The 1932 quarter isn’t just pocket change—it’s the first year of the Washington quarter series, a coin that reshaped U.S. coinage. Struck to honor George Washington’s bicentennial, it also marked the end of the Standing Liberty design.
Collectors prize these coins not only for their history but also for their scarcity in high grades. Value depends heavily on mint mark (P, D, S), condition, and key varieties—all of which can turn a common quarter into a valuable collectible.
1932 Quarter Value by Variety
The 1932 Washington quarter comes in three main varieties: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Values vary widely depending on condition.
1932 Quarter Value Chart
| Type | Good | Fine | AU | MS | PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 (No Mint Mark) | $9.70 | $10.17 | $25 | $217.83 | — |
| 1932-D | $75.20 | $163.33 | $455 | $3,364 | — |
| 1932-S | $71.40 | $116.67 | $235 | $600 | — |
Updated: 2025-09-09 13:07:49
💡 Tip: Use the CoinValueChecker App to scan your coin and get instant grading and value estimates.
Market Trends
The 1932 quarter shows strong long-term demand with cycles of sharp spikes and corrections. At its peak, market prices hit nearly $15,000, proving how collector interest can skyrocket when supply is tight.
👉 Key dates like 1932-D and 1932-S often lead these surges, making timing crucial for both buying and selling.
For broader insight, check the U.S. Coin Market Trend Ranking (Top 100) to see how the 1932 quarter stacks up against other classic U.S. issues.
History of the 1932 Quarter
The 1932 quarter was never supposed to exist. The original plan was a half dollar celebrating George Washington’s 200th birthday. But during the Great Depression, President Hoover rejected the idea, calling it unnecessary spending.
Instead, Congress approved a new quarter design, replacing the unpopular Standing Liberty. A design contest was held, and while Laura Gardin Fraser submitted the winning entry, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon overruled it in favor of John Flanagan’s portrait of Washington.
On August 1, 1932, the first Washington quarters entered circulation—launching what would become one of the most iconic U.S. coin series. Decades later, Fraser’s design finally appeared on the 1999 $5 gold commemorative.
Is Your 1932 Quarter Rare?
| Type | Rarity | Rank (All Washington Quarters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 (No Mint Mark) | Rare | #30 |
| 1932-D | Ultra Rare | #13 |
| 1932-S | Ultra Rare | #10 |
- 1932-S → Rarest of the group (Rarity Score: 60)
- 1932-D → Close behind (Rarity Score: 57)
- 1932-P → More available, but still scarce (Rarity Score: 40)
Key Features of the 1932 Quarter
The 1932 Washington Quarter debuted during the Great Depression to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. It was originally planned as a one-year issue, but its popularity made it the standard U.S. quarter from 1934 onward.
Obverse
- Portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan.
- Inscriptions: LIBERTY above, IN GOD WE TRUST to the left, and the date below.
- First U.S. quarter to feature a real person instead of a symbolic figure.
Reverse
- Eagle with spread wings, holding arrows (strength/defense) and olive branches (peace).
- Inscriptions above: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
- Mint marks (D or S) appear beneath the eagle; Philadelphia coins had no mark.
Other Specs
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.
- Weight: 6.25 g (0.1808 oz silver).
- Diameter: 24.3 mm, Thickness: 1.75 mm.
- Edge: Reeded.
1932 Quarter Grading
Grading is crucial for the 1932 Washington Quarter—the jump from a worn G-4 to a sharp MS-65 can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Scarcer D and S mint marks command premiums at every grade.
Key Grading Points
- Mint State coins: look for strong luster and minimal contact marks.
- San Francisco issues: often weakly struck, making grading trickier.
- Scale: 70-point Sheldon system, from PO-1 (Poor) to MS-70 (Perfect Mint State).
👉 Not sure of your coin’s grade? Use the tool at UniqueDollarChecker.com to get instant grading help and value estimates.
1932 Quarter Value Guides
1932 No Mint Mark Quarter Value
The 1932 Philadelphia quarter was the first Washington quarter ever struck, replacing the Standing Liberty design. With the highest mintage of the three 1932 varieties, it is more common—but still historic.
Philadelphia coins often show sharper strikes than Denver or San Francisco, with better detail in Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers.
Auction Records
- MS64 → $125 (2025)
- MS65 → $192–$240 (2024–2023)
- MS66 → $552–$840 (2024)
- MS67 → $5,520–$10,800 (2023–2024)
Collector Insight
Even though it’s the least rare of the 1932 issues, the first-year status keeps demand strong. Prices rise steeply in MS66 and higher, making gem examples highly desirable.
1932-D Quarter Value
The 1932-D quarter is one of the rarest and most coveted Washington quarters. With a mintage of only 436,800, it holds the record as the lowest regular-issue Washington quarter ever struck.
Most were lost to circulation or melted, leaving very few in collectible condition. The “D” mint mark appears under the eagle on the reverse, and finding one in any grade is a key numismatic discovery.
Auction Records
- G-8 to F-20 → $84–$170 (2022–2023)
- VF-30 → $170 (2022)
- Even heavily worn examples bring $60–$100, proving its enduring scarcity.
Collector Insight
- True key date in the series.
- Commands strong premiums across all grades.
- Market demand remains high, with prices stable and rising for mid-to-high grade examples.
1932-S Quarter Value
The 1932-S quarter is the holy grail of Washington quarters. With only 408,000 minted, it has the lowest survival rate of the three 1932 issues.
San Francisco strikes are known for their weak details, especially on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s breast. A sharp, fully struck example is extremely rare, and the “S” mint mark below the eagle often appears faint due to die polishing.
Auction Records
- G-12 to VF-35 → $71–$105 (2023–2025)
- Even low-grade examples consistently bring $50+ at auction.
- Higher-grade survivors are scarce and command strong premiums.
Collector Insight
- Considered the most coveted regular-issue Washington quarter.
- Low mintage + weak strikes + Depression-era circulation = extreme rarity.
- Demand stays high across all grades, making it a core key date.
Rare 1932 Quarter Error List
The 1932 Washington quarter also comes with a handful of collectible mint errors. These flaws—ranging from doubled dies to off-center strikes—make each coin unique and often far more valuable than a regular issue of the same grade.
1. 1932 Quarter DDO FS-101
The 1932 DDO FS-101 is the key doubled-die variety for the first-year Washington quarter. Doubling shows clearly on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”, creating a shadow-like effect visible under magnification.
As the only major doubled die of 1932, the FS-101 brings double or triple premiums compared to normal strikes, making it a top target for variety collectors.
2. 1932 Quarter Cud Error
A cud error occurs when part of the die breaks away, leaving a raised blob along the coin’s rim. Shapes vary depending on the die damage.
Value: Common examples trade around $100–$110 (eBay).
3. 1932 Quarter Broad Strike
A broad strike happens when the collar fails, causing the coin to spread out wider and thinner than normal, usually with a smooth edge.
Value: Typically $100–$200, depending on size and degree of distortion.
4. 1932 Quarter Off-Center
An off-center strike happens when the planchet is misaligned under the dies, leaving part of the design missing. Value depends on how far off it is.
Value:
- ~10% off → $15–$25
- ~50% off (with date/mint mark visible) → $25–$100
The bigger the misalignment (with the date intact), the more collectible it becomes.
5.1932 Quarter Die Cap
A die cap error occurs when a struck coin sticks to the die and continues striking more planchets, eventually curling into a bottle-cap shape. While more common on cents, they are occasionally found on quarters.
Value: Usually $80–$100.
Rare and visually dramatic, making them attractive to error specialists.
6. 1932 Quarter Double-Headed
A rare double-headed error happens when a coin sticks to the reverse die, blocking it, so the next strike leaves two obverse designs. Documented examples appeared among 1932-D quarters.
Extremely unusual and highly collectible, with strong premiums when authenticated.
Where to Sell Your Quarter Coin?
Now that you know the value of your quarter, the next step is deciding where to sell it. There are several trusted options—both online and in person—that can help you get the best price depending on your coin’s rarity and condition.
To see the full list of recommended places, along with their advantages and disadvantages, check our complete guide on where to sell your quarter coins.
FAQ About the 1932 Washington Quarter
1. Why is the 1932 Washington Quarter historically important?
The 1932 Washington Quarter was the first year of issue for the series, introduced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. It replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter and became one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history.
2. What mint marks exist for the 1932 Washington Quarter?
This year was struck at three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). The 1932-D and 1932-S are considered the key dates of the entire Washington Quarter series due to their very low mintages.
3. Why are the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters so valuable?
Both had tiny mintages compared to Philadelphia: only 436,800 for Denver and 408,000 for San Francisco. Because of this, finding them in high grades is extremely rare, making them highly sought after by collectors.
4. How much can a 1932 Quarter be worth today?
A common 1932 (Philadelphia) can be worth around $5–$50 in circulated condition. But the 1932-D and 1932-S examples can reach thousands of dollars, especially in Mint State grades, where prices can soar above $20,000 for top-quality coins.
5. What should collectors look for in a 1932 Washington Quarter?
Collectors should check the mint mark carefully, as some counterfeit or altered coins exist. Original luster, strike sharpness, and absence of cleaning or damage all add significant value. Certification from PCGS or NGC is recommended for high-value pieces.
