1932 D & 1932 S Washington Quarters: A Look at These Rare U.S. Coins

TThe years 1932-D and 1932-S One of the most sought-after coins in American history is the Washington quarter. Because of their low mintages, historical relevance, and rarity, these quarters are special in the world of numismatics. Let’s examine the characteristics of these coins, their value, and some tips for collectors.Historical Background
The Standing Liberty quarter was replaced by the Washington quarter in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.

Designer: John Flanagan, whose design of a profile of Washington and a heraldic eagle is unmistakable.
Economic Conditions: The Great Depression minimized new coin demand, therefore the mintage levels were decreased especially for the Denver and San Francisco mints.

Table of Contents

Mintage Figures

The 1932 Washington quarters were produced at three mints, but the issues from the Denver and San Francisco mint, are those with the lowest mintage.

Mint Location	Mintage	Approximate Value (VG-8 Grade)
Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)	5,404,000	$8
Denver (D)	436,800	$175
San Francisco (S)	408,000	$180

Note: Values depend on market conditions and coin condition.

Design Details

John Flanagan’s design captures simplicity and elegance.

Obverse: A portrait of George Washington facing the right, with “LIBERTY” and inscribed motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $51 Million & 5 Coins Worth Over $30 Million

Reverse: A right-facing heraldic eagle perched on an arrangement of arrows with olive branch, with inscriptions written on either side “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

The factors driving value

Several attributions make the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters valuable

Rarities with lower mintages: Less than 500,000 coins were struck at each of the four facilities. This makes them considerably scarcer than other members of the series.
History: 1932 is a collector-important date since it marks the first year of the Washington quarter.
Condition: Highly graded coins, such as MS-grade, are extremely rare. This rarity commands a handsome price.
Collector demand: As key dates in the Washington quarter series, perennial favorites among numismatists, these coins consistently bring good prices at auctions.

Auction Highlights

These issues have brought record prices at auction, especially in top grades:

1932-D: In 2008, a specimen graded MS66 by PCGS brought $143,750, a record for this issue.
1932-S: A PCGS MS66 coin brought $45,500 in an online auction in 2020.

Collecting Tips

For those interested in adding these treasures to your collection, consider the following tips:

Authentication: Because of their value, counterfeits of 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are rampant. Buy coins graded by reputable third-party services like PCGS or NGC.
Condition Counts: Learn about grading standards or consult experts to grade coins accurately, as minor differences can make a huge difference in value.
Market Research: Keep up to date with market trends and recent auction results to make smart buying decisions.

Invest in a higher-grade coin: Chances are that the value will appreciate significantly in the long term.

Why These Coins Matter

The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington quarters are more than mere coins-they are a historical link to a challenging time but transforming epoch in American history. Due to their rarity and important significance, they have become top additions in many collections, attracting seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

Whether you are trying to complete a set of Washington quarters or admire their historical interest, these coins are timeless treasures that pay tribute to George Washington.