1936 Quarter Value Guide
In 1931, Congress approved the creation of a commemorative quarter to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday. This one-year issue became the permanent design, replacing the Standing Liberty quarter in 1934. Today, the Washington quarter remains one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage. The 1936 quarter holds a relatively high value due to its age and silver content, though its large mintage makes it more accessible than other rare coins. Some special examples, however, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. Let’s take a look.
1936 Quarter Value Chart
| Condition | 1936 No Mint Mark Quarter | 1936 D Quarter | 1936 S Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | $6.24 | $15 | $6.24 |
| Very Good | $6.24 | $24 | $6.24 |
| Fine | $6.24 | $29 | $8.36 |
| Very Fine | $6.24 | $41 | $10.85 |
| Extra Fine | $7.42 | $65 | $15 |
| AU | $9.60 | $287 | $57 |
| MS 60 | $29 | $585 | $136 |
| MS 65 | $136 | $1,228 | $373 |
| PR 65 | $1,657 | / | / |
1936 Washington Quarter Value Breakdown
Despite the high production of 50,505,837 quarters in 1936, the Philadelphia mint struck the majority, including all proof coins. The remaining mints produced significantly fewer coins that year, contributing to the rarity of certain pieces.
1936 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter
The Philadelphia mint produced 41,300,000 regular strikes of the 1936 quarter. Given their age, these coins are valued significantly higher than their face value.
| Condition | 1936 No Mint Mark Quarter |
|---|---|
| Good | $5.14 |
| Very Good | $5.14 |
| Fine | $5.64 to $7.80 |
| Very Fine | $7.25 to $10.80 |
| Extra Fine | $9.50 to $12 |
| AU | $12 to $19.20 |
| MS 60 | $20 to $24 |
| MS 61 | $21 to $25.20 |
| MS 62 | $22 to $26.40 |
| MS 63 | $25 to $30 |
| MS 64 | $30 to $36 |
| MS 65 | $65 to $78 |
| MS 66 | $85 to $115 |
| MS 67 | $265 to $360 |
| MS 68 | / |
Coins from this mint can range from $5 to $20 for circulated specimens, and uncirculated pieces typically range from $20 to $350. Rare uncirculated examples, like an MS 68-grade coin, can command prices as high as $9,000.
1936 Washington Proof Quarter
The Philadelphia mint also produced 3,837 proof quarters in 1936. These coins are now highly valued due to their low mintage and exceptional quality.
| Condition | 1936 Proof Quarter |
|---|---|
| PR 60 | $400 to $480 |
| PR 61 | $440 to $528 |
| PR 62 | $480 to $576 |
| PR 63 | $525 to $630 |
| PR 64 | $575 to $690 |
| PR 65 | $700 to $840 |
| PR 66 | $1,000 to $1,200 |
| PR 67 | $5,000 to $6,000 |
Proof coins, especially those in PR 67, can fetch $5,000 to $6,000. One of these coins sold for $10,925 at auction in 2002, setting an auction record.
1936 D Washington Quarter
The Denver mint produced 5,374,000 quarters in 1936. While low-grade examples are priced similarly to those from Philadelphia, higher-grade Denver mint quarters can be more expensive.
| Condition | 1936 D Quarter |
|---|---|
| Good | $5.14 |
| Very Good | $5.64 to $6.14 |
| Fine | $8 to $18 |
| Very Fine | $22.50 to $48 |
| Extra Fine | $50 to $102 |
| AU | $125 to $408 |
| MS 60 | $490 to $588 |
| MS 61 | $510 to $612 |
| MS 62 | $520 to $624 |
| MS 63 | $540 to $648 |
| MS 64 | $600 to $700 |
| MS 65 | $760 to $912 |
| MS 66 | $900 to $1,080 |
| MS 67 | $2,600 to $3,000 |
The most expensive 1936 D quarter sold for $17,250 in 2004, highlighting the value of high-quality examples.
1936 S Washington Quarter
The San Francisco mint produced 3,828,000 quarters in 1936, making these the rarest and most expensive of the series. Prices for well-preserved specimens range from $85 to $1,100, while coins in MS 68 condition can fetch $25,000 to $31,000.
The highest recorded sale was $31,200 in 2021, setting a new auction record.
1936 Washington Quarter Errors
While error coins are not common among 1936 Washington quarters, there are a few notable examples that can command premium prices.
1936 Washington Quarter Doubled Die
One of the most famous errors in this series is the doubled die, where the die strikes the coin multiple times, resulting in visible doubling of the date or lettering. An MS 66 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) sold for $6,600 at auction in 2018.
| Condition | 1936 DDO Quarter |
|---|---|
| MS 62 | $900 to $1,080 |
| MS 63 | $1,100 to $1,320 |
| MS 64 | $1,300 to $1,560 |
| MS 65 | $1,600 to $1,920 |
| MS 66 | $2,600 to $3,250 |
Off-Center Errors
Off-center errors, where the die strikes the coin off-center, can vary from 5% to 99%. Coins with a 50% error are particularly desirable. Some rare examples feature both off-center and doubled die errors, making them exceptionally collectible.
History of the 1936 Washington Quarter
The 1936 Washington quarter replaced the Standing Liberty quarter and was minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver. This coin marked Washington’s 200th birthday and is made from 90% silver. Over time, these coins have become valuable due to their age, composition, and historical significance.
How to Identify the 1936 Washington Quarter
The 1936 Washington quarter is easily identifiable by its silver composition and the distinctive design featuring George Washington’s bust on the obverse and an American bald eagle on the reverse. The mint mark (S or D) can be found beneath the olive branches on the reverse.
Conclusion
Although the 1936 Washington quarter is not particularly rare, coins in excellent condition or with errors can fetch high prices. The highest-value pieces come from the San Francisco mint, particularly in MS 68 condition, with prices reaching up to $31,200 at auctions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this coin is a significant part of American numismatic history.
FAQ
What is the value of a 1936 Washington Quarter?
The value of a 1936 Washington Quarter depends on its condition and mint mark. For example, a 1936 No Mint Mark quarter in good condition may be worth around $5 to $6, while a higher-grade coin can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How many 1936 Washington Quarters were minted?
A total of 50,505,837 1936 Washington Quarters were minted, with the majority coming from the Philadelphia Mint, followed by smaller quantities from the San Francisco and Denver Mints.
What makes the 1936 Washington Quarter valuable?
The 1936 Washington Quarter is valuable because of its age, historical significance, and silver content. Coins in better condition, especially those with higher grades or special mint marks, can command higher prices.
Are there any rare errors on the 1936 Washington Quarter?
Yes, there are a few error coins, such as the doubled die obverse and off-center errors. These pieces are rarer and can be more expensive, with some selling for thousands of dollars.