It was about time to write an article about this amazing historical coin! If you ask us why we didn’t start the series with this article, we do not have a valid reason. However, we all know that saying – better late than never – and we will use it as a reasonable explanation.
By now you all know so much about the various minting years of Washington Quarters, and to be honest, this one is not so much different than the rest. But there are a few things that make this coin a holy grail among all Washington Quarters.
The 1932 Washington Quarter series is very valuable for collectors because it was the first year the Washington Quarter was minted, replacing the Standing Liberty Quarter. Some key highlights on values:
- The 1932 quarter was made of 90% silver, unlike modern quarters which contain no silver. This gives the 1932 quarter a minimum melt value of around $3.50 or more, depending on silver prices.
- Most 1932 quarters have no mint mark, indicating they were minted in Philadelphia. These tend to trade for $5-10 in worn “Good” condition.
- However, the 1932-D (Denver mint) and 1932-S (San Francisco) issues are much rarer.
- A 1932-D quarter in MS66 condition sold for $89,125 in a Heritage Auction in 2015. Another example sold for $82,250 in MS66 with a CAC sticker.
- A 1932-S quarter in MS66 brought $35,250 in a 2021 Heritage sale. Another sold for $34,800 in MS66.
- Higher grade uncirculated 1932 Philadelphia quarters can still bring solid premiums, like $40,250 for an MS67 example.
- There are also some rare die varieties like the 1932 Doubled Die Obverse quarter, which sold for $3,055 in MS66.
So while common 1932 quarters have minimum silver value (around $3.50 or more), the mint state and certified examples of the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia issues can be extremely valuable due to demand from collectors and type set assemblers. The 1932 series holds an important place in the Washington Quarter series.
Luckily you can learn all about it in this article.
If you stay tuned, you will learn all about the 1932 quarter value, historical background, coin design, and the real collectible value.
Let us tell you one thing, this small denomination coin can earn you big bucks if you know what to look for. Use this as a motivation to keep on looking, but before you organize the hunt, keep on reading!
Why Is The 1932 Washington Quarter Series Valuable?
If we only mention one reason – this is the first-ever minted Washington Quarter coin series – it would be enough. However, you know we won’t do that, we love sharing fun facts with our readers.
Little did you know that the 1932 quarter coin was meant to be a half-dollar instead. The fact is that in 1924 Congress formed a council to create a commemorative coin for the upcoming 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birthday. Somehow they failed to make a deal and the planning of the production of the commemorative coin was postponed for 1930.
Also, what makes this coin interesting is his design. The primary plan was to mint this coin only for a year, like all commemorative coins. Instead, people liked this coin so much, that it remained as a circulatory coin series for years to come, becoming one of the longest-running coin series in history.
Price Guide For Common 1932 Quarter Coins Worth Investing
There is no need for us to mention that the 1932 Washington Quarter series is crucial if you are planning to complete a full collection of Washington Quarters. This coin is valuable for a lot of reasons and the main one is historical value. But let’s stop talking about the value and let’s see some evidence.
In the table below we enlisted regular, as well as error varieties, and their current prices on the coin market.
Quick price overview
There is a major difference between the prices of uncirculated and circulated coins. For instance, 1932 Washington Quarters in circulated condition are estimated to be worth between $7,50 and $300, while those in mint state are $12,500.
However, a lot of circulated coins are still in good condition and suitable as collecting examples. Here is the list of the top 3 common coins worth investing in:
1932 no mint mark Quarter value
Over 85% of all Washington Quarters in 1932 were minted in the Philadelphia Mint. This mint approximately produced 5,404,000 quarters without a mint mark. The reason for it is that the Philadelphia Mint only started printing mint marks in 1980. Due to the high mintage volume, naturally, these coins are most common, therefore less valuable.
Coins that are in averagely good condition will be worth from $8 to $13. One good example is the 1932 Washington Quarter from Philadelphia with grade MS67 that was sold for $40,250. However, you can find a coin with this grade for a much lower price on the coin market.
1932-D mint mark Quarter value
One of the most valuable Washington Quarter varieties still to this day is 1932-D Washington Quarter. In 1932 around 436,800 Quarter coins were produced in a Denver Mint, all are engraved with a D mint mark.
Due to the fact that only 6% of all 1932 Quarters are these coins produced in Denver, they are very valuable and rare, especially if in mint condition. This coin is highly sought by coin collectors and enthusiasts.
Coins in good condition can be sold for between $70 and $105, while those in extremely fine condition go beyond $300. If you are lucky to own a coin in uncirculated condition, this one will reach a price from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the grade. For instance, an MS 66 1932-D Quarter was sold for $89,125.
So as you can see these coins are probably one of the most expensive Washington Quarters ever produced.
1932-S mint mark Quarter value
The third variety of the 1932 Washington Quarter is the one that was produced in the San Francisco Mint. This facility produced around 408,000 quarter coins with the S mint mark. These coins are rare in every variety considering their low mintage volume.
Even coins with low grades will sell for higher prices, and most of them will go from $100 and up. Higher grades and those in mint condition usually go from $4,000. However, these coins have been sold for way higher in auctions and the prices are around tens of thousands of dollars. The 1932-S Quarters are considered rare gems so collectors will pay a lot of money regardless of their condition.
A great example is the 1932-S quarter with grade MS 66 which was sold for $35,250. Even though these are not proof coins they still looked better than regular ones. In 1932 the minting technology was still underdeveloped so these coins are not even close to proof coins of newer generations.
Most Valuable 1932 Quarter coins on the coin market
| Name and year | Mintage and varieties | Metal composition | Diameter and weight | Price |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS66 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$89,125 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS66 PCGS Secure | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$82,250 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS66 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$74,400 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter MS67 PCGS | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$40,250 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS66 PCGS Secure. CAC | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$35,250 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS66 PCGS | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$34,800 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$32,300 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter MS67 PCGS.CAC | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$28,200 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$24,150 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$23,000 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$22,811 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$22,425 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS65 PCGS | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$21,850 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65+ PCGS.CAC | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$21,737 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS66 NGC.CAC | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$20,700 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS66 PCGS | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$18,400 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter MS67 PCGS | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$18,000 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65 NGC | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$17,250 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS66 PCGS | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$15,600 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter MS66+ PCGS | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$14,100 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS65 NGC | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$13,800 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS66 NGC | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$13,220 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter MS66+ PCGS | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$12,000 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter MS67 PCGS | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$11,400 |
| 1932-D 25C Washington Quarter MS64 PCGS | 436,800 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$9,775 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter MS67 PCGS | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$7,200 |
| 1932-S 25C Washington Quarter MS65 PCGS | 408,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$6,612 |
| 1932 25C Washington Quarter Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101, MS66 PCGS | 5,404,000 | 90% Silver
10% Copper |
24.3 mm
6.25 grams |
$3,055 |
The Main Features Of The 1932 Washington Quarter Coins
A quarter coin from 1932 was the first one to feature a new design which included an image of the first President George Washington on the obverse side. He is facing left, and the inscription “Liberty” is engraved above his head. The inscription “In God We Trust” is engraved below his chin. Early quarters did not have a mint mark on the obverse side only the designer’s initials and the minting year.
The reverse side features an image of an eagle with his wings fully outstretched. He is standing on a cluster of arrows just above two olive branches. As we mentioned mint mark on the early quarters was placed on the reverse side, just below the olive branches.
A denomination inscription “Quarter dollar” is engraved on the bottom of the coin. While the Latin motto “E pluribus unum” and “United States of America” are engraved on top of the coin, just above Eagle’s head.
These coins were minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. All quarters that originate from Philly Mint do not bear any mint mark.
Remember that all pre-1965 coins are made from 90% silver and 10% copper. Also knowing the weight will help you determine if the coin is real or not. All silver quarters weigh around 6.25 grams and come with 119 reeds along the edges. No proof coins were minted in 1932!
List Of Errors Found On 1932 Washington Quarters
Considering the fact that in the time when these coins were produced minting technology wasn’t at its finest, errors did occur. However, the bad thing is that almost all error coins ended up discarded by both minting facilities and the collectors. That being said it is only natural that we do not have many examples of these error coins available on the market.
Here is the list of the most common minting errors found in the 1932 Washington Quarter series. Read on and learn how to recognize them.
- 1932 Washington Quarter double die obverse error – An error like this will occur only in case when a coin gets struck twice if it gets stuck by automated feeder fingers or another coin. Also, in this case, a coin can be double-struck or multiple-struck, so you’ll get a deformed coin with details appearing multiple times. This error is considered very rare and therefore valuable. A 1932 doubled die coin was sold for $3,550 on auction.
- 1932 Washington Quarter cud error – An error that looks like a blob on the coin is called a cud error. It is caused by die breaks or cracks, or as a result of a part of the die that was broken or damaged. When this happens a cud raises the part of the coin which appears to cause that letter or inscription to be blank. A cud error is not as valuable as a previous one, however, it can still be a great addition to your collection.
- 1932 Washington Quarter broad-struck error – A broad-struck error cause a coin to expand and completely change the overall design. In this case, the collar that forms the coin’s rim is missing. Broad-struck error coins are sought-after collectors and their prices can reach a couple of hundred dollars.
- 1932 Washington Quarter doubled die outburst error – This coin has a minor mistake that shows off as a partially doubled image. Considering it is not noticeable at first glance you need to observe the coin to notice it. Remember that the more pronounced the doubling is, the higher the coin’s value.
- 1932-D Washington Quarter double-headed error – A special error coin that originates from the Denver Mint and features two obverse sides. This error can be a result of a few different causes. First, the coin got stuck on the reverse die and blocks the coin above it. This means that the next coin is pressed onto the obverse of the previous stuck coin. On the other hand, it could be from a coin that got sheared edgewise which then leaves a weaker trace of the obverse on both sides.
- 1932 Washington Quarter die cap error – This error occurs when a coin sticks to the hammer and ends up struck multiple times. In this case, the die creates a bottle cap outside of the coin. Even though this is a rare error it still costs a little. The estimation is that these coins are worth around $80 to $100.
- 1932 Washington Quarter off-center strike error – When the disc is improperly positioned and it ends up in the minting machine the end result is completely displaced design and details of the coin. A coin with this error is the least valuable of all and the price usually does not go over $50.
Where Can You Trade Valuable 1932 Washington Quarters?
Buying and selling valuable coins made from precious metals comes with great risk. Considering how valuable and sought-after these coins are, unfortunately, there are a lot of replicas on the coin market.
The great thing is that you can learn how to determine if the silver is real or fake, but why complicate things when you can work with reliable dealers and be 100% sure you got the real deal? Here is our list of auction houses and coin web pages that are proven and reliable – Heritage Auctions, PCGS, Coins For Sale, Stack’s Bowers, or Littleton Coin Company.
In case you are considering selling your precious silver coins and you want to get informed about them web platforms like eBay, Etsy, and LiveAuctioneers are great sources for you. Here you can check price ranges, demand, and supply, these information will help you form a final price with ease.
However, if you are looking to buy coins on these platforms we advise you to do that with extra care involved. You will more likely find a fake coin on these platforms than anywhere else. To be sure you are not wasting your money look for feedback, comments, or anything else that can help you find out if the seller is reliable.
FAQ
How to recognize fake silver?
When determining the legitimacy of a silver coin your eyes and your experience are the things that you need to count on. You can always apply corrosive chemicals to test if the silver is real but before that, you can always check these things first.
Check the shape and weight. A fake silver coin will be lighter in weight and smaller in diameter. Also, you may notice changes in the overall design, like less shine, flattened minor details, and the off-center strike. Keep in mind the fact that old silver coins do not rust. Many fake coins do not have a mint mark, or even if they do you can easily tell that it is not original.
How to determine if the silver coin is real or fake?
We have great news for you. There are a few tests you can do to determine whether the silver coin you are looking at is fake or not. Naturally, some of them are more reliable than others, but these will help you determine whether the material is fine silver, sterling silver, or cheap metal, and on the spot.
The first test you can do on the spot is the test with neodymium magnets. You can buy a small neodymium magnet and place it on a silver bar or coin. If it is real when you tilt or tip the silver, the magnet will slide, because real silver has a very weak magnetic effect.
The second test is the sound test. We all know that silver emits a ringing sound when it is tapped or it falls on the flat and hard surface. Other cheaper metals will emit a dull sound.
Silver Coins As A Great Investition
There are so many reasons why we would recommend investing in silver coins. One of the main reason is the fact that you can always sell them for a melt value, even if their price on the market drop low. That does not mean that you can’t lose money on it, but at least you can alleviate the damage.
However, if you are a passionate coin collector, and quarter coins are your thing, then obtaining the 1932 Washington Quarter coin is a must for you.
Hopefully, this article answered some of your burning questions about the 1932 quarter value. We have high hopes that it will help you figure out how to handle your precious coins and where you can trade them risk-free.
If you found this topic interesting you can find plenty of Washington-Quarter-coins-relatable articles on our blog. We recommend you read the 1964 Washington Quarter value article and see why silver coins are so popular among collectors. In case you know some information that we didn’t mention here, please do not hesitate to share your opinions and advice in the comment section below. Good luck and happy hunting!
