Got a jar of old quarters sitting around? You might be holding onto a fortune without even knowing it. Washington quarters, those everyday coins with George Washington’s face, have been around since 1932. Most are worth just 25 cents, but a few rare ones thanks to low mint numbers, silver content, or minting mistakes can fetch big bucks at auction. We’re talking errors like doubled letters or coins struck on the wrong metal, plus silver beauties from before 1965. In 2025, with collectors going wild, these eight stand out as must-keeps. Don’t spend them get them checked by a pro grader like PCGS or NGC. Here’s the top list, with details on why they’re hot and what they’re worth today.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
This one’s the king of rarities. Minted in Denver during the Great Depression, only 436,800 were made the lowest run ever for the series. It’s 90% silver, and in top shape, it screams value. Spot the “D” mint mark below the wreath on the back. Circulated ones go for $500, but mint-state gems have hit $143,750 at auction. Keep an eye out in old change; this could pay off a car loan.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Right behind its Denver buddy, the San Francisco version had a tiny mintage of 408,000. Another silver stunner from the tough economic times. Look for the “S” mark in the same spot. Worn examples fetch $300 to $1,000, while pristine ones soared to $45,500 recently. Collectors love its history Washington’s birthday coin turned treasure.
3. 1936-D Washington Quarter
Minted in Denver with just 5.4 million made, this silver quarter shines for full bands on the fasces (those axe bundles on the back). No major errors, but condition is key. Good ones sell for $50 to $200; high-grade beauties reach $1,248. It’s a semi-key date that sneaks into pocket change from grandparents’ stashes.
4. 1970-S Proof Quarter on Canadian Planchet
Talk about a wild mistake! A handful of these San Francisco proofs got struck on 1941 Canadian quarter blanks by error. You can see faint Canadian maple leaves under the U.S. design. Super rare fewer than 10 known. Values start at $10,000 and climb to $40,000 for top examples. If you spot double designs, yell “jackpot!”
5. 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse
The last year for 90% silver quarters, and this Denver one has a cool error: doubled eagle feathers and lettering on the back. Over 700 million were minted overall, but the doubled die is scarce. Worn? $20 to $100. But that rainbow-toned MS68 sold for $38,400. Check your silver stackers this error hides in plain sight.
6. 1950-D D Over S Over Horizontal S
A repunched mint mark mess in Denver: the “D” sits over a sideways “S” from San Francisco dies. Silver era, low-key rarity. Common circulated go for $50, but clear errors in fine shape hit $500 to $1,000. Use a magnifying glass on the mint mark it’s like a coin puzzle worth solving.
7. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf High
From the state quarters craze, this Denver-minted one has an extra leaf on the corn husk a famous die goof. Not silver, but the error makes it pop. Low grades: $50 to $200. High ones? Up to $2,000. Kids’ piggy banks from the 2000s might cough up this green-eyed monster.
8. 1999-P Delaware Doubled Die Obverse
Philadelphia struck this state quarter with doubled “DELAWARE” and the date. Part of the 50-state series, but the error bumps it up. Starts at $100 circulated, soaring to $2,000 in mint state. Easy to miss, but a doubled word means doubled fun for your wallet.
Why do these pack such a punch? Rarity drives the price low mintages or one-in-a-million errors mean fewer to go around. Silver ones (pre-1965) add melt value, about $5 each at today’s spot. Condition matters most: no scratches, shiny luster? You’re golden. In 2025, with silver prices up and collector fever high, now’s the time to dig through that couch cushion. Head to a coin show or appraise online, but remember: these aren’t for vending machines. They’re your ticket to real money hold tight and cash in smart. Who knows, your loose change could be the next big flip.