For coin collectors and enthusiasts, some of the most exciting finds come not from the depths of a collection but from everyday pocket change. Many quarters have been minted with errors that make them worth far more than their face value. In this article, we will explore eight valuable quarter errors that could potentially be hiding in your change, offering historical context, design specifics, and valuation details for these intriguing coins.
Historical Context
The Washington Quarter was introduced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The design was created by sculptor John Flanagan and has remained largely unchanged, except for special commemorative editions and series such as the State Quarters program. For collectors, the Washington Quarter holds significant importance due to its long history and the variations it has undergone over the decades.
1950-D/S Washington Quarter Value Chart
The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is a notable error coin where the Denver mint mark ‘D’ was struck over a previously punched ‘S’ mint mark. This error is highly sought after by collectors. Below is a value chart for this quarter based on its condition:
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $100 – $150 |
| Fine | $150 – $200 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $200 – $300 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $300 – $400 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $400 – $500 |
| MS66 | $700 – $900 |
1950-D/S Washington Quarter Obverse and Reverse Design
The obverse of the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter features a portrait of George Washington, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows framed by olive branches. The reeded edge of the coin contains 119 reeds.
1950-D/S Washington Quarter Composition and Physical Features
The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams and measuring 24.3 mm in diameter. The coin’s silver content and unique mint error contribute significantly to its desirability and value among collectors.
Rare Issues and Error Coins
Beyond the 1950-D/S quarter, several other Washington Quarters are known for their minting errors and are highly collectible. The following sections detail seven additional error quarters that are valuable to collectors.
1965 Washington Quarter – Transitional Error
The 1965 Washington Quarter is notable for being the first year quarters were struck without silver content, transitioning to a copper-nickel clad composition. However, a few quarters were mistakenly struck on the 90% silver planchets used in previous years. These transitional error coins are extremely valuable due to their rarity.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Fine | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $4,000 – $5,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $5,000 – $6,500 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $6,500 – $8,000 |
| MS66 | $8,000 – $10,000 |
1937 Washington Quarter – Doubled Die Obverse
The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter is another significant error coin. The error is visible on the obverse where the doubling is evident in the inscriptions and the date. This type of error results from a misalignment during the minting process, creating a doubled image.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $400 – $600 |
| Fine | $600 – $800 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $800 – $1,200 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $1,600 – $2,200 |
| MS66 | $2,200 – $3,000 |
1943 Washington Quarter – Doubled Die Obverse
The 1943 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter is another sought-after error. This coin features doubling on the date and inscriptions, similar to the 1937 variant. This error occurred due to a misalignment during the die creation process.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $200 – $300 |
| Fine | $300 – $400 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $400 – $600 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $600 – $800 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $800 – $1,200 |
| MS66 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
1970-S Washington Quarter – Proof Error
The 1970-S Washington Quarter is notable for a proof error where a few specimens were mistakenly struck on a leftover silver planchet from the previous year. These coins are especially valuable due to their rarity and the fact they were never intended for circulation.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Proof 63 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Proof 65 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Proof 67 | $3,500 – $5,000 |
1932-D Washington Quarter – Low Mintage
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is not an error coin but is valuable due to its low mintage. As one of the first years of issue for the Washington Quarter series, these coins were struck in limited numbers at the Denver Mint, making them very desirable to collectors.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $100 – $150 |
| Fine | $150 – $200 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $200 – $300 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $300 – $400 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $400 – $600 |
| MS66 | $600 – $1,000 |
1932-S Washington Quarter – Low Mintage
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter also benefits from a low mintage, making it highly sought after by collectors. Its scarcity and place in the first year of the Washington Quarter series add to its appeal and value.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $100 – $200 |
| Fine | $200 – $300 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $300 – $500 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $500 – $700 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $700 – $1,000 |
| MS66 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
1942 Washington Quarter – Doubled Die Obverse
The 1942 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter features noticeable doubling on the obverse side. This error is less common than others but still highly valued by collectors who specialize in error coins.
| Condition | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good | $150 – $250 |
| Fine | $250 – $350 |
| Extra Fine (XF45) | $350 – $500 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | $500 – $750 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) | $750 – $1,000 |
| MS66 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
How to Identify a Valuable 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
Identifying a valuable 1950-D/S Washington Quarter involves examining the mint mark closely. Look for the overlapping ‘D’ and ‘S’ mint marks on the reverse side, which indicates the error. Use a magnifying glass or a coin loupe for detailed inspection. Additionally, verifying the coin’s weight and composition can help ensure authenticity.