Coin collecting has been one of the fascinating hobbies that yield intellectual and financial rewards for the collector. Among United States coins, some are more famous than others. The most notable of these are the Washington Quarters of 1932. These two versions of that year-the 1932-D and the 1932-S-have sold for astronomical prices because of their scarcity. Some of these coins sold at auction for as much as $140,000, depending on the state of the coin. In this thorough check of the coins, you will find what will make it distinct and other elements that would help in knowing its value, along with some tips on how to identify them.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter
Probably, the most coveted coin around the globe, of the elites of collectors, is the 1932-D Washington Quarter. This Denver-minted coin is among the “key dates” produced by the series of the Washington Quarter because of an extremely small mintage run.
- Approximately 436,800 coins were produced by the mint.
- It sports a profile of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with its wings spread, on the reverse.
- There is a mint mark in the form of a “D” that may be found on the reverse side, right below the wreath.
- By condition, the coin would have its value, ranging from around $100 in worn states up to $143,750 in mint, uncirculated form. Value for this currency can indeed be dramatic with the condition.
The 1932-S Washington Quarter
Another very valuable coin is the 1932-S Washington Quarter. This San Francisco Minted coin has the same as nearly equal rarity and value to collectors.
- Mintage was around 408,000, so this one is even more elusive than its equivalent in Denver.
- The coin is essentially structured identically to the 1932-D in that it bears an image of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
- Mint Mark: On the reverse, below the wreath, look for a mint mark that resembles the letter “S”.
- This coin, circulated, is worth about a hundred dollars today; flawless, uncirculated examples are worth up to one hundred forty thousand dollars.
Identifying These Rare Quarters
To determine if you indeed have a 1932-D or a 1932-S Washington Quarter, do the following:
- Look and look again, that is, examine the date: Please check that the quarter has the year 1932.
- The mint mark can be located by turning the coin over and looking for the small “D” or “S”, which is located under the wreath on the reverse side of the coin.
- Examine the Condition of the Coin: The condition of the coin is very important to its value. The more there is left for a coin to wear off, the more valuable it usually is.
Factors Influencing Value
Some significant reasons that have value for these extremely rare Washington Quarters:
- Grading: On a scale that ranges from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70), coins may be graded for their condition. The price of coins in higher grades is normally more expensive.
- Rarity: The coin becomes rarer and worth more money when the mintage number is not above a certain limit.
- The demand for collectors in the market fluctuates with time; thus, prices may change.
Value Estimates Based on Condition
The following table summarises general values according to condition. This table can be used in helping one to establish what a Washington Quarter from 1932-D or 1932-S might be worth.
| Coin | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Uncirculated (MS-60) | Mint State (MS-65) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $100 | $200 | $1,000 | $10,000 | $143,750 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | $100 | $200 | $1,000 | $10,000 | $140,000 |
Ensuring Proper Care and Appraisal
For example, if you possess one of the scarce Washington Quarters from either 1932-D or 1932-S, then it needs to be treated as gently as to not clean it since this may degrade its value. It is highly advisable that the coin be appraised by an expert for true worth especially in case the coin seems to be in very good or excellent condition concerning its grade.
Owning a rare coin, for example a 1932-D or a 1932-S Washington Quarter, can be not only interesting but rather very lucrative. Such quarters offer a physical connection to the past with a possibility of a serious return on investment and can be bought for collecting or to make money.
FAQs
1. Why are these two Washington quarters worth up to $140,000?
Double die strikes and faulty planchets are rare minting mistakes that make these Washington quarters precious. These mistakes produce one-of-a-kind coins that draw collectors and fetch high auction prices because to their uniqueness and condition.
2. What makes these quarters so rare?
Due to manufacture errors such as overstrikes or improper metal compositions, these Washington quarters are extremely rare. They are very sought after by collectors because to their historical relevance and rarity, which raises their market value.
3. How were the rare Washington quarters discovered?
The uncommon quarters were found by keen-eyed coin collectors who saw oddities such as doubled detailing or misprints. Following accurate expert authentication, the coins were verified as precious and uncommon, generating a lot of attention among numismatic enthusiasts.