JarSort · Inherited coin values
1932-D Washington quarter value
The 1932-D Washington quarter is the key date of the Washington series: only about 436,800 were minted at Denver in the first year, and a circulated example guides at $55–$140 in Good to Fine. A common 1932 Philadelphia quarter is worth melt ($9.76). The difference is the 'D' on the reverse — and that 'D' is frequently faked.
The three numbers that matter
Prices as of Oct 25, 2026 · Silver spot $54.00/ozt (Kitco, Oct 25, 2026) · Circulated, common date, problem-free, raw (uncertified) unless stated
The 1932-D is 'by far the rarest of the Washington quarters' (PCGS) — not because its mintage is the lowest (the 1932-S is lower at 408,000), but because almost none survived in high grade: most went into Depression-era circulation. Uncirculated examples run $800–$12,000+.
How to tell it
Read the date: 1932. Then flip the coin: the mint mark is on the reverse, below the wreath, just above the 'R' in 'QUARTER'. A 'D' there means Denver. The genuine 1932-D has a distinctive 'Small D' punch that looks slightly blob-like or filled — use a loupe. No mint mark means Philadelphia (melt value).
The fake problem
Added 'D' mint marks on Philadelphia 1932 quarters are the most common fake in this series. A genuine 1932-D in Good starts around $55; a Philadelphia 1932 is worth $9.76 in melt. That gap is why fakes exist — and why certification (PCGS/NGC) is worth the fee before you sell.
What to do with it
- Do not clean it.
- Get it certified if it looks uncirculated or better — the grade multiplies the price by 10× or more.
- Get two offers.
No signup wall for your first coin. No AI photo recognition is claimed or used — you confirm year and mint mark yourself.