The 1935 Washington Quarter holds a significant place in American numismatics as part of the early years of the Washington Quarter series. Collectors and investors are drawn to these coins not only for their silver content but also for their historical context and collectible value. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the 1935 Washington Quarter, covering its design, mintages, key facts, values, errors, and notable auction results.
Key Highlights
- Composed of 90% silver, 10% copper, with a diameter of 24.3 mm and a weight of 6.25 grams.
- Designed by John Flanagan, featuring George Washington on the obverse.
- Three mints produced quarters in 1935: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- No Proof or special issues were produced in 1935.
- Values vary based on condition and mint mark, with certain high-grade and error examples commanding significant premiums.
Who Designed the 1935 Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, an accomplished sculptor known for several public monuments and coin designs. The series was introduced in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Flanagan’s design was selected for its classical portrayal of Washington, and it has remained iconic in U.S. coinage.
An interesting fact about Flanagan’s design is that it was intended to be a one-year commemorative issue but was adopted as the standard quarter due to its popularity. The design remained largely unchanged until the State Quarters program began in 1999.
Obverse and Reverse Design Details
Obverse: The obverse features a left-facing portrait of George Washington. The inscriptions include “LIBERTY” at the top, “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of Washington’s neck, and the date “1935” at the bottom.
Reverse: The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows, with two olive branches beneath. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Mints and Mintage Amounts
In 1935, three mints produced Washington Quarters:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S)
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | (None) | 32,484,000 |
| Denver | D | 5,780,000 |
| San Francisco | S | 5,660,000 |
Proof or Special Issues
No Proof or special issue Washington Quarters were struck in 1935. The U.S. Mint did not resume production of Proof coins until 1936, making all 1935 quarters circulation strikes.
Notable and Rare 1935 Washington Quarters
While no major key date exists among 1935 quarters, coins in high grades (especially MS66 and above) are considered scarce. The San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) issues, with their lower mintages, are more challenging to find in gem uncirculated condition.
- 1935-D and 1935-S in MS66 and higher: These command significant premiums at auction, with prices rising steeply for coins with original luster and strong strikes.
Collectors should also look for coins with full head (FH) details on Washington’s portrait, as these are highly prized among specialists.
1935 Washington Quarter Error Coins
While the 1935 Washington Quarter does not have widely recognized major errors, a few types of error coins have surfaced in the market. These include off-center strikes, double dies, and clipped planchets. The values of these errors depend on the type and severity of the error.
| Error Type | Mint | Description | Value Range (Auction Results) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike | All | Portion of the design missing due to misalignment | $100 – $300+ |
| Double Die Obverse | All | Doubling visible on lettering and date (rare for 1935) | $200 – $800+ |
| Clipped Planchet | All | Part of coin missing due to planchet error | $80 – $250+ |
1935 Washington Quarter Values by Mint and Condition
The value of a 1935 Washington Quarter depends on several factors, including mint mark, condition, and whether it has been certified by a grading service. Below is a table outlining typical value ranges as of 2024.
| Mint | G–VG (Raw) | F–VF (Raw) | XF–AU (Raw) | MS60–MS63 (Graded) | MS64–MS65 (Graded) | MS66+ (Graded) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $7 – $9 | $9 – $15 | $15 – $32 | $38 – $60 | $70 – $120 | $200 – $700+ |
| Denver (D) | $8 – $13 | $15 – $25 | $32 – $58 | $80 – $150 | $180 – $350 | $850 – $2,000+ |
| San Francisco (S) | $8 – $13 | $15 – $25 | $32 – $60 | $95 – $160 | $200 – $375 | $950 – $2,500+ |
It is important to note that coins with exceptional eye appeal, strong strikes, or rare varieties (such as the Full Head designation) may command even higher premiums.
The Most Valuable 1935 Washington Quarter Sold at Auction
The most valuable 1935 Washington Quarter sold at auction is a 1935-S graded MS67+ by PCGS with a CAC sticker, which realized $8,519 at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2020. High-grade examples from the Denver and San Francisco mints, especially those with outstanding luster and minimal marks, remain highly sought after by collectors.
Conclusion
The 1935 Washington Quarter is an attractive coin for both collectors and investors, offering historical value and solid silver content. While not considered a key date, coins in high grades and with notable errors can be quite valuable. Collectors should pay attention to strike quality and consider certified coins for investment. As silver prices fluctuate and numismatic interest remains strong, the 1935 Washington Quarter stands as a dependable addition to any portfolio or collection.