Silver Washington Quarters (1932 to 1964): Key Dates and Varieties
Washington quarters from 1932 to 1964 are 90% silver. Learn the key 1932-D and 1932-S, the best varieties, and how to spot silver quarters fast.
The Washington quarter has been around since 1932, and every one made through 1964 is 90% silver. Silver Washington quarters are some of the most common silver coins in old jars and collections, and a couple of dates from the very first year are genuinely scarce.
The Basics
- First made in 1932 for the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth
- Designed by John Flanagan
- 1932 to 1964: 90% silver, about 0.18 troy ounces each
- 1965 on: copper-nickel clad
- No quarters were made in 1933
- Struck at Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). On silver quarters, the mint mark is on the back, below the eagle.
The Key Dates: 1932-D and 1932-S
The two keys of the series come from the first year:
- 1932-D: About 436,800 made
- 1932-S: About 408,000 made
Both are scarce in any condition and worth far more than their silver. Because they’re valuable, fakes and added mint marks exist, so have them checked.
Varieties Worth Looking For
- 1934 and 1937 Doubled Die Obverse: Doubling on the lettering, especially IN GOD WE TRUST.
- 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D: “Over mint mark” varieties where one mint mark was punched over another.
- 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse: Doubling on LIBERTY and the date.
You’ll need a magnifier to check these.
What Common Dates Are Worth
Most silver Washington quarters from the 1940s through 1964 are common and trade for their silver content. Uncirculated coins from the 1930s can bring a premium. Late dates like 1959 to 1964 are so common that even uncirculated ones usually trade for about their silver value. See how to tell if a coin is silver for quick ways to sort them.
More guides: Standing Liberty quarters, state quarters, Bicentennial coins, junk silver.
The Bottom Line
Every Washington quarter dated 1964 or earlier is 90% silver. Check for the 1932-D and 1932-S first, then look for the doubled dies and over mint mark varieties. The rest are worth their silver.
Found silver quarters? JoCo Coin Shop offers honest, no-obligation appraisals across the Kansas City area. Contact me by phone, text, or email to get started.
