6 Rare Washington Quarters That Could Buy You a House – And Are Still Being Spent Today

6 Washington Quarters That Could Buy You a House

To most people, a quarter is just loose change — the kind you drop in a parking meter, vending machine, or tip jar. But a few rare Washington quarters are worth far more than 25 cents. In fact, some have sold for prices that could cover a home purchase. Shockingly, some of these valuable coins might still be out there in circulation today.

Below are six rare Washington quarters that, depending on condition and rarity, could be worth as much as a house — and here’s what makes each of them special.

1. 1932-D Washington Quarter

Estimated Value: $10,000–$85,000+
Why It’s Rare: This quarter was minted in Denver in limited quantity — just 436,800 were struck, making it the second lowest mintage in the entire series.
What to Look For: A visible “D” mint mark beneath the eagle on the reverse. Be cautious of worn or altered coins. The most valuable ones are high-grade, uncirculated examples with sharp features.

2. 1932-S Washington Quarter

Estimated Value: $5,000–$80,000+
Why It’s Rare: Minted in San Francisco, only 408,000 of these coins were made, even fewer than the 1932-D.
What to Look For: A bold “S” mint mark and crisp details. Due to its value, many counterfeits exist. If you think you’ve found one, professional authentication is a must.

3. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse

Estimated Value: $15,000–$25,000+
Why It’s Rare: This coin has a noticeable minting error where parts of the obverse, especially “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date, appear doubled.
What to Look For: Using a magnifying glass, look for clear duplication in the lettering. It’s an extremely rare error, prized by collectors of mint mistakes.

4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter

Estimated Value: $3,000–$25,000+
Why It’s Rare: This quarter features an overmintmark error — a “D” (Denver) stamped on top of an “S” (San Francisco).
What to Look For: Under magnification, you can detect remnants of the “S” under the “D” on the reverse. These errors are scarce and valuable when found in good condition.

5. 1964-D Washington Quarter (SMS Finish or Transitional Error)

Estimated Value: $35,000–$100,000+
Why It’s Rare: 1964 was the final year quarters were made with 90% silver. A handful of mysterious 1964-D quarters show a Special Mint Set (SMS) satin finish or were struck using transitional dies meant for 1965 copper-nickel coins.
What to Look For: A soft, matte-like texture (not shiny like proof coins) with no signs of circulation. Only a few are known to exist, making them extremely valuable.

6. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter on a 1941 Canadian Quarter Planchet

Estimated Value: $35,000–$50,000+
Why It’s Rare: This incredible mint error happened when a proof quarter was struck on a silver blank meant for a 1941 Canadian quarter.
What to Look For: Slight differences in size, edge reeding, and unusual weight. It might look subtly different to the trained eye. One of these rare coins once sold for over $45,000 at auction.

Still Being Spent? Yes, It’s Possible.

Despite their rarity, these quarters could still turn up. Many have been discovered in everyday change, coin rolls, old jars, or forgotten collections. Estate sales and inherited coin stashes are also prime places where these hidden gems might appear.

Tips to Find One of These Quarters

• Check Your Change: Look closely at coins from banks, vending machines, or cash transactions.
• Know the Mint Marks: “D” is Denver, “S” is San Francisco, and no mark usually means Philadelphia.
• Weigh Silver Coins: Pre-1965 quarters made of silver weigh 6.25 grams.
• Use Magnification: A coin loupe or magnifier can reveal mint marks and errors.
• Seek Expert Grading: Suspicious or unusual coins should be graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.

Bottom

You don’t need a treasure map to find hidden wealth — it could be jingling in your pocket right now. With careful attention and a little luck, one rare Washington quarter could help you afford a home or a major financial goal. So the next time you get change, take a closer look — that ordinary coin might be worth more than you ever imagined.

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