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The 1935-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $5 in worn condition to over $1,500 in pristine mint state. While most found in pocket change show heavy wear, this Denver-minted treasure remains a favorite for collectors due to its relatively low mintage compared to modern quarters.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $5.50 – $7.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $45.00 – $65.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $150.00 – $220.00 |
| Gem Mint (MS-65+) | $600.00 – $1,750+ |
Identifying the 1935-D Washington Quarter Mint Mark
In 1935, the United States Mint produced quarters at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. If you want to know the true 1935-D Washington Quarter value, you first need to confirm you have the Denver “D” version.
The “D” mint mark is a small letter located on the reverse (back) of the coin. You can find it directly below the center of the eagle, right above the letters “R” and “” in the word “QUARTER.” If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is an “S,” it’s from San Francisco.
Identifying these small marks can be tricky if the coin is dirty or worn. Many collectors use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on these details. By using CoinKnow, you can quickly snap a photo and verify the mint mark and general variety of your coin within seconds, ensuring you don’t mistake a common version for a rare Denver mint strike.
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Factors That Determine 1935 Denver Quarter Value
The primary factor driving the price of a 1935-D quarter is its condition, or “grade.” Because silver is a soft metal, these coins wore down quickly in circulation. Most 1935-D quarters you find today will likely be “Good” or “Very Good,” meaning the fine details of Washington’s hair and the eagle’s feathers have smoothed over.
Rarity also plays a major role. Only about 5.7 million 1935-D quarters were minted. While this sounds like a lot, it is significantly less than the 32 million produced in Philadelphia that same year. Because fewer were made, the Denver version commands a higher premium across all grades.
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Another factor is the current price of silver. Each of these quarters is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means that even if a coin is so worn that collectors aren’t interested, it still has “melt value.” You can track the latest 1935 quarter value to see how the silver market impacts the floor price of your collection.
| Mint Location | Mintage Figure | Average Value (Circulated) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mark) | 32,484,000 | $6.00 |
| Denver (D) | 5,780,000 | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| San Francisco (S) | 5,660,000 | $7.00 – $12.00 |
Grading Your 1935-D Washington Quarter: What to Look For
To understand the difference between a $10 coin and a $500 coin, you must look at the specific wear patterns. Grading is a subjective art, but professional services like PCGS and NGC have set high standards for what constitutes a “Mint State” coin.
For a 1935-D quarter to reach high valuations, it must have its original “mint luster”—the frosty sheen that appears on coins when they are first struck. If the coin looks dull or grey, it has likely been circulated. Check Washington’s cheekbone and the hair above his ear; these are the first spots to wear down.
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On the reverse, look at the eagle’s breast feathers. If the feathers are distinct and sharp, you might have a high-grade specimen. You can check the 1935-D quarter value in mint state to see current auction records for coins that have survived in perfect condition. Many users find that using CoinKnow helps them compare their coin’s appearance to high-resolution graded examples on their phone.
Special Varieties and Errors to Spot
While the 1935-D isn’t as famous for errors as the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel, there are still interesting varieties that can boost the price. Double Die Obverses (DDO) are the most sought-after errors. On a DDO coin, you might see slight doubling in the letters of “IN GOD WE TRUST” or the date.
Another thing to look for is “Repunched Mint Marks” (RPM). This happens when the “D” was stamped into the die twice, often at slightly different angles. While these variations are subtle and usually require a magnifying glass, they can add 20% to 50% to the coin’s value for the right buyer.
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Keep an eye out for “die cracks” as well. These appear as raised lines of metal on the surface of the coin where the coin die began to break. While common on older coins, large or unique die cracks can make a 1935 Denver quarter more attractive to error collectors.
The Investment Potential of the 1935-D Quarter
Is the 1935-D Washington Quarter a good investment? For many “everyday” collectors, it is a solid entry-point into the world of numismatics. Because it is a 90% silver coin, it will always hold a baseline value regardless of the collector market’s whims.
However, the real investment potential lies in “Condition Rarity.” Because Denver quarters from the 1930s were often used heavily in commerce, finding one in MS-66 or MS-67 condition is incredibly difficult. These coins are far rarer than their mintage numbers suggest.
If you are thinking about selling or buying for investment, using an app like CoinKnow can help you track price trends over time. Seeing how the market moves for early Washington quarters can help you decide whether to hold onto your find or sell it while the silver market is high.
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| Year of Sale | Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | MS-67 | $2,400 |
| 2021 | MS-66 | $850 |
| 2023 | AU-58 | $95 |
Conclusion: What Should You Do With Your 1935-D Quarter?
If you’ve discovered a 1935-D Washington Quarter in an old jar or a family collection, the first step is to protect it. Avoid cleaning the coin! Scrubbing a vintage silver coin can actually destroy its collector value, even if it looks “shinier” afterward. Collectors prefer the natural patina or “toning” that develops over decades.
Once you’ve identified the mint mark and checked the general condition, determine if it’s worth professional grading. Generally, unless the coin looks like it just came from the bank (no wear at all), it’s usually not worth the $30-$50 fee for professional grading.
For most people, these coins are wonderful pieces of American history. They represent the era of the Great Depression and the early years of one of America’s most iconic coin designs. Whether it’s a $10 treasure or a $1,000 rarity, the 1935-D Washington Quarter is a classic piece of silver that every collector should be proud to own.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1935-D Washington Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Washington Quarters minted from 1932 through 1964 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The 1935-D contains approximately 0.1808 ounces of pure silver.
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Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1935-D quarter?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, below the eagle’s tail feathers and above the “ER” in the word “QUARTER.” The “D” stands for the Denver Mint.
Q: How much is a heavily worn 1935-D quarter worth?
A: Even in poor condition, a 1935-D quarter is worth its weight in silver. Typically, a heavily worn or “cull” coin will sell for $5 to $7, depending on the current spot price of silver.
Q: What is the most expensive 1935-D quarter ever sold?
A: High-grade examples in MS-67 or better have sold for over $5,000 at major auctions. These coins are exceptionally rare and feature perfect surfaces with original mint luster.