The value of the 1932 quarter is deeply rooted in its role as the inaugural issue in a series of iconic American coins. Created to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, these quarters hold significant historical value. Being the first in the series and over 90 years old, they are highly sought after by collectors due to their vintage appeal and historical context.
Value Chart For 1932 Quarter
| Condition | 1932 No Mint Mark Quarter | 1932 D Quarter | 1932 S Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | $11 | $85 | $75 |
| Very good | $11 | $110 | $100 |
| Fine | $11 | $125 | $110 |
| Very fine | $11 | $160 | $120 |
| Extra fine | $13 | $240 | $150 |
| AU | $20 | $375 | $215 |
| MS 60 | $36 | $1,100 | $415 |
| MS 65 | $285 | $12,500 | $3,000 |
The 1932 quarter is not only significant for its historical inception but also for its role in the evolution of American coinage. As the debut issue in the Washington quarter series, it marks a pivotal moment in numismatic history. Collectors prize these coins for their historical importance and vintage status. The rarity and demand for well-preserved examples further enhance their value, making them a coveted addition to any collection.
History of the 1932 Washington Quarter
The original plan for 1932 was to mint half-dollars to celebrate President George Washington’s bicentennial. Preparation for these commemorative coins began in 1924, well before the onset of the Great Depression. However, due to economic constraints, President Hoover opposed the minting of these costly half-dollars, advocating for a more frugal approach.
Instead, a proposal emerged to issue quarters as a cost-effective alternative. This decision not only aligned with the economic climate but also provided an opportunity to replace the unpopular Standing Liberty quarters. The goal was to bring in new artistic perspectives through external artists, leading to fresh designs for the quarter.
Despite Laura Fraser’s winning design in the competition, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon exercised his prerogative to select the final design. Mellon opted for John Flanagan’s design over Fraser’s, resulting in the introduction of the new quarters with the second-place design on August 1, 1932. To rectify this, the US Mint later featured Fraser’s design on the 1999 five-dollar gold bullion coins, honoring her contribution.
1932 Washington Quarter Types
| Location | Year | Minted |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 1932 No Mint mark quarter | 5,404,000 |
| San Francisco | 1932 S quarter | 408,000 |
| Denver | 1932 D quarter | 436,800 |
| Total | – | 6,248,800 |
Features of the 1932 Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter was introduced 90 years ago, during the Great Depression, as a unique tribute to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. John Flanagan was tasked with designing this significant coin and delivered a remarkable representation.
Obverse Design of 1932 Washington Quarter
Originally intended as a limited-edition coin for 1932, the Washington quarter has since become a standard part of U.S. coinage, continuing in circulation from 1934 to the present. This quarter stands out from its predecessors by featuring a real historical figure on the obverse.
John Flanagan’s design centers on a detailed portrait of George Washington, framed by the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and the coin’s denomination. Additionally, the coin bears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” reflecting the guiding principles of the new nation.
Reverse Design of 1932 Washington Quarter
On the reverse side, Flanagan chose to depict a bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States, with its wings spread. The eagle grasps arrows in its talons, symbolizing the nation’s preparedness to defend itself and engage in war if necessary. This design element highlights the quarter’s connection to American ideals and strength.
On the reverse side, Flanagan also incorporated olive branches beneath the arrows, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to peace and preference for diplomatic solutions over military conflict. This addition underscores the balance between readiness for defense and a desire for harmony.
Below the eagle’s talons, you’ll find the mint mark and denomination. It’s important to note that only two mints used a letter to signify their location (either S or D), while coins minted in Philadelphia were produced without a mint mark, as per the regulations at the time.
The space above the eagle’s head features three inscriptions in a stacked format: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS,” and “UNUM.” This Latin phrase translates to “Out of Many, One,” reflecting the unity of the diverse states coming together to form a single, strong nation.
Technical Specifications of 1932 Washington Quarter
| Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Face value | Twenty-five cents ($0.25) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Compound | 0.900 silver alloy with some copper |
| Coin thickness | 1.75 mm (0,06870 inches) |
| Shape | Round |
| Coin diameter | 24.30 mm (0,95669 inches) |
| Coin weight | 6.25 g (0,22040 troy ounces) |
| Silver weight | 5.623 g (0.18084 troy ounces) |
| Edge | Reeded |
1932 Washington Quarter Grading
| Grade Number | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4, 5, 6 | Good |
| 7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
| 12, 15 | Fine |
| 20, 30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State |
| 70 | Mint State |
Grading the 1932 Washington quarter follows the same principles as other coins. It is essential to use the Sheldon scale, which rates coins on a scale from 1 to 70. Coins in the “GOOD” category are considered collectible, while those rated as 70 represent perfect, flawless specimens—an ideal most collectors aspire to achieve.
For accurate valuation, refer to our Washington quarter grading guide to understand the specific scale and how it impacts your 1932 quarter value.
1932 Washington Quarter Value Guides
The total mintage for the 1932 Washington quarter was 6,248,800 coins. More than five million of these were produced in Philadelphia, while the other mints produced significantly fewer. Consequently, quarters with a mint mark are rare and more difficult to find. Since proof quarters were not issued until 1936, no 1932 proofs exist.
1932 No Mint Mark Quarter Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced the majority of the 1932 quarters, with a total of 5,404,000 lacking a mint mark. Given that many of these coins circulated extensively, their value largely depends on their condition:
- Circulated Coins: Typically worth between $5 and $18.
- Mint State Coins: Generally priced up to $100.
- MS 65 and MS 66 Coins: These are valued between $285 and $775.
Coins rated MS 67 are particularly rare and can be quite expensive. Prices for these pieces generally range from $5,500 to $9,000, though exceptional examples have fetched even higher amounts. For instance, a 1932 Washington quarter in MS 67 grade set an auction record when it sold for $40,250 in 2012.
1932 D Washington Quarter Value
The Denver Mint produced only 436,800 quarters with the “D” mint mark in 1932, making them highly sought after by collectors. Even circulated examples of these coins can command significant prices due to their rarity.
- Circulated Quarters: Typically range from $52 to $720, depending on their condition.
- MS 60-graded Quarters: Valued between $780 and $1,100.
- MS 61-graded Quarters: Priced between $840 and $1,150.
- MS 62-graded Quarters: Range from $1,050 to $1,500.
- MS 63-graded Quarters: Valued between $1,170 and $1,650.
- MS 64-graded Quarters: Typically cost between $2,200 and $3,000.
- MS 65-graded Quarters: Priced from $9,600 to $12,500.
Remarkably, the highest-graded examples (MS 66) are estimated to be worth around $75,000 to $85,000. However, auction records show even higher figures, with one coin fetching $143,750 at a Bowers & Merena auction on April 1, 2008.
1932 S Washington Quarter Value
The San Francisco Mint issued the fewest quarters in 1932, with a total mintage of just 408,000, making each surviving piece a significant find. Circulated coins from this mint typically range from $48 to $264.
- Mint State Coins: Generally valued between $300 and $1,000.
- MS 65-graded Coins: Typically cost between $2,200 and $3,000.
- MS 66-graded Coins: Valued between $35,000 and $46,000.
A notable auction record was set when a 1932 S Washington quarter in MS 66 condition sold for $45,500 in 2020.
Rare 1932 Washington Quarter Errors List
The 1932 Washington quarter series includes several notable errors that add unique value to these coins. Collectors often find these imperfections intriguing, and they can significantly increase the coin’s value compared to regular examples of the same grade.
1932 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter Error
This error occurs when a die with a doubled design strikes the coin, resulting in a doubled image on the obverse. Coins with this flaw are valued between $250 and $1,000, depending on their condition. A notable piece in MS 66 with this error sold for $3,055 in 2014 and is now valued around $3,600.
Cud Error
A cud error features a blob-like area at the edge of the coin, caused by a break in the die. The shape of the cud can vary based on the die’s damage. These quarters typically sell for $100 to $110 on platforms like eBay.
Broad Strike Error
Broad strikes occur when the coin is struck without the retaining collar, resulting in a thinner, irregularly shaped coin with a distorted edge. These errors usually range from $100 to $200, depending on the extent of the deformation and the coin’s appearance.
1932 Quarter Off-Center Error
An off-center error happens when the planchet is misaligned during striking, causing part of the design to be missing. Coins with a 10% off-center error typically fetch $15 to $25, while those with a 50% off-center error can range from $25 to $100, particularly if the mint mark and date are visible.
Die Cap Error
A die cap error occurs when a coin sticks to the upper die and subsequently strikes other coins, taking on a cap-like shape. Although this error is more common in Lincoln cents, you can occasionally find 1932 Washington quarters with this defect, generally priced between $80 and $100.
Double-Headed Error
Double-headed errors result from a coin getting stuck on the reverse die, preventing it from being fully struck. The subsequent coin is then struck with two obverse sides. This error is especially rare and was primarily observed in coins minted in Denver.
Where to Sell Your 1932 Quarter?
Once you have determined the value of your 1932 quarters, it’s important to know where to sell them to get the best price. Here’s a guide to some of the top online platforms for selling coins, along with their pros and cons:
- eBay: Selling on eBay offers a wide reach and access to a large buyer base, which can potentially drive up the prices through competitive bidding. However, be prepared for seller fees and shipping costs, and be mindful of the high level of competition from other sellers, which may impact how quickly your coin sells.
- Heritage Auctions: Heritage Auctions is renowned for specializing in rare and high-value coins, which can help you achieve a strong sale price due to their established reputation in the numismatic community. On the downside, they charge high fees, and you’ll need to submit your coin for appraisal and auction, which can be a lengthy process.
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries: Known for its expertise in rare and historical coins, Stack’s Bowers Galleries has a robust network of collectors and can attract serious buyers. The trade-off is that auction fees can be substantial, and you’ll need to submit your coin for auction consideration, which involves additional steps and time.
- David Lawrence Rare Coins: David Lawrence Rare Coins is well-regarded for its focus on high-quality coin sales and has a strong presence in the market. However, you should factor in commission fees, and your coins will need to be appraised and accepted for sale, which could limit your options if your coin doesn’t meet their criteria.
For detailed information on each site, including their specific pros and cons, you can check out our guide on best places to sell coins online.
Which 1932 Washington Quarter is Worth a lot of Money?
Here are some notable auction records for 1932 Washington quarters:
- 1932 DDO Washington Quarter (MS 66): Reached $3,055 at Heritage Auctions on December 4, 2014.
- 1932 D Washington Quarter (MS 66): Set a record with a sale of $143,750 at Bowers & Merena on April 1, 2008.
- 1932 S Washington Quarter (MS 66): Achieved $45,500 at David Lawrence RC on March 22, 2020.
- 1932 Washington Quarter (MS 67): Sold for $40,250 at Heritage Auctions on April 18, 2012.
FAQs on 1932 Washington Quarter
What makes a 1932 quarter rare?
The rarity of a 1932 quarter is primarily due to its low mintage and historical significance. Coins from this year are scarce, particularly those with mint marks or in excellent condition. The 1932 D and 1932 S quarters are especially valuable due to their limited production numbers. Additionally, high-grade specimens and those with notable errors can be significantly rarer and more sought after by collectors.
How much is the 1932 Philadelphia Washington quarter worth?
The value of a 1932 Philadelphia Washington quarter varies based on its condition. Circulated coins typically range from $5 to $18. Uncirculated coins can be worth significantly more, with those graded in mint state ranging from $100 to $775. Coins in higher grades, such as MS 67, can fetch between $5,500 and $9,000, with the highest auction records reaching up to $40,250.
What is the priciest Washington quarter?
The priciest Washington quarter is the 1932 D Washington quarter in MS 66, which sold for $143,750 at auction in 2008.
Final Thoughts
The 1932 quarter is a remarkable piece of American numismatic history, reflecting both its historical significance and the economic challenges of its time. Whether you’re holding a 1932 quarter with no mint mark, a “D” or “S” mint mark, or an error coin, each piece offers unique value and collectible appeal.
The rarity and value of these coins are influenced by factors such as mintage, condition, and specific errors, making them highly sought after by collectors.
As you explore the value of your 1932 quarters, understanding these elements can help you better appreciate their worth and find the right market for selling.