Washington Quarter Errors (Pre-1965 Silver)
Silver Washington quarters (1932-1964) are among the most widely collected US coins. Struck in 90% silver, these quarters have both bullion and numismatic value. Numerous error varieties exist across the 32-year production run, with some commanding significant premiums above their silver melt value.
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1932-D and 1932-S Key Dates
The lowest mintage Washington quarters. While not errors per se, these key dates are essential to the series and many collectors confuse die varieties with errors.
How to check: Check the mint mark on the reverse below the eagle. D (Denver, 436,800 minted) and S (San Francisco, 408,000 minted) are the key dates.
$100 - $5,000+ depending on gradeDoubled Die Obverse Varieties
Numerous doubled die varieties exist across multiple years, with doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, or the date.
How to check: Use magnification to examine the motto, LIBERTY, and date. Look for shelf-like or notched doubling on the lettering.
$20 - $300Repunched Mint Mark
The D or S mint mark hand-punched into the die shows evidence of multiple impressions.
How to check: Examine the mint mark on the reverse under magnification. Look for secondary impressions or tilted repunching.
$10 - $100Missing Clad Layer (1965+)
After 1964, quarters transitioned to clad composition. Transitional errors where 1965 quarters were struck on 90% silver planchets are extremely rare.
How to check: Weigh the coin. A silver quarter weighs 6.25g versus 5.67g for clad. Check the edge for the tell-tale copper stripe of clad coins.
$5,000 - $15,000+ for transitional errorsOff-Center Strike
Silver quarters struck off-center, showing a crescent of blank planchet.
How to check: Design shifted to one side with blank silver showing. The silver content adds to the base value.
$30 - $500Quick Checks
- Check the edge — no copper stripe means it is a 90% silver quarter (pre-1965)
- Examine the mint mark below the eagle on the reverse for repunching
- Look at IN GOD WE TRUST and the date for doubled die varieties
- 1932-D and 1932-S are key dates worth $100+ even in low grades
- Weigh the coin: silver = 6.25g, clad = 5.67g
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all pre-1965 Washington quarters silver?
Yes, all Washington quarters from 1932-1964 are struck in 90% silver and are worth at least their silver melt value (approximately $4-$6). Error varieties command premiums well above melt.
What are the most valuable Washington quarter errors?
The most valuable include 1965 quarters struck on silver planchets ($7,000+), major doubled die varieties ($100-$300), and dramatically off-center strikes ($200-$500). The 1932-D and 1932-S key dates start at $100+.
Should I search silver quarter rolls for errors?
Absolutely. Silver quarters are becoming harder to find in circulation, but they still appear. Check each one for doubling, repunched mint marks, and other varieties using a loupe.
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