1935-S Washington Quarter Value: Guide to Grades and Prices

The 1935-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in heavily circulated condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these silver treasures in your change or an old jar is an exciting discovery, as its value is tied to both silver content and rarity.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Good (G-4)	$6.00 – $8.00
Fine (F-12)	$12.00 – $15.00
Extremely Fine (XF-45)	$35.00 – $45.00
Uncirculated (MS-60)	$115.00 – $140.00
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+)	$550.00 – $1,200+

Why the 1935-S Washington Quarter is a Collector Favorite

The Washington Quarter series began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. By 1935, the United States was still clawing its way out of the Great Depression, and mintages were relatively low compared to modern standards. The San Francisco Mint, denoted by the small “S” on the reverse, produced significantly fewer coins than Philadelphia that year. If you aren’t sure if your coin has the right mark, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mintmark’s location.

Collectors seek the 1935-S because it represents an early “branch mint” issue of a classic American design. Because many of these coins circulated heavily during hard economic times, finding one in pristine condition is a challenge. Many Americans use the CoinKnow app to verify if their quarters are the rare 1935-S variety or the more common Philadelphia version. The distinct luster and sharp strike characteristic of San Francisco coins make them a standout in any collection.

When examining your coin, look for the “S” mintmark located directly below the eagle on the reverse side. This tiny letter makes a massive difference in price. In today’s market, even a worn 1935-S is worth several times its face value simply because of its 90% silver composition. However, the true numismatic premium comes from the coin’s scarcity in higher grades, making it a “semi-key” date for the series.

Understanding the Silver Content and Melt Value

Before diving into collector premiums, it is important to realize that every 1935-S Washington Quarter is worth at least “melt value.” These quarters were minted from an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. When silver prices are high, the base metal value of the coin provides a “floor” for the 1935 quarter value, ensuring it will never be worth just twenty-five cents again.

As of current market rates, the silver in a 1935-S quarter is worth roughly $4 to $5. However, because the San Francisco mintage was only 5,660,000—quite low for the series—the collector value almost always exceeds the melt price. When you use CoinKnow, you can track real-time silver fluctuations to see how they impact your coin’s base worth.

For coins that are heavily damaged, holed, or bent, the silver value might be the only value they possess. But for the vast majority of 1935-S quarters found in collections, the “S” mintmark adds a historical premium. It represents a time when money was scarce and the San Francisco Mint was producing high-quality coinage for the Western United States.

Grading Your 1935-S Quarter: From Good to Mint State

The most critical factor in determining the price of your 1935-S Washington Quarter is its grade. Professional grading scales run from 1 to 70. For a beginner, the goal is to categorize the coin into broad groups like “Good,” “Fine,” or “Uncirculated.” A coin that has been sitting in a drawer for 80 years might look dull, but if it has no wear on Washington’s hair or the eagle’s breast feathers, it could be a “Mint State” treasure.

In “Good” condition, the outlines of the design are clear, but the fine details like the lines in Washington’s hair are worn smooth. In “Fine” condition, you can start to see some of the details in the hair around the ear. By the time a coin reaches “Extremely Fine,” most of the detail is present, with only light wear on the highest points. Detailed 1935-S Washington Quarter price data for MS grades shows that even a small jump in quality can double the value.

Grade Group	Key Visual Indicators	Price Range
Circulated (G to F)	Heavy wear, flat hair, smooth eagle breast	$6 – $18
About Uncirculated (AU)	Trace wear on hair and eagle’s wings	$60 – $85
Mint State (MS-60 to 63)	No wear, some bag marks or scratches	$115 – $225
Gem (MS-65+)	Full luster, very few marks, sharp strike	$550 – $1,500+

Common Errors and Varieties to Watch For

While the 1935-S is mostly famous for its mintmark and silver content, collectors also keep an eye out for mint errors. Errors occur during the striking process at the San Francisco Mint and can turn an ordinary 1935-S into a high-value rarity. Some of the most common errors for this era include doubled dies, though the 1935-S isn’t as famous for this as other dates like the 1937 or 1943.

You should look for “Double Die Obverse” (DDO) errors, where the lettering or date appears slightly doubled. While rare for the San Francisco mint in 1935, they do exist and can significantly increase the demand. You might also find “Clipped Planchets” where a piece of the coin is missing from the edge, or “Off-Center” strikes where the design isn’t perfectly centered.

If you suspect your coin has an error, CoinKnow allows you to compare high-resolution photos of your coin against known error specimens. An error coin in high grade can easily reach prices in the thousands at auction. Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid getting oils from your skin on the surface, as this can degrade the grade (and the value) over time.

How to Safely Store and Value Your Silver Quarters

Once you’ve identified that you have a 1935-S Washington Quarter, proper storage is essential. Silver is a reactive metal and will tarnish (tone) over time when exposed to air and moisture. While some collectors love the look of “rainbow toning,” most people want to keep their coins as pristine as possible to maximize value.

Avoid using PVC plastic flips, as the chemicals can “eat” into the silver and leave a permanent green residue. Instead, use PVC-free cardboard 2×2 holders or hard plastic capsules. For high-value coins (those you suspect are MS-63 or higher), you might consider having them professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified “slabbed” coin is much easier to sell and often fetches a higher price on the open market.

Remember that cleaning a coin—even if you think it looks better shiny—will almost always destroy its numismatic value. Professional buyers can spot a cleaned coin instantly, and it will often be valued at only its silver melt price. If your 1935-S is dirty, leave it exactly as it is. Its historical “patina” is part of its story and its value.

FAQ

Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1935-S Washington Quarter?

A: The mintmark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin. Look at the eagle in the center; directly below the eagle’s perched branch and above the “Quarter Dollar” text, you will see a small “S.” If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Q: Is a 1935-S Quarter made of real silver?

A: Yes, all Washington Quarters minted before 1965 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The 1935-S contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver.

Q: How many 1935-S Quarters were made?

A: The San Francisco Mint produced 5,660,000 quarters in 1935. This is a relatively low mintage compared to the 32.4 million produced in Philadelphia that same year, contributing to its higher collector value.

Q: Can I find a 1935-S Quarter in my pocket change today?

A: It is extremely rare but not impossible. Most silver coinage was removed from circulation in the late 1960s when the U.S. switched to copper-nickel “clad” coins. However, coins occasionally find their way back into circulation from old collections.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1935-S Quarter?

A: High-grade examples in MS-67 condition have sold for over $15,000 at major auctions. These coins are exceptionally rare and possess perfect luster with no visible marks.