"Is My Washington Quarter Worth More Than Face Value?"
If you’ve got a few Washington quarters rattling around in your spare change jar, you might be wondering: Is my quarter worth more than just 25 cents? While most quarters are just worth face value, some can actually fetch a premium in the right market. You see, there are a variety of quarters that are considered valuable due to errors, rare minting dates, or special features. But don't worry, you don’t have to be a coin expert to spot the ones that might be worth more. In this article, we’ll focus on two types of quarters that are relatively easy to identify: silver quarters and W quarters.
1. Silver Quarters: Pre-1965 Coins
The first type of Washington quarter that could be worth more than face value are those minted in 1964 or earlier. These coins are made of 90% silver, which gives them intrinsic value beyond their face value. So, if you have a quarter from before 1965, it’ll be worth more than 25 cents due to its silver content.
Here’s why: In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from using silver to a copper-nickel clad composition for quarters. Before this shift, quarters were made of 90% silver and 10% copper, meaning they contained a valuable amount of precious metal. As silver prices have risen over the years, the value of these older quarters has followed suit. As of recent silver prices, a 1964 Washington quarter can be worth anywhere from $4 to $6 or more, depending on the current price of silver. Reach out to a C.W. Coins representative to get current pricing.
How to identify a silver quarter:
Look for the mint year on the coin. If it’s from 1964 or earlier, it’s silver!
You can also do a "magnet test." Silver is non-magnetic, so if the quarter sticks to a magnet, it’s not silver.
2. W Quarters: Specially Minted at West Point
Another type of quarter that’s worth more than face value is the W quarter. These coins were minted at the West Point Mint, which is known for producing gold and silver bullion coins, but in recent years, it has been used to strike limited-edition quarters as well. Since 2019, the U.S. Mint has been releasing quarters with a "W" mintmark (standing for West Point), and these have been highly sought after by collectors.
W quarters were introduced as part of the U.S. Mint’s special coin programs, starting with the America the Beautiful series. Some W quarters were even released into general circulation, though in very small numbers, making them rare finds. If you’re lucky enough to come across one, you could be sitting on a valuable coin.
How to identify a W quarter:
Look for the "W" mintmark on the reverse side of the coin (near the bottom).
Keep an eye out for quarters from the 2019–2020 America the Beautiful series, as these are the first ones to feature the "W" mintmark.
W quarters have gained a lot of attention in the numismatic community, and depending on the year and condition, they can be worth anywhere from a few dollars to much more. Some rare varieties, especially in uncirculated or mint condition, can command even higher prices.
Are Your Quarters Worth More?
While most quarters in circulation are worth face value, it’s definitely worth checking your coin collection for silver quarters (1964 and earlier) and W quarters minted at West Point. These two types are easy to identify and can provide you with a bit more than 25 cents if you're lucky enough to find one. If you have a collection of older quarters or a few America the Beautiful series coins, be sure to check for those valuable "W" mintmarks!
Of course, coin values can fluctuate, so it’s always a good idea to keep up with current market trends and reach out to a coin dealer for a professional appraisal if you think you’ve stumbled upon something special. Happy hunting, and keep those quarters safe!
Contact us today!
If you're interested in learning more about valuable coins or need help identifying coins in your collection, feel free to reach out to us. At C.W. Coins, we specialize in providing coin enthusiasts with reliable information, buying services, and expert advice. Check out our collection of rare coins for sale or get in touch to discuss your own.
Caleb Watson, owner & founder, C.W. Coins
