Classic Eagle Reverse
The original reverse covers the silver and clad eras. The 1776–1976 Bicentennial drummer reverse temporarily replaced it.
United States Quarters • 1932–Present • Buying & Selling
Washington Quarters
Washington quarters span classic 90% silver coinage, the modern clad era, the Bicentennial, state and national-park programs, circulating West Point rarities, major varieties, silver proofs, and nearly a century of American history.
1932–PresentWashington quarter era
John FlanaganOriginal designer
1932–196490% silver circulation coins
0.18084 Troy Oz.Silver when new
Collector Guide
From silver type coin to rotating canvas
The Washington quarter debuted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. John Flanagan’s portrait and eagle reverse continued through 1998, apart from the special Bicentennial reverse.
Regular quarters were struck in 90% silver through 1964. Copper-nickel clad circulation pieces began in 1965. Starting in 1999, the quarter became a changing national canvas through the State Quarters, D.C. and U.S. Territories, America the Beautiful, American Women, and other special programs.
The series contains several distinct markets: common silver, classic keys and varieties, modern program sets, errors, silver proofs, circulating W quarters, and certified condition rarities.
Major Quarter Eras
How the Washington quarter changed
The design moved from a long-running eagle reverse to rotating programs with many collectible subseries.
States & Territories
Fifty State quarters ran from 1999–2008, followed by six D.C. and U.S. Territories designs in 2009.
Modern Programs
America the Beautiful ran from 2010–2021, followed by the 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware issue and the American Women program beginning in 2022.
Coins to Check Carefully
Key Dates, Better Dates & Varieties
The classic series has two clear keys, while the broader Washington era adds doubled dies, overmintmarks, errors, and special modern releases.
1932-D and 1932-S
These low-mintage branch-mint quarters are the principal keys. Added mintmarks and counterfeits exist, so valuable candidates deserve authentication.
Set these aside
- 1934-D and 1935-D
- 1936-D
- 1937-S and 1940-D
- Other problem-free early branch mints
Classic varieties
- 1934 doubled-die obverse
- 1937 doubled-die obverse
- 1942-D doubled-die obverse
- 1943 doubled-die obverse
1950-D/S and 1950-S/D
Both Denver-over-San Francisco and San Francisco-over-Denver varieties are recognized. Attribution requires clear mintmark diagnostics.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf
Popular High Leaf and Low Leaf varieties show an additional leaf-like feature near the corn stalk. Altered and damaged coins can resemble them.
2019-W and 2020-W
West Point quarters were deliberately released into circulation in limited quantities. The 2020-W issues also carry a V75 privy mark.
A Practical Process
How to sort Washington quarters
Separate composition and program before looking for mintmarks, varieties, and high grades.
Pull 1932–1964 silver
All regular Washington quarters dated 1964 or earlier are 90% silver. Keep them separate from clad circulation coins.
Sort classic dates
Pull 1932 coins first, check their reverse mintmarks, then isolate early branch mints and recognized varieties.
Separate modern programs
Organize Bicentennial, State, Territories, America the Beautiful, Crossing the Delaware, and American Women issues.
Check special coins
Look for W mintmarks, silver proofs, errors, Wisconsin Extra Leaf varieties, original rolls, proofs, and unusually high grades.
Do not identify silver by appearance alone. Confirm the date, weight, edge, and issue type. Ordinary Bicentennial quarters are clad, while special 40% silver collector versions also exist.
Understanding Value
What makes a Washington quarter valuable?
Composition
Regular 1932–1964 quarters contain 90% silver. Later collector issues may be 40%, 90%, or .999 silver depending on the product and year.
Date & Mintmark
The 1932-D and 1932-S lead the classic set. Early branch mints, W quarters, and special collector issues also merit attention.
Grade
Washington’s hair, cheek, and curls show wear; the eagle’s breast and legs are important on the classic reverse.
Variety or Error
Doubled dies, overmintmarks, extra-leaf varieties, wrong-planchet strikes, and other authenticated errors can command premiums.
Proof & Finish
Clad proofs, silver proofs, special uncirculated coins, and modern finishes should be separated from ordinary circulation strikes.
Original Surfaces
Cleaning, scratches, hairlines, corrosion, haze, spots, and artificial toning reduce collector value.
NumisMaverick
Buying & Selling Washington Quarters
NumisMaverick buys and sells Washington quarters across multiple markets: circulated 90% silver, key and better dates, rolls, albums, classic varieties, proofs, silver proofs, modern program sets, W quarters, errors, and certified coins.
Keep silver separate from clad. Leave proof and collector coins in original packaging when possible, and avoid cleaning toned or hazy surfaces.
1932–1964 silver quarters
1932-D and 1932-S keys
Rolls and dealer quantities
Albums and program sets
Proofs and silver proofs
W quarters and varieties
Common Questions
Washington Quarter FAQ
Are all pre-1965 Washington quarters silver?
Yes. Regular Washington quarters dated 1932 through 1964 are 90% silver.
Are Bicentennial quarters silver?
Ordinary circulation examples are clad. Special 40% silver collector versions were produced and must be identified separately.
Where is the mintmark on an early quarter?
On 1932–1964 quarters, it appears on the reverse below the wreath. Later issues place it on the obverse.
Why are W quarters collectible?
Limited numbers of 2019-W and 2020-W quarters were intentionally mixed into circulation, creating a modern nationwide hunt.
Are all State quarters valuable?
Most circulated examples remain worth face value. Errors, varieties, silver proofs, top grades, and special issues are different.
Does NumisMaverick buy common silver quarters?
Yes. We consider circulated silver, rolls, key dates, albums, varieties, proofs, certified coins, and dealer quantities.
Buying • Selling • Appraisals
Talk with NumisMaverick
Selling silver quarters, looking for a key date, or trying to identify a modern variety? Contact NumisMaverick. Appointments are scheduled in advance.
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