1935-S Washington Quarter Value: Price Guide for Collectors
The 1935-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these silver treasures in your change or an old jar is an exciting discovery, as it contains both historical significance and precious metal value.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $8.00 – $12.00 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $18.00 – $25.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $55.00 – $75.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-65+) | $250.00 – $600.00+ |
Why the 1935-S San Francisco Quarter is Special
The 1935-S Washington Quarter was minted during the early years of this iconic series, which first began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. While millions of these coins were produced across various mints, those bearing the “S” mint mark from San Francisco often carry a premium.
If you aren’t sure if your coin is a winner, you can use a free coin identifier app to instantly determine the mint mark location and basic variety. In 1935, the United States was still clawing its way out of the Great Depression, and silver quarters were a significant amount of money for a daily worker.
Collectors prize the 1935-S because it had a relatively lower mintage compared to the Philadelphia mint of the same year. While not a “key date” in the vein of the 1932-S, it is considered a “semi-key” date that adds value to any basic collection. Using CoinKnow can help you keep track of these subtle differences in mintage figures and market demand.
How to Identify the Mint Mark on a 1935 Quarter
To determine the true value of your 1935 quarter, you must first locate the mint mark. On the Washington Quarter series minted before 1964, the mint mark is located on the reverse (tails) side. Look specifically just below the eagle’s wreath and right above the “R” in the word “QUARTER.”
If you see a small “S,” your coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint. If the area is blank, it was minted in Philadelphia. If you see a “D,” it came from Denver. The “S” mark is particularly desirable because the San Francisco facility historically produced fewer coins for circulation.
Identifying these small letters is easy with the CoinKnow scanning feature, which magnifies the details for you. Knowing the exact mint mark is crucial because the current value of a 1935 Washington Quarter changes significantly based on where it was born.
Grading the Condition of Your 1935-S Silver Quarter
Coin grading is the most influential factor in determining price. A coin that has been passed around in pockets for decades will be worth far less than one that has been kept in a velvet box. For the 1935-S, the jump in price from “Circulated” to “Mint State” is quite dramatic.
“Good” condition means the coin is very worn, with the tops of the letters touching the rim. “Fine” condition shows some detail in Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. “Extremely Fine” coins show only light wear on the highest points, such as the cheekbone and the eagle’s breast.
| Grade Designation | Visual Description | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, outlines visible. | $5.50 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, half hair detail. | $15.00 |
| AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | Traces of wear only. | $40.00 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | No wear, original luster. | $110.00 |
Silver Content and Melt Value for 1935 Quarters
Even if your 1935-S quarter is so worn that the date is barely visible, it still holds intrinsic value. This is because all quarters minted before 1965 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.
When silver prices rise, the “melt value” of these coins acts as a price floor. You will never get less than the value of the silver metal itself. For many everyday Americans, these coins are a “hedge” against inflation and a great way to start a precious metals portfolio.
You can check the daily silver spot price within CoinKnow to see how your collection’s base value is trending. However, for a 1935-S, the numismatic (collector) value is almost always higher than the raw silver value, so don’t ever sell it to a “we buy gold” shop for just the weight!
Rare Errors and Varieties for the 1935 Washington Quarter
While the 1935-S is mostly sought after for its mint mark and condition, there are some minor varieties that catch the eye of specialists. These include “doubled die” errors, where the coin was struck by a die that had a misaligned image, resulting in a blurred or “doubled” appearance on the lettering or the date.
Check the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse. If you see clear doubling of the letters, you might have a rare variety. While no major “mega-errors” are commonly associated with this specific year and mint, any unique striking anomaly can push the price up significantly.
The 1935-S Washington Quarter auction records show that coins with “full luster” and very few scratches are the ones that break records. Even a tiny error on a high-grade coin can make it a centerpiece of a rare coin auction.
Market Trends and Selling Your 1935-S Quarter
The market for silver Washington Quarters is currently very stable. As more people look into “junk silver” as an investment, circulated 1935-S quarters have seen a steady uptick in price. For those holding high-grade specimens, the market is even more lucrative, as serious collectors are always looking to upgrade their registry sets.
When selling, it is best to avoid pawn shops. Instead, look for local coin dealers or reputable online auction sites. If you think your coin is in “Mint State” (meaning it looks brand new), consider having it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC.
A graded 1935-S in MS-66 can sell for over $1,000 in the right environment. Always do your research and compare your coin to high-resolution photos of graded examples before settling on a price. Tools like CoinKnow can provide historical sales data to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1935-S Washington Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, it is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This was the standard for all U.S. quarters from 1932 through 1964.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1935-S quarter?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, directly below the eagle’s wreath and above the “R” in “QUARTER.”
Q: How much silver is in a 1935 quarter?
A: A 1935 quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. Its value will always be at least what that amount of silver is worth on the market.
Q: Should I clean my 1935-S Washington Quarter to make it worth more?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that collectors can easily spot, and it can reduce the value of a rare coin by 50% or more. Genuine “patina” or toning is much more valuable.
Q: What is the most expensive 1935-S quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade examples in MS-67 condition have sold for several thousand dollars at major auctions. The value depends entirely on the “eye appeal” and the lack of surface marks.
