Wondering how much your 1934 quarter is worth? You’re not alone. Coin values move constantly—what looked like pocket change yesterday might sell for hundreds or even thousands today.
The 1934 quarter is a fascinating case of Depression-era coinage, where small details like the motto style or a mint mark can make the difference between a common $5 coin and a true collector’s prize.
Why Are 1934 Quarters Special?
In 1934, the U.S. Mint struck quarters with three different variations of the motto “In God We Trust”—known as Light Motto, Medium Motto, and Heavy Motto. At first glance they look the same, but collectors pay very different prices depending on which variety you have and the coin’s condition.
Updated 1934 Quarter Values
Here’s a breakdown of current average prices by variety and grade. Keep in mind that high-grade examples (MS67 and above) or coins with rare errors can sell for far more at auction.
| Type | GOOD | FINE | AU | MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1934 Light Motto | $7 | $11 | $25 | $165 |
| 1934 Medium Motto | $8 | $12 | $18 | $90 |
| 1934 Heavy Motto | $7 | $11 | $23 | $185 |
| 1934-D | $7 | $25 | $110 | $430 |
| 1934-D Heavy Motto | $8 | $29 | $95 | $490 |
Key takeaway: Certified coins in MS67 or higher are extremely rare and can exceed $5,000, especially the Denver (D) Heavy Motto variety.
History of the 1934 Quarter
The 1934 Washington quarter was born in the depths of the Great Depression, a time when silver coins were disappearing from circulation as Americans hoarded anything of tangible value. After the Banking Act of 1933 and Roosevelt’s gold confiscation order, the U.S. Mint had to act fast. The Philadelphia and Denver mints struck over 38 million quarters in 1934, flooding the economy to stabilize day-to-day transactions.
What makes the 1934 issue so compelling isn’t just its survival through one of America’s hardest chapters, but how it marked a transitional moment in U.S. coinage. The Washington Quarter design had debuted in 1932 as a one-year commemorative, yet by 1934 it was cemented as the nation’s standard quarter. The mint’s die preparation, however, was far from perfect—resulting in the Light, Medium, and Heavy Motto varieties collectors hunt for today. These weren’t deliberate changes, but rather byproducts of a mint system under stress.
The hidden treasure? Rare varieties like the 1934 Doubled Die Obverse. Virtually ignored until the 1960s, it’s now one of the most sought-after coins of the series, with high-grade examples commanding thousands at auction.
Fast-forward to 2025: the surge of young collectors on social media and advanced authentication tools have made spotting these once-overlooked details easier than ever. While auction houses highlight flawless MS-67s, savvy collectors are targeting the motto varieties and doubled dies—coins that remain undervalued and could be the next wave in the Washington quarter market.
Key Features of the 1934 Quarter
The Washington quarter, designed by sculptor John Flanagan, had already debuted in 1932. After no quarters were struck in 1933, production resumed in 1934 at the Philadelphia and Denver mints. That year introduced something unexpected—three different versions of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”: Light Motto, Medium Motto, and Heavy Motto.
- Both Philadelphia and Denver struck Medium and Heavy Motto coins.
- Only the Philadelphia Mint produced the Light Motto variety.
Obverse Design
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, surrounded by:
- LIBERTY above his head
- The motto IN GOD WE TRUST to the left (in Light, Medium, or Heavy styles)
- The date 1934 below
- Flanagan’s initials JF at the base of Washington’s neck
Reverse Design
The reverse is more detailed, displaying:
- A bold bald eagle at the center
- The eagle perched on arrows, symbolizing strength, with olive branches of peace beneath
- Inscriptions:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA across the top
- E PLURIBUS UNUM just below
- QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom
- The mint mark “D” (Denver) or no mint mark (Philadelphia) beneath the wreath
Other Specifications
- Metal content: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Silver weight: 0.1808 troy ounces (5.62 g)
- Total weight: 0.2009 troy ounces (6.25 g)
- Diameter: 24.3 mm (0.956 inches)
- Thickness: 1.75 mm (0.068 inches)
- Edge: Reeded
These silver quarters were built to circulate, yet today they stand as one of the most collectible issues of the early Washington quarter series.
1934 Quarter Grading
When it comes to the 1934 Washington quarter, grading is what separates a $5 coin from a $500 one—or in some cases, even more. Condition is everything. Most examples that turn up in circulation grade between VG-8 and VF-20, showing the heavy use you’d expect from coins that passed through Depression-era hands.
The Collector’s Sweet Spot
For many collectors, the best value sits in the XF-40 to AU-55 range. These coins still show sharp detail without the sky-high price tags of gem uncirculated pieces. Here’s the insider tip: while MS-65 and higher get all the spotlight (and inflated price tags), an AU-58 often looks nearly identical but sells for a fraction of the cost.
What to Look At
Key design areas reveal how well your coin grades:
- Washington’s hair above the ear—sharp or flattened?
- The eagle’s breast feathers—bold or worn smooth?
- The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”—is it crisp and clear? (This also helps identify whether you have the Light, Medium, or Heavy Motto variety.)
Tech Meets Collecting
Today, advanced tools make grading easier than ever. AI-based apps can analyze wear patterns and provide instant grade suggestions—helping you avoid costly mistakes. Just remember: the difference between AU-50 and AU-58 might look tiny, but it can mean hundreds of dollars in market value.
Back in the day, collectors relied solely on sharp eyes and experience. Now, with third-party grading services and digital tools, you have every advantage to know exactly what your 1934 quarter is worth.
1934 Quarter Value Guides
1934 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia struck the majority of 1934 quarters, and within that output are several collectible varieties:
- 1934 Light Motto – Faint impression of “IN GOD WE TRUST”, the rarest variety
- 1934 Medium Motto – Standard depth, and the most common version
- 1934 Heavy Motto – Bold, deeply struck motto with strong lettering
- 1934 Doubled Die Obverse – Noticeable doubling on the motto and date, a dramatic error that brings strong premiums
1934-D (Denver Mint)
Denver also produced quarters in 1934, and while mintage numbers were lower, its varieties are equally desirable:
- 1934-D Regular Strike – Standard issue with normal motto strength
- 1934-D Heavy Motto – The Denver counterpart to the bold, deeply struck variety, scarcer and more valuable
Why These Varieties Matter
These aren’t trivial differences—they represent distinct die states created under the intense production demands of the Depression era. What began as small variations in die preparation have become some of the most studied features of early Washington quarters.
Today, with the boom of variety collecting on social media and the ease of digital authentication, these overlooked differences are commanding higher premiums than ever—especially in higher grades.
1934 No Mint Mark Quarter Value (Light Motto)
The 1934 Light Motto Quarter is one of those fascinating minting quirks that turned a routine coin into a sought-after variety. During the heavy production runs of the Great Depression, some dies didn’t transfer enough pressure when striking the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The result: noticeably weak, shallow lettering compared to standard issues.
Although the Philadelphia Mint struck millions of quarters in 1934, the Light Motto pieces quietly circulated for decades without much attention. Collectors first spotted the difference in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the variety-collecting surge of the 1980s that the Light Motto gained real recognition.
Fast-forward to today: with high-resolution imaging and digital authentication tools, identifying a Light Motto quarter has never been easier. As more collectors search for hidden treasures in everyday coins, this overlooked variety is finally gaining the premium it deserves—especially in higher grades where clear weakness in the motto can be confirmed.
1934 No Mint Mark Quarter Value (Light Motto FS-401)
The FS-401 is the most dramatic and collectible Light Motto variety of the 1934 quarter series. Its weakness in the motto is so distinct that it earned its own listing in the Fivaz-Stanton (Cherrypickers’) Guide.
What sets it apart from standard Light Motto pieces are clear diagnostic markers:
- The “W” in “WE” appears incomplete or barely struck.
- The word “TRUST” fades sharply on the right side, almost disappearing into the field.
These errors came from under-hubbed dies that somehow slipped into full-scale production during the chaotic Philadelphia Mint operations of the Great Depression.
While thousands of Light Motto quarters survive, true FS-401 examples are much scarcer. High-grade pieces are especially tough to locate, with coins above VF-20 commanding strong premiums and certified examples in AU or MS bringing serious collector attention.
1934 No Mint Mark Quarter Value (Medium Motto)
The 1934 Medium Motto Quarter often gets overshadowed by its Light and Heavy counterparts—but that’s exactly what makes it fascinating. This variety reflects what the Mint originally intended: standard strike pressure, proper motto depth, and clean execution. In other words, it’s the “baseline” that highlights the quirks of the other varieties.
Ironically, while collectors rush to chase Light and Heavy Motto examples, the Medium Motto has become underappreciated. Many assume it’s the most common and pass it by, but finding properly attributed Medium Motto coins in MS-65 or higher is becoming a real challenge. Misattribution is common, and plenty of these coins slip unnoticed through dealer inventories.
For smart collectors, that means opportunity: the Medium Motto may be the sleeper variety of 1934, one that could see more demand as grading populations reveal how scarce high-grade survivors really are.
1934 No Mint Mark Quarter Value (Medium Motto FS-402)
The FS-402 is the definitive Medium Motto variety of the 1934 quarter. Variety specialists recognize it as the reference standard for what the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was supposed to look like when struck correctly.
Unlike the Light or Heavy versions, the FS-402 shows:
- Even strike pressure across all letters
- Balanced depth in the entire motto
- Textbook clarity, with no fading or extra boldness
This variety matters because it sets the baseline for identifying both the Light Motto and Heavy Motto versions. Collectors often use FS-402 as the “control specimen” when distinguishing subtle differences in hubbing.
Ironically, while it represents the intended design, true FS-402 examples in high grades are scarce. Many 1934 quarters lean slightly toward Light or Heavy characteristics, leaving perfectly centered FS-402s harder to locate in MS-65 and above. For specialists, this makes the FS-402 an underappreciated but important target in the series.
1934 No Mint Mark Quarter Value (Heavy Motto)
The 1934 Heavy Motto Quarter shows the results of strong die pressure and over-prepared hubs—every letter of “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears bold, sharp, and deeply impressed into the coin’s surface.
This variety likely developed as Mint workers tried to extend die life during the Depression by over-polishing and reworking them. The unintended side effect was a much stronger motto impression than usual.
While not as scarce as the famous Doubled Die Obverse, the Heavy Motto is significantly harder to find than standard Medium Motto strikes, especially in high Mint State grades.
Collectors largely ignored the variety until the 1970s, when specialists began cataloging subtle die states within the Washington quarter series. Today, with variety collecting more popular than ever, the Heavy Motto is firmly recognized as a legitimate premium variety, often bringing far higher prices than ordinary 1934 issues.
1934 No Mint Mark Quarter Value (Heavy Motto FS-403)
The FS-403 represents the boldest form of the Heavy Motto variety in the 1934 quarter series. On these coins, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is struck so strongly that the letters appear almost three-dimensional.
This dramatic effect came from a combination of aggressive die preparation and maximum striking pressure at the Philadelphia Mint. Specialists often call the FS-403 the “poster child” Heavy Motto, as it perfectly demonstrates what this variety looks like at its most extreme.
Key diagnostics include:
- Exceptionally bold lettering throughout the motto
- Visible die polish lines within the letters, evidence of heavily reworked dies before striking
- A sharp, consistent strike across Washington’s portrait and other design details
While regular Heavy Motto quarters are already scarce, true FS-403 examples with all diagnostics present are genuinely rare. Collectors prize them not only as standout pieces but also as reference coins for identifying lesser Heavy Motto strikes.
1934-D Quarter Value
The 1934-D Washington Quarter stands out as the lowest-mintage quarter of the 1930s, with only about 3.5 million pieces struck at the Denver Mint. While not “rare” in absolute numbers, it is the toughest regular-issue Washington quarter to find from 1932 through 1940—a fact that collectors largely overlooked until recent decades.
Denver in the Depression era was a relatively small minting facility compared to Philadelphia, and most of its 1934 output circulated heavily in the American West. As a result, examples in grades above XF-40 are surprisingly tough, and true Mint State coins are elusive.
The “D” mintmark, placed on the reverse beneath the eagle, is often weakly struck, reflecting the Mint’s use of over-worn dies. Savvy collectors spotted the date’s long-term potential early, but the wider market only began to appreciate its scarcity once population reports from grading services revealed how few pieces survive in high grades.
Today, the 1934-D is a key semi-key date in the early Washington quarter series—one that continues to command steady premiums and strong bidding in auctions, especially in MS-65 and above.
1934-D Heavy Motto Quarter Value
The 1934-D Heavy Motto is one of the most desirable early Washington quarter varieties, combining two key factors that drive collector demand: the lowest Denver mintage of the 1930s (3.5 million coins) and the bold Heavy Motto strike.
This variety was created when Denver mint workers, using fresh dies and strong striking pressure, produced quarters where “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears exceptionally bold and deeply impressed. Unlike the Philadelphia Heavy Motto, which is scarce but available, the 1934-D Heavy Motto is genuinely rare—most of Denver’s already limited output relied on standard dies.
Spotting one requires careful examination, as many dealers and even experienced collectors still overlook the variety. But when properly attributed, the 1934-D Heavy Motto commands significant premiums, especially in high grades where demand far exceeds supply.
With its combination of low mintage and variety status, the 1934-D Heavy Motto is often called a “double key” coin—one of the smartest long-term plays in the Washington quarter series.
Rare 1934 Quarter Error List
For many collectors, high grades get the headlines—but the real excitement in the 1934 Washington quarter series comes from its errors and die varieties. These minting quirks can transform an otherwise common coin into a rarity worth multiples of its standard value.
The year 1934 was a transitional period for the Washington quarter, and under the heavy production demands of the Depression, mistakes slipped through. Some of these errors went unnoticed for decades until sharp-eyed specialists brought them to light.
Today, with digital magnification and third-party grading, identifying these coins has never been easier. Yet the market still hasn’t fully priced in their rarity—meaning smart collectors can still find opportunities before demand drives values higher.
1. 1934 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
The 1934 Doubled Die Obverse is the undisputed key variety of the year. It displays dramatic doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and LIBERTY, often bold enough to see with the naked eye—no magnification required.
This doubling occurred when a working die received multiple impressions from the hub at slightly different angles, a minting mishap that created highly collectible coins.
Because most 1934 quarters circulated heavily during the Depression, finding a DDO example in grades above XF is extremely tough. In Mint State, these coins can command four-figure prices, especially when certified by top grading services.
Collectors prize the DDO not only for its visual impact but also for its status as a Cherrypicker’s favorite, since sharp eyes (or today, digital magnifiers) can still spot this variety in raw coin lots and dealer inventories.
2. 1934 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)
The FS-101 is the most famous doubled die of the 1934 quarter series, officially cataloged in the Fivaz-Stanton Cherrypickers’ Guide as the first recognized variety of its kind.
What makes it stand out are the strong separation lines visible in the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date digits. The doubling is far bolder than on minor 1934 DDO examples, which is why FS-101 is the most desirable and valuable of the group.
Modern authentication services now specifically attribute FS-101, giving buyers confidence and boosting premiums. Certified examples in higher grades consistently bring four- to five-figure results at auction, making the FS-101 one of the true trophy coins of the early Washington quarter series.
3. 1934-D Small D Heavy Motto (FS-501)
The FS-501 is widely regarded as the ultimate 1934 quarter variety, combining three major collector magnets: the low-mintage Denver issue, the bold Heavy Motto, and the scarce Small “D” mintmark punch.
On this variety, the mintmark is noticeably smaller than on standard 1934-D quarters, the result of the Denver Mint using an older-style punch during production. Paired with the Heavy Motto strike, it creates a triple-threat rarity unlike anything else from 1934.
Survival estimates suggest that only a few hundred examples exist across all grades, making it one of the toughest and most coveted Washington quarter varieties. Certified specimens in AU and MS routinely draw fierce bidding wars, cementing the FS-501 as a pinnacle piece for advanced collectors.
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 1934 Washington Quarter
1. Why is the 1934 Quarter significant in U.S. coinage?
The 1934 Washington Quarter was the first major issue after the initial 1932 release. No quarters were struck in 1933 due to the Great Depression, so the 1934 mintage marked the true beginning of the Washington series as a circulating coin.
2. What varieties exist for the 1934 Quarter?
Two major varieties are recognized: the “Light Motto” and “Heavy Motto.” The difference lies in the boldness of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Collectors prize the Heavy Motto for its sharper, thicker lettering.
3. Which 1934 Quarter errors or varieties are the most valuable?
The most famous is the 1934 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO, FS-101), showing strong doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. Another rarity is the 1934-D Small D FS-501 Heavy Motto, which combines a smaller Denver mintmark with the bold motto—one of the scarcest varieties for this date.
4. How does condition affect the value of a 1934 Quarter?
Circulated examples are often worth only a few dollars above silver melt, but high-grade Mint State coins, especially with Full Head detail and brilliant luster, can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars. Varieties like the 1934 DDO or 1934-D Small D can bring even higher premiums.
5. Should I get my 1934 Quarter certified?
Yes—certification by PCGS or NGC adds trust and marketability, especially for rare varieties or Mint State examples. With so many counterfeits and altered mintmarks in the market, authentication is essential for valuable 1934 Quarters.
