The 1936 Washington Quarter holds significant appeal for coin collectors and investors alike. As an early-year issue of the beloved Washington Quarter series, this coin combines historical interest with tangible silver value. This guide provides a detailed look at the 1936 Washington Quarter, including its design, mintages, notable varieties, value ranges, and more.
Key Highlights
- The 1936 Washington Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Issued by three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- Designed by John Flanagan, whose design remained in use for decades.
- Proof coins were reintroduced for the first time since 1916, making 1936 Proof Quarters highly collectible.
- Some rare errors and varieties exist, which can command strong premiums at auction.
Who Designed the 1936 Washington Quarter?
The Washington Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, an accomplished sculptor. The design was selected in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Flanagan’s work was chosen over other submissions, including one by Laura Gardin Fraser, whose design was later used for the 2022 American Women Quarters.
Interesting facts about the designer and the series include:
- Flanagan’s design was initially criticized for its perceived lack of artistry compared to Fraser’s submission, but it became iconic.
- The series was intended as a one-year commemorative but proved so popular it became the standard design for the quarter dollar.
Obverse and Reverse Design Details
The obverse (front) of the coin features a left-facing portrait of George Washington, based on a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. “LIBERTY” arcs above Washington’s head, while the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to the left. The date “1936” is at the bottom.
The reverse (back) depicts an eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows, with olive branches below. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appear above the eagle, and “QUARTER DOLLAR” is below.
Mints That Issued the 1936 Washington Quarter
In 1936, Washington Quarters were produced at three United States Mint facilities:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mint mark)
Mintage Numbers for the 1936 Washington Quarter
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | (none) | 41,300,000 |
| Denver | D | 5,374,000 |
| San Francisco | S | 3,828,000 |
| Philadelphia (Proof) | (none) | 3,837 |
Proof Issue: 1936 Washington Quarter
1936 marked the reintroduction of Proof coins after a two-decade hiatus. The Philadelphia Mint struck only 3,837 Proof Washington Quarters in 1936, making them highly sought after by collectors. These coins are distinguished by their reflective surfaces and sharp details.
Proof 1936 Quarters often command prices from $1,000 and up, depending on condition and cameo contrast, with top-graded examples reaching several thousand dollars at auction.
Rare Varieties and Notable Errors
While the 1936 Washington Quarter is not considered a key date in circulated grades, a few notable varieties and errors are known to exist, which can significantly increase a coin’s value.
| Mint | Error/Variety | Description | Value Range (as of 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Doubled Die Obverse | Noticeable doubling on the date and “IN GOD WE TRUST” | $500 – $2,000+ |
| San Francisco | RPM (Repunched Mintmark) | “S” mint mark punched more than once, visible under magnification | $100 – $500 |
| All Mints | Off-Center Strike | Design struck off the center of the planchet | $150 – $700 (depending on severity and grade) |
Value Range for 1936 Washington Quarter by Mint
Values for the 1936 Washington Quarter depend greatly on condition, mint, and whether the coin is a regular business strike or a rare Proof issue. The following table outlines typical value ranges as of 2024:
| Mint | Good (G4) | Fine (F12) | Extremely Fine (XF40) | About Uncirculated (AU50) | Mint State (MS60-65) | Proof (PR60-68) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $6 | $7 | $10 | $15 | $30 – $150 | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Denver | $7 | $8 | $15 | $25 | $40 – $250 | N/A |
| San Francisco | $10 | $12 | $22 | $35 | $60 – $350 | N/A |
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on market conditions, eye appeal, and specific coin attributes like toning or strike.
Most Valuable 1936 Washington Quarter Sold at Auction
The most valuable 1936 Washington Quarter sold at public auction is a 1936 Proof Quarter graded PR68 by PCGS, which realized over $20,000. Among business strikes, a 1936-S Quarter in MS67+ condition sold for over $5,000, due to its exceptional quality and eye appeal.
Conclusion
The 1936 Washington Quarter remains an important piece for collectors and investors, offering historical significance, silver content, and the potential for rare and valuable varieties. While most 1936 quarters are affordable in circulated grades, high-end Mint State, Proof coins, and notable errors can command substantial premiums. Understanding the key factors influencing value—such as mint mark, condition, and variety—can help collectors make informed decisions and maximize the potential of their numismatic pursuits.