RARE SILVER $80K 1932-D Washington Quarter 1932-S Washington Quarter issue Mint $90k Lot:- The Washington Quarter, first introduced in 1932, has become one of the most recognized coins in American history. Minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
RARE SILVER $80K 1932-D Washington Quarter 1932-S Washington Quarter issue Mint $90k Lot
These quarters featured the now-iconic profile of Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
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While many Washington Quarters were produced in the decades following 1932, the initial issues from the Denver and San Francisco mints—known as the 1932-D and 1932-S
Quarters—are among the most sought after and valuable, with some examples fetching prices as high as $80,000 to $90,000.
The scarcity, historical significance, and demand for these particular mint issues make the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters highly prized.
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a new collector, understanding the factors that contribute to the value of these coins can enhance appreciation and potentially lead to valuable acquisitions.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter, minted in Denver, is one of the rarest and most valuable issues in the Washington Quarter series. With a mintage of just 436,800, the 1932-D quarter stands out due to its low production numbers, making it scarce and highly desirable.
Coins from this mintage in good condition are rare, as many of them were circulated heavily, leading to wear that diminishes their value.
However, examples in high grades (such as Mint State or uncirculated condition) can command substantial sums at auction.
An MS65-grade 1932-D Washington Quarter, for example, has sold for as much as $80,000 due to its combination of scarcity, historical value, and demand among collectors.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is considered a “key date” in the series, meaning it’s one of the most difficult to find in top condition.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is another key date in the Washington Quarter series and is valued similarly to the 1932-D quarter.
The San Francisco mint produced only 408,000 of these quarters, even fewer than the Denver-minted version, adding to its scarcity. The limited mintage makes high-quality specimens rare and valuable, particularly among collectors striving to complete a full set of Washington Quarters.
In top condition, the 1932-S Washington Quarter can fetch prices as high as $90,000. These high-grade examples are so prized because of the historical context of the coin’s release and the challenges in finding well-preserved specimens.
Much like the 1932-D quarter, the 1932-S issue is heavily sought after due to its status as a key date coin and its iconic design.
Factors Contributing to the Value of the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters
The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters derive their value from several key factors:
1. Low Mintage
- With mintages of 436,800 and 408,000, respectively, both the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters are rare compared to other issues in the Washington Quarter series.
- This limited production contributes to their scarcity and drives up demand among collectors seeking complete sets.
2. Condition and Grade
- The value of these quarters is significantly impacted by their condition. Coins graded MS65 or higher, with minimal signs of wear and full, sharp details, are considered extremely valuable.
- The rarity of high-grade specimens makes them even more desirable, as many 1932-D and 1932-S quarters were circulated heavily and exhibit wear.
3. Historical Significance
- As the inaugural issues in the Washington Quarter series, the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters hold special historical significance.
- They marked the first appearance of George Washington on a U.S. quarter, a tribute to his bicentennial. This historical connection adds to their collectible appeal.
4. Key Date Status
- Both the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are known as “key dates” in the Washington Quarter series, meaning they are essential for any collector aiming to complete a full set. Their rarity and low mintage make them difficult to acquire, elevating their value and desirability.
5. Composition and Silver Content
- These quarters are composed of 90% silver, which is particularly appealing to collectors interested in the intrinsic metal value. Although silver alone doesn’t account for the coin’s high value, it adds an additional layer of appeal, especially for those interested in silver coinage.
FAQs
Q1. Why are the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters so valuable?
The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters are valuable because they are key dates in the Washington Quarter series, produced in low numbers (436,800 for the 1932-D and 408,000 for the 1932-S).
Their limited mintage, historical significance as the first Washington Quarters, and the fact that high-grade examples are rare contribute to their high value. In top condition, these coins can sell for $80,000 to $90,000.
Q2. How can I tell if I have a 1932-D or 1932-S Washington Quarter?
To identify a 1932-D or 1932-S Washington Quarter, look at the reverse side of the coin. Near the bottom, below the eagle’s tail feathers, you should see a small “D” or “S” mintmark
Indicating the coin was minted in Denver or San Francisco, respectively. The absence of a mintmark indicates the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Q3. How important is the grade of a 1932-D or 1932-S Washington Quarter?
Grade is extremely important when determining the value of a 1932-D or 1932-S Washington Quarter. High-grade examples, such as those in Mint State (MS) condition, are rare and command much higher prices than circulated coins with signs of wear.
A high-grade 1932-D quarter can be valued around $80,000, while a 1932-S in similar condition may fetch up to $90,000.
Q4. How can I get my 1932-D or 1932-S Washington Quarter graded?
You can have your coin graded by sending it to a reputable grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
These organizations assess the condition and authenticity of coins, provide an official grade, and encapsulate the coin in a protective holder for preservation and display.
Q5. What makes the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters “key dates”?
The term “key date” refers to coins within a series that are particularly rare or difficult to obtain. The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters are key dates because they had very low mintages compared to other quarters in the series.
Their scarcity makes them essential pieces for collectors aiming to complete a full Washington Quarter set, thus increasing their value.
Q6. Are there other valuable Washington Quarters besides the 1932-D and 1932-S?
While the 1932-D and 1932-S are the most valuable due to their rarity, other Washington Quarters can also be valuable, especially if they are in high grades or have unique errors. However, these two remain the pinnacle for Washington Quarter collectors because of their low mintage and key date status.
Conclusion
The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters are among the most valuable and coveted coins in the Washington Quarter series. With their low mintage, high-grade rarity, and historical significance, they represent key acquisitions for collectors and investors alike.
Although many Washington Quarters were minted in the years following, the first two issues from Denver and San Francisco have a unique allure that few coins can match.
Their value, ranging from $80,000 for the 1932-D to $90,000 for the 1932-S in top condition, underscores the impact of scarcity, condition, and history on the numismatic market.
For collectors fortunate enough to own one of these rare quarters, the 1932-D and 1932-S remain treasured pieces of American coinage history.
