better the condition, the more valuable it is.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, this one was minted in San Francisco with an “S” mint mark. It’s just as rare and valuable, especially in uncirculated condition.
Estimated Value: $23,000+
3. 1943-S Washington Quarter
While this coin isn’t as old as the 1932 versions, it’s very rare in pristine condition. Collectors pay big money for 1943-S quarters that are nearly perfect.
Tip: If the coin looks freshly minted and shiny, it may be worth grading.
4. 1950-D/S Overmint Mark
This coin was minted in Denver, but an “S” mint mark was stamped first, and then a “D” was placed over it. This kind of minting mistake is very rare and exciting to collectors.
How to Spot It:
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Use a magnifying glass to see if there’s a mix of “D” and “S” marks under the date.
5. 1950-S/D Overmint Mark
This is the opposite of the coin above — it was struck in San Francisco with a Denver “D” mint mark underneath. Both types are considered valuable mint errors.
6. 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse
This coin has doubling on the letters and numbers on the back of the coin. These are easy to miss, so it’s worth checking closely if you have a 1964-D quarter.
Value: $10,000–$25,000, depending on condition.
7. 1970-S Proof Quarter Struck on Canadian Coin
This is one of the most unusual coins on the list. Somehow, a few proof quarters were struck on 1941 Canadian silver quarters. Only a couple of these are known to exist.
Clue: If the coin looks odd or the design seems off-center, it may be worth a closer look.
8 & 9. 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarters
These are newer coins, but they have a small design error on the corn leaf on the back of the coin. There are two versions — Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low. These coins were made in Denver and are valuable even in average condition.
Value: Around $3,000–$6,000 depending on the version and condition.
How to Check Your Quarters at Home
Here’s a simple way to check if you’re holding a valuable quarter:
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Gather all your quarters, especially old ones.
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Use a magnifying glass to check mint marks and dates.
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Look for doubling, strange textures, or extra designs.
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Search for rare mint marks like “D/S” or “S/D”.
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If anything looks odd or matches the list above, take the coin to a professional coin dealer.
What Makes a Quarter Valuable?
Not all old quarters are valuable, but these factors can make a big difference:
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Low mintage (not many were made)
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Mint errors (like wrong metals or double stamps)
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Excellent condition (no scratches or wear)
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Historical significance
FAQs About Rare Washington Quarters
1. Are all old quarters valuable?
No, not all old quarters are rare or valuable. Only specific years, mint marks, or error coins are worth large amounts.
2. What’s the best way to know if I have a valuable quarter?
Check the date and mint mark, then compare it to known rare versions. If it seems promising, get it graded by a coin expert.
3. What does “mint condition” mean?
It means the coin has no wear or damage and looks like it was just made. Coins in mint condition are always more valuable.
4. Can new quarters also be worth money?
Yes! Some newer quarters, like the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf, have errors and are worth thousands.
5. Where should I sell a rare quarter?
You can sell through a coin dealer, auction house, or online platforms like eBay — but always get your coin evaluated first.
Final Thoughts
Quarters are usually seen as everyday change, but some of them are hidden treasures. From the first 1932-D quarter to the oddball 1970-S proof on a Canadian coin, there are several Washington Quarters that can fetch up to $26,000 each.
So don’t ignore your spare change. Check those coin jars, old wallets, or inherited collections. You never know — one of these rare quarters might just be hiding in your home.