1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters: Treasured Coins of America
Both quarters were minted in 1932, the Washington 1932-D and its sister, the Washington 1932-S, with very few mintage numbers. Apart from rarity, these coins cost less than one thousand in the pocket, so are highly desirable because of their limited production. Thus, why have these coins proven significant? What value do they actually possess? What are some strategies for a collector to act on their rarity?
1 Historical Overview
The quarter was made in 1932 in memory of George Washington, as it was 200 years after his birth. It was formulated as a successor of the Standing Liberty Quarter.
- The designer: The coin was designed by John Flanagan, responsible for George Washington’s portrait and the motif of an imperial eagle, which became an icon.
- Economic Contexts: New coin minting was absolutely unnecessary during the Great Depression. Production suffered indifference in the Mint at Denver and Mint at San Francisco; thus, a considerable number of these coins were struck.
2. Mintage Figures
The 1932 Washington quarters were minted at three locations, but the coins from the Denver and San Francisco Mints are particularly rare.
| 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 |
- Mintage Numbers: Only 436,800 of the 1932-D quarters were minted from the Denver Mint, while a limited number of coins were also struck from the San Francisco Mint. These coins have become particularly rare and collectible.
- Market Variation: The price of these coins varies over time based on market demand and the condition of the coins.
3. Design Details
John Flanagan’s design is simple and beautiful:
- Obverse Side: It features a right-facing image of George Washington, along with the words “LIBERTY” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Reverse Side: It features an imperial eagle perched on bundled arrows, olive branches on either side, and the legends “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
4. Reasons for Pricing
There are several reasons driving up the price of these coins:
- Low Mintage: Due to the extremely low number of these coins minted, these coins are much rarer than other Washington quarters.
- Historical Significance: 1932 is the year the Washington quarter series began, so this coin is extremely important to coin collectors.
- Condition: Coins in higher grades (e.g., Mint State) are very rare and command higher prices.
- Collector Demand: Being the flagship year of the Washington Quarter series, these coins have always been popular with collectors.
5. Important Coins That Sold at Auction
These coins have fetched record prices at auction:
- 1932-D: In 2008, an MS66 graded 1932-D coin sold for $143,750, a record price for this coin.
- 1932-S: A PCGS MS66 graded 1932-S coin sold for $45,500 in an online auction in 2020.
Collecting Tips
If you are fitting these pieces into a collection, remember the following points:
- Authentication: The cost of these coins can almost ensure that fake ones will be found, and the only way to demonstrate that the coins are genuine-much like highly graded coins or those minted in prestigious mints-is to authenticate them.
- Condition matters: Understand grading rules or else take the assistance of experts in determining the condition of a coin as even minute differences at the time of grading can have a huge impact on value.
- Follow the market: Keep an eye on auction results and market trends to accurately assess the coin’s value.
- Invest in high quality: Investing in high-grade coins is likely to yield better value growth over the long term.
Importance of these coins
The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters are not just coins, but a priceless treasure associated with a challenging but transformative period of American history. The rarity and historical significance of these coins make them extremely valuable to any collection. Whether you are an experienced collector or a newcomer, owning these coins is a significant addition to your collection.
FAQs
Why are the 1932 D and 1932 S Washington Quarters considered rare?
How can I determine the grade of my 1932 D or 1932 S Washington Quarter?
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can assess and assign a grade to your coin, impacting its value.
Where can I sell my 1932 D or 1932 S Washington Quarter?
You can sell these coins through reputable coin dealers, online marketplaces, or at coin shows to ensure fair pricing.
