As a seasoned numismatist with over 30 years of experience specializing in 20th century U.S. coinage, I'm often asked about the value of specific coins. One that frequently comes up is the 1935 Washington Quarter. This seemingly ordinary coin can hold surprising value, depending on various factors. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the fascinating world of the 1935 quarter and uncover its true worth.
Historical Context: The 1935 Quarter in Its Time
To fully appreciate the 1935 quarter, we must first understand its historical context:
- Minted during the Great Depression era
- Part of the early Washington Quarter series, which began in 1932
- Represented a time of economic recovery under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs
The Washington Quarter design, created by sculptor John Flanagan, was chosen to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Its enduring design has made it a favorite among collectors and a staple of American coinage for nearly a century.
Physical Characteristics of the 1935 Quarter
Before diving into valuation, let's examine the coin's specifications:
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 6.25 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Obverse: Profile of George Washington
- Reverse: Eagle with outstretched wings
Mintage Figures and Mint Marks
The 1935 quarter was produced at three different mints, each with varying mintage numbers:
| Mint Location | Mint Mark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 32,484,000 |
| Denver | D | 5,780,000 |
| San Francisco | S | 5,660,000 |
These mintage figures play a crucial role in determining rarity and, consequently, value. The Philadelphia mint produced significantly more coins, making them generally less valuable than their Denver and San Francisco counterparts.
Grading the 1935 Quarter: The Key to Valuation
The condition of a coin is paramount in determining its value. The American Numismatic Association's (ANA) Sheldon Scale is the industry standard for grading coins:
- Poor (P-1) to About Good (AG-3)
- Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8)
- Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20)
- Extremely Fine (EF-40) to About Uncirculated (AU-50)
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70)
Let's break down what to look for in each grade:
Poor to About Good (P-1 to AG-3)
- Heavily worn with major details obscured
- Date may be barely visible
- Rim might be worn into the lettering
Good to Very Good (G-4 to VG-8)
- All major features visible but flattened
- Date clear but worn
- Rim distinct from the field
Fine to Very Fine (F-12 to VF-20)
- All lettering and major features clear
- Some mint luster may remain in protected areas
- Washington's hair shows some detail
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (EF-40 to AU-50)
- Sharp detail with slight wear on high points
- Majority of mint luster intact
- Minor contact marks present
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70)
- No wear from circulation
- Full mint luster present
- Varying degrees of contact marks and eye appeal
Comprehensive Value Guide for the 1935 Quarter
Using data from recent auction results and price guides, here's a detailed breakdown of 1935 quarter values based on mint mark and condition:
| Grade | 1935 (P) | 1935-D | 1935-S |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $5-$7 | $6-$8 | $6-$8 |
| VG-8 | $6-$8 | $8-$10 | $8-$10 |
| F-12 | $7-$10 | $12-$15 | $10-$12 |
| VF-20 | $10-$12 | $20-$25 | $15-$20 |
| EF-40 | $15-$20 | $50-$60 | $30-$40 |
| AU-50 | $20-$25 | $80-$100 | $50-$60 |
| MS-60 | $30-$40 | $200-$250 | $100-$125 |
| MS-63 | $50-$60 | $300-$350 | $150-$200 |
| MS-65 | $100-$125 | $400-$500 | $250-$300 |
| MS-67 | $500-$600 | $2000-$2500 | $1000-$1250 |
Note: These values are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions and individual coin characteristics.
Rare Varieties and Errors: The Hidden Treasures
While most 1935 quarters are common, certain varieties and errors can command premium prices:
1935 Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Doubling visible on lettering or Washington's profile
- Value: $100-$500 depending on grade and prominence of doubling
1935 Off-Center Strike
- Part of the design missing due to misaligned dies
- Value: $50-$200 for minor off-center strikes, $500+ for major ones
1935 Broadstrike
- Struck without a collar, resulting in a larger, thinner coin
- Value: $100-$300 depending on condition
1935 Repunched Mint Mark
- Visible doubling or overlapping of the D or S mint mark
- Value: $50-$150 premium over normal examples
Factors Influencing the 1935 Quarter's Value
Several key factors determine a 1935 quarter's worth:
- Mint Mark: Denver and San Francisco issues typically command higher prices due to lower mintages.
- Condition: Higher grades significantly increase value, especially for Mint State coins.
- Rarity: Certain errors or varieties are scarcer and thus more valuable.
- Historical Significance: As an early Washington Quarter, it holds appeal for collectors of Depression-era coinage.
- Silver Content: At minimum, the coin is worth its weight in silver (approximately 5.63 grams of pure silver).
How to Identify a Valuable 1935 Quarter
To determine if your 1935 quarter is worth more than its silver melt value:
- Check the mint mark on the reverse, below the eagle.
- Examine overall condition, focusing on high points like Washington's cheek and hair.
- Look for any errors or die varieties using a magnifying glass.
- Compare your coin to high-resolution photos of graded examples.
- Consider having valuable specimens authenticated by a professional grading service.
Preservation Tips for Your 1935 Quarter
Proper care is essential to maintain your coin's value:
- Handle coins by their edges, avoiding contact with the faces.
- Store in non-PVC holders or albums designed for long-term coin storage.
- Keep coins in a cool, dry environment to prevent toning or corrosion.
- Never clean your coins, as this can severely damage the surface and reduce value.
- Consider professional conservation for valuable specimens showing signs of damage or corrosion.
The Market for 1935 Quarters: Past, Present, and Future
Understanding market trends can help collectors make informed decisions:
Historical Price Trends
- Prices for high-grade examples have steadily increased over the past few decades.
- The 2001-2011 silver boom saw increased interest in all silver coinage.
Current Market Conditions
- Strong demand for high-grade, certified examples.
- Increased interest in early Washington Quarters as the series approaches its centennial.
Future Outlook
- Potential for continued appreciation, especially for top-grade coins.
- Growing interest in vintage U.S. coinage among international collectors.
Where to Buy and Sell 1935 Quarters
For those looking to acquire or dispose of 1935 quarters:
Buying
- Reputable coin dealers (online or local)
- Major coin shows
- Online marketplaces like eBay (exercise caution and buy from reputable sellers)
- Auction houses for rare, high-grade examples
Selling
- Local coin shops (convenient but may offer lower prices)
- Online auctions (wider audience but fees apply)
- Coin shows (access to multiple dealers)
- Direct to collectors through forums or social media
Always research current market values and get multiple opinions before making significant purchases or sales.
The 1935 Quarter in a Broader Collection Context
For many collectors, the 1935 quarter is part of a larger collection strategy:
- Washington Quarter Date Set: Collecting one example from each year of issue.
- Mint Mark Set: Acquiring Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco issues for each year.
- Depression-Era Type Set: Including coins from various denominations minted during the 1930s.
- Silver Washington Quarter Set: Focusing on the 90% silver issues from 1932-1964.
Conclusion: Is Your 1935 Quarter a Hidden Gem?
While most 1935 quarters in circulation are worth their silver content (about $3-$4 at current prices), high-grade examples and rare varieties can be surprisingly valuable. A well-preserved 1935-D or 1935-S quarter could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the right collector.
Remember, the value of coin collecting extends beyond monetary worth. Each 1935 quarter is a tangible piece of American history, representing a time of national perseverance and recovery. Whether your coin is worth $5 or $5,000, it's a fascinating artifact worthy of appreciation and preservation.
As we approach the Washington Quarter's centennial in 2032, interest in early issues like the 1935 quarter is likely to grow. By understanding what makes these coins special, you're better equipped to spot potential treasures and make informed collecting decisions.
Happy hunting, and may your coin collection grow in both value and historical significance!
