If you have some old quarters lying around, now might be the perfect time to check them. Not all Washington quarters are worth a fortune, but the ones minted in 1932 from certain locations can fetch up to $140,000. These valuable coins are rare, highly sought after by collectors, and made of 90% silver. Their condition and the mint where they were produced play a significant role in their value.
Which 1932 quarters are worth the most money?
While many 1932 Washington quarters exist, only two types are exceptionally valuable: the 1932-D (Denver Mint) quarter and the 1932-S (San Francisco Mint) quarter. These coins are scarce because they had a limited production run compared to other years.
- 1932-D Quarter – Approximately 436,000 were minted.
- 1932-S Quarter – Around 408,000 were produced.
Collectors pay high prices for these coins, especially if they are in pristine condition. Some have sold for tens of thousands, and a few have reached values over $140,000.
How to identify a 1932-D Washington quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the rarest quarters in U.S. history. If you find one, you might be in luck. Here is how to identify it:
- Look for the year 1932 on the front of the coin.
- Check for the “D” mint mark, which is located on the reverse side, just below the eagle’s tail feathers.
- The coin should have a silver composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.
The value of a 1932-D quarter depends on its condition. One of these quarters sold for $143,750 at an auction because it was in near-perfect condition. Even a lower-grade version of this coin can still be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
How to identify a 1932-S Washington quarter
The 1932-S quarter is another valuable coin that collectors seek. It has similar characteristics to the Denver-minted version:
- The year 1932 is on the front of the coin.
- It has an “S” mint mark on the reverse side, below the eagle’s tail feathers.
- It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
While the 1932-S quarter is slightly more common than the 1932-D, it is still highly valuable. Only about 200 coins in MS65 condition (nearly perfect) exist today, making them extremely rare. Some of these have been sold for $3,000 or more at auctions.
What condition does your 1932 quarter need to be in to be valuable?
The condition of your coin significantly impacts its value. Coins are graded on a scale from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70). The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin. Here is how condition affects the price:
- Good to Very Good (G4-VG8): May be worth $50 – $200.
- Fine to Extremely Fine (F12-XF40): Worth $200 – $1,000.
- Uncirculated (MS60+): Can be worth several thousand dollars.
- High-Grade Uncirculated (MS65+): These are the ones that can sell for over $140,000.
What to do if you find a valuable 1932 quarter
If you think there may be a valuable quarter from 1932 in your possession, do the following:
- Do not wash or clean the coin. It lessens its value considerably.
- Check for the mint mark. It must be either a D or an S.
- Check the condition. The better it is, the higher the value.
- Have it appraised. Take it to a reputable coin dealer or an established grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
- Sell it at an auction. Most of the time, rare coins bring more at auction through the competition that develops between collectors.
You might just have a small fortune sitting in your pocket if indeed you have a beautifully preserved 1932-D or 1932-S quarter.
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