The 1932 Washington Quarter marks a pivotal moment in American numismatics. As the inaugural issue of the Washington Quarter series, this coin not only honors George Washington’s 200th birthday but has also become a cornerstone of many coin collections. Its historical significance, varying mintages, and notable rarities have ensured its continued interest among collectors and investors alike. This article provides a detailed, fact-based overview of the 1932 Washington Quarter, its mintage, design, values, and keys for collectors.
Key Highlights
- The 1932 Washington Quarter is the first year of issue for the series.
- Three mints produced the coin: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- Low mintage figures for the Denver and San Francisco coins make them especially desirable.
- No proof or special issues were struck in 1932.
- Notable rarities and error coins exist for this year, commanding high premiums at auction.
Who Designed the 1932 Washington Quarter?
The 1932 Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, an accomplished sculptor. Flanagan’s design was selected after a national competition to honor the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Washington, while the reverse showcases a heraldic eagle perched on a bundle of arrows with olive branches below.
Notably, the original concept was to use a design by Laura Gardin Fraser, but the Treasury ultimately chose Flanagan’s design, sparking discussion among numismatists. The quarter’s design remained largely unchanged until the introduction of the 50 State Quarters program in 1999.
Obverse and Reverse Design Details
- Obverse: Features a portrait of George Washington, the inscription “LIBERTY” above, “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left, and the date “1932” below.
- Reverse: Displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows, with two olive branches below. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Mints That Issued the 1932 Washington Quarter
Three mints produced the 1932 Washington Quarter:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D mint mark)
- San Francisco (S mint mark)
Mintage Figures for the 1932 Washington Quarter
| Mint | Mintage |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | 5,404,000 |
| Denver (D) | 436,800 |
| San Francisco (S) | 408,000 |
The 1932-D and 1932-S quarters have particularly low mintages, making them key dates in the series.
Proof or Special Issues
There were no proof or special issue Washington Quarters struck in 1932. Proof production for the series began in 1936.
Notable Rarities and Key Dates
Both the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are considered key dates in the Washington Quarter series due to their low mintages. Collectors prize these issues, especially in higher grades.
- 1932-D: With a mintage of just 436,800, this coin is scarce in all grades, particularly in uncirculated and high Mint State (MS) grades. Well-circulated coins can be found, but examples with original surfaces and minimal wear are highly sought after.
- 1932-S: Even scarcer, with only 408,000 minted. Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S sees strong demand in all conditions, though many examples encountered are well-worn.
Examples of these coins in Mint State 65 (MS65) or higher can command several thousand dollars at auction, while circulated specimens still trade at significant premiums over common-date Washington Quarters.
Notable Error Coins
While the 1932 Washington Quarter is not widely known for major errors, a few examples with die breaks, doubled dies, or off-center strikes have surfaced. These errors are rare and can add considerable value for collectors seeking unusual pieces.
| Mint | Error Type | Description | Value Range (Auction Results) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Doubled Die Obverse | Noticeable doubling on the date and inscriptions | $500 – $2,000+ |
| All Mints | Off-Center Strike | Design struck off-center, partial details missing | $300 – $1,500+ |
| All Mints | Die Breaks/Cuds | Raised lumps or lines from die cracks, often on the rim | $100 – $800+ |
Values for error coins vary depending on uniqueness, severity, and eye appeal.
Value Range for 1932 Washington Quarters
The table below provides general value ranges for 1932 Washington Quarters by mint and condition. Prices can fluctuate based on market demand and specific coin quality.
| Condition | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | Denver (D) | San Francisco (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8 – $12 | $120 – $200 | $120 – $200 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $15 – $25 | $200 – $350 | $200 – $350 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $25 – $35 | $350 – $550 | $350 – $550 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $35 – $50 | $600 – $1,200 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $50 – $100 | $1,200 – $2,500 | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $200 – $400 | $10,000 – $35,000 | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Certified High Grade (MS-66 and above) | $1,000+ | $40,000 – $80,000+ | $30,000 – $70,000+ |
Values reflect recent auction results and price guide data as of 2024. Coins with exceptional eye appeal or those with coveted toning may realize higher prices.
Most Valuable 1932 Washington Quarter Sold at Auction
The highest prices realized for 1932 Washington Quarters have been for top-graded coins from the Denver and San Francisco mints. Notably, a 1932-D quarter graded MS66 by PCGS sold for over $80,000 at auction. Similarly, a 1932-S in MS66+ condition has fetched prices above $70,000. These records highlight the desirability of high-grade, key-date coins from this first-year issue.
Conclusion
The 1932 Washington Quarter is a historic and highly collectible coin that appeals to numismatists, investors, and enthusiasts alike. Its introduction marked a significant transition in U.S. coinage and established a design that would endure for decades. With particularly low mintages for the Denver and San Francisco issues, collectors seeking to complete a set of Washington Quarters will find these coins to be true keys. Whether you are drawn by the artistry of John Flanagan, the challenge of collecting rare dates, or the investment potential of silver coins, the 1932 Washington Quarter remains a timeless piece of American numismatic history.