1935-D Washington Quarter Value: Price and Grading Guide
The 1935-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade mint state. As a silver coin from the early years of the Washington series, its value is driven by both its precious metal content and its status as a relatively low-mintage issue from the Denver Mint.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $5.50 – $7.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $35.00 – $50.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $160.00 – $220.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $600.00+ |
Identifying Your 1935-D Washington Quarter
If you’ve just found a shiny silver quarter dated 1935, you might be holding a small piece of American history. To determine if yours is the Denver mint version, you need to look at the reverse side of the coin, specifically under the center of the wreath that sits below the eagle.
If you see a small “D” letter, you have a 1935-D Washington Quarter. For beginners, using a free coin identifier app is the fastest way to confirm these mint marks and check for common varieties.
The 1930s were a transformative time for American currency. The Washington Quarter was originally intended to be a commemorative one-year issue for 1932, but it was so popular that it replaced the Standing Liberty Quarter permanently. By 1935, the Denver Mint produced just over 5.6 million of these coins, which is a significantly lower number compared to modern Philadelphia strikes.
When using CoinKnow, you can quickly compare your coin’s appearance to high-resolution images. This helps you understand if your coin is just “pocket change” silver or a collectible rare date that belongs in a protective slab.
Historical Context and Mintage Numbers
The 1935-D Washington Quarter is part of the early silver era, meaning it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Because of its silver content, every 1935-D quarter has a “melt value” that fluctuates with the price of precious metals.
However, because the 1935-D has a mintage of only 5,660,000, it carries a numismatic premium that far exceeds its silver weight. This was the fourth year of the Washington design, and Denver production was ramping up as the nation slowly clawed its way out of the Great Depression.
During this era, many people could not afford to save uncirculated rolls of coins. As a result, finding a 1935-D in “Mint State” condition today is quite difficult. Most of the coins found in old jars or collections today will show heavy signs of wear from being used in daily commerce for decades.
If you are curious about how the production numbers affect the current market, checking the 1935 quarter value can give you a better perspective on why the Denver mint mark often commands a higher price than the much more common Philadelphia version.
Grading Your 1935-D Washington Quarter
The value of your 1935-D Washington Quarter is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Professional graders look at the amount of detail remaining on Washington’s hair and the feathers on the eagle’s breast.
If the coin is slick and smooth with almost no detail, it is considered “Good” or “About Good.” If you can see the lines in Washington’s hair above his ear, the coin is likely in “Fine” or “Very Fine” condition.
For those aiming for high-end values, you are looking for “Mint State” (MS) coins. These have never been spent in a store and still retain their original “mint luster”—the frosty shine that comes from the minting press.
A high-grade specimen can reach impressive prices, and you can see the latest auction results for a 1935-D Washington Quarter in MS condition to see how much collectors are willing to pay for perfection.
| Grade Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) | Heavily worn; letters and date are legible but touching the rim. |
| Fine (F12) | Hairlines around the ear are visible; eagle’s breast is flat. |
| Very Fine (VF25) | Most hair details are clear; eagle feathers show some separation. |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | Trace of wear on highest points; much of the mint luster remains. |
Common Errors and Varieties to Watch For
While the 1935-D is not as famous for errors as the 1932-D or the 1937-S, there are still things to look for under a magnifying glass. Collectors often search for “re-punched mint marks” (RPM). This happens when the person at the mint struck the “D” stamp into the die twice, creating a doubled appearance.
Doubled Die Obverses (DDO) are also possible, where the date or the phrase “In God We Trust” looks slightly blurry or thickened. These errors can turn a $20 coin into a $200 coin overnight.
The best tool for a hobbyist to detect these minute details is the CoinKnow app. By using your phone’s camera, the app can zoom in and help you identify if that “blur” is a valuable error or just a scratch from circulation.
Professional collectors also look for “toning.” This is a chemical reaction of the silver with its environment that creates a rainbow or golden hue. Natural, attractive toning on a 1935-D quarter can increase its value significantly at auction, as many collectors find these more beautiful than white, blast-lustered coins.
Market Demand and Investment Potential
Is the 1935-D Washington Quarter a good investment? For many, it is a “Blue Chip” coin of the series. Because it is a 90% silver coin, it has a built-in floor price based on bullion. However, the low mintage ensures that it will always be in demand for people trying to complete a “folder” or “album” of Washington Quarters.
As time goes on, the number of 1935-D quarters in high grades decreases. Many were melted down in the 1980s when silver prices spiked, making surviving specimens even rarer. The current market shows a steady increase in value for coins graded MS-64 and higher.
If you have a collection passed down from a grandfather, it’s worth checking the dates carefully. The 1935-D is often overlooked because it isn’t an “official” key date like the 1932-D, but in high grades, it is nearly as scarce.
Using CoinKnow can help you keep an inventory of your finds so you can track how much the market fluctuates year over year. Keeping your coins in PVC-free flips or capsules is essential to preserving their value and preventing “environmental damage,” which can ruin the silver surfaces.
| Mint Year & Mark | Mintage | Rarity Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1935 (No Mark) | 32,484,000 | Common |
| 1935-D | 5,660,000 | Scarce |
| 1935-S | 5,640,000 | Scarce |
FAQs About the 1935-D Washington Quarter
Q: How can I tell if my 1935-D Washington Quarter is real silver?
A: All 1935-D quarters were minted with 90% silver. You can tell by looking at the edge of the coin; it will be a solid silver color without the copper/orange stripe found on quarters made after 1964. Additionally, silver coins have a distinct “ring” when gently dropped on a wooden surface.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1935 quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side of the coin. Look directly beneath the eagle’s tail feathers and the laurel wreath. If there is a “D”, it was made in Denver. If there is an “S”, it was made in San Francisco. A blank space indicates the Philadelphia Mint.
Q: Is it worth getting a 1935-D quarter professionally graded?
A: If you believe your coin is in “Uncirculated” condition (showing no wear at all and having a frosted look), it may be worth spending the $30-$50 for PCGS or NGC grading. For coins in “Good” or “Fine” condition, the grading cost often exceeds the value of the coin itself.
Q: What is the most expensive 1935-D quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade specimens in MS-67 condition have sold at auction for over $10,000. These are incredibly rare and represent the absolute pinnacle of preservation for this specific date and mint.
