Do you have a 1932 Washington Quarter lying around at home? You might be surprised to know that this old coin could be worth a small fortune—especially if it has a special mint mark and is in good condition. Some of these coins have sold for over $10,000, and one even went for an incredible $143,750 at auction! In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know in simple English so you can find out if your coin is valuable.
What Makes the 1932 Washington Quarter So Special?
The 1932 Washington Quarter was created to honor the 200th birthday of George Washington. It was supposed to be a one-time coin, but people liked it so much that it became a regular part of U.S. coinage.
That year, the U.S. Mint didn’t make a lot of quarters because of the Great Depression. Especially rare are the ones made in Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). These are the coins that collectors are always on the lookout for.
Basic Facts About the 1932 Washington Quarter
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1932 Washington Quarter |
| Rare Mint Marks | D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| How Many Were Made | Denver: 436,800 / San Francisco: 408,000 |
| Material | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Why It’s Rare | Low mintage, first year of issue |
| Top Value | Up to $143,750 |
| Grading Needed? | Yes – Use PCGS or NGC |
| Record Price | $143,750 (graded PCGS MS66, sold in 2008) |
How to Check If Your 1932 Quarter Is Worth a Lot
1. Look for the Mint Mark
Flip the coin over and check just below the eagle’s tail on the back side. There you will see a small letter if it has a mint mark.
- D = Denver (Very rare)
- S = San Francisco (Rare)
- No letter = Philadelphia (Common)
Coins with a “D” or “S” are the ones that can be worth thousands of dollars.
2. Check the Condition of the Coin
Coin collectors use a grading system to judge how worn or clean a coin is. The higher the grade, the more the coin is worth.
| Grade | 1932-D Value | 1932-S Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $100 – $200 | $80 – $150 |
| Fine (F-12) | $400 – $600 | $300 – $500 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $1,200 – $2,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Mint State (MS60-MS65) | $8,000 – $35,000 | $4,000 – $15,000 |
| MS66 or Higher | Up to $143,750 | Up to $45,500 |
Even if your coin looks old and worn, if it has a “D” or “S” mint mark, it could still be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
3. Look for Minting Errors
Some coins were made with small mistakes, and these can be even more valuable.
Here are a few common types of mint errors:
- Doubled Die Obverse – Letters or numbers appear doubled
- Weak Strike – Design looks faint or blurry
- Clipped Planchet – Part of the coin is cut off
If your coin has one of these issues, it’s worth getting it checked by an expert.
How to Get Your Coin Checked and Sold
Before you sell your coin, it’s smart to get it professionally graded. This means a trusted expert will look at the coin and give it an official grade.
Trusted Coin Grading Companies:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)
Best Places to Sell:
- Online Auctions – eBay or Heritage Auctions
- Coin Dealers – Look for one certified by the American Numismatic Association
- Local Coin Shows – A good place to get expert advice in person
Conclusion: Your Old Quarter Could Be a Goldmine
The 1932 Washington Quarter is more than just a piece of spare change. It’s a slice of history—and if it has the right mint mark and condition, it could also be a valuable treasure. Coins with a “D” or “S” mint mark are especially rare and can sell for thousands of dollars. Before you decide what to do with it, get it professionally checked and graded. You might be holding on to something truly special without even knowing it!
FAQs About the 1932 Washington Quarter
1. How can I tell if my 1932 quarter is valuable?
Check the back for a “D” or “S” mint mark and look at its condition. Rare mint marks and better condition mean more value.
2. Should I clean my coin before selling it?
No! Cleaning a coin can lower its value. Always keep it in its natural state.
3. Can I still sell my coin if it’s scratched or worn?
Yes. Even worn 1932-D or 1932-S quarters can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
4. Where can I sell my coin?
You can use online platforms like eBay, or go to coin dealers or local coin shows.
5. What if my coin has no mint mark?
Then it was made in Philadelphia and is usually less valuable, but still interesting for collectors.
