Top 3 Most Valuable Washington Quarters: Rare Dates Worth Up to $22,500

These Silver & Clad Quarters Command Five-Figure Prices – Here’s Why

While most quarters are worth face value, these three Washington issues have sold for over $20,000 at auction due to their exceptional rarity in pristine condition. Discover how to identify these valuable coins in your collection.

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1. 1966 Clad Washington Quarter

💰 Record Sale: $21,000 (PCGS MS68+)

The Transition-Year Rarity

Why It’s Valuable:

• First Year of Clad Composition (1965-1998)
• Low Survival Rate in Gem Condition: Few saved due to heavy circulation
• Population Report: Only 3 graded MS68+ by PCGS

Key Features:

• Weight: 5.67g (copper-nickel clad)
• Edge: Reeded (119 reeds)
• No Mintmark (Philadelphia issue)
• Mirror-Like Fields in top grades

Pro Tip: Look for original red-and-blue mint packaging

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2. 1953-D Silver Washington Quarter

💰 Record Sale: $21,500 (PCGS MS68)

The Denver Mint Gem

What Makes It Special:

• 90% Silver Composition (pre-1965)
• Low Mintage: 56 million (few survived uncirculated)
• Condition Rarity: Only 5 graded MS68 by PCGS

Authentication Points:

• Mintmark: “D” below wreath
• Weight: 6.25g (0.1808 oz silver)
• Full Head Details: Clear separation in hair

Market Alert: Even AU55 examples sell for 500−500−800

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3. 1949-D Silver Washington Quarter

💰 Record Sale: $22,500 (NGC MS68)

The Post-War Key Date

Why Collectors Pay Premiums:

• Denver Mint Rarity: 52 million minted (most heavily circulated)
• Full Head Specimens: Extremely rare in high grades
• Population: Only 2 graded MS68 by NGC

Grading Spectrum:

Grade	Value Range
MS68	20,000−20,000−22,500
MS67	8,000−8,000−10,000
MS65	1,500−1,500−2,000

Recent Find: A collector discovered an MS66 in an old roll – sold for $6,900

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Where These Treasures Hide

Best Hunting Methods:

1. Original Bank Rolls (especially silver-era rolls)
2. Estate Sales (look for 1950s-60s collections)
3. Coin Dealer Inventory (ask for “sleeper” quarters)

Red Flags:

❌ Cleaned or polished surfaces
❌ Artificial toning
❌ Altered mintmarks

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Professional Authentication

Critical Verification Steps:

1. Weigh Precisely (±0.05g tolerance)
2. Magnify Mintmark (check for alterations)
3. Certification Essential (PCGS/NGC for top value)

Grading Costs:

• PCGS: 50−50−150 (worth it for potential $10k+ coins)
• NGC: 40−40−120

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Where to Sell for Top Dollar

Best Platforms:

Value Range	Best Venue	Fees
1k−1k−10k	Heritage Auctions	15%
$10k+	Stack’s Bowers	10%
<$1k	eBay	12.9%

Selling Tip: Highlight population reports in listings

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Free Quarter Evaluation

Think you have a rare Washington quarter? Email photos to:
📧 quarters@pennyverse.info
Subject: “RARE QUARTER CHECK”

We’ll provide:
✔ Free condition assessment
✔ Current market valuation
✔ Selling recommendations

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