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The 1936-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $25 in worn, circulated condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these San Francisco minted silver quarters is a significant win for any casual collector, as it remains one of the lower-production years in the early Washington series.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25 – $30 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $45 – $60 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $85 – $110 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $350 – $450 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $900 – $3,000+ |
Historical Background of the 1936-S Washington Silver Quarter
If you have stumbled upon a 1936-S quarter in an old jar or inherited a collection, you are looking at a piece of American history minted during the tail end of the Great Depression. The Washington Quarter series first began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
By 1936, the San Francisco Mint produced only 3,828,000 of these quarters. While this might sound like a large number, it is actually quite low compared to modern production figures that reach into the hundreds of millions. This relatively low mintage is why the “S” mint mark carries a premium.
For those trying to verify their finds at home, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm if you have the genuine San Francisco strike. At the time, these coins were heavily circulated by people struggling through tough economic times, which makes finding a high-grade example even more difficult and rewarding for the CoinKnow community of collectors.
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Evaluating the 1936-S Mint Mark Location and Rarity
The most important feature to look for on this specific coin is the small “S” located on the reverse side. You will find it directly below the wreath that the eagle is perched upon. If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia and is generally less valuable.
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The San Francisco Mint (S) and Denver Mint (D) from the 1930s are highly sought after by collectors who are trying to complete a “date and mint” set. Because the 1936-S is considered a semi-key date, it avoids the “bulk silver” fate of later 1960s quarters. Even in a heavily “culls” state, a 1936-S is still worth significantly more than its melt value.
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If you are unsure whether your coin’s mint mark is an “S” or just a smudge, the CoinKnow app can provide high-resolution comparisons to help you distinguish between mint marks. Identifying the mint mark correctly is the first step in unlocking the true 1936 quarter value information that professional dealers use to make offers.
Grading Your 1936-S Quarter from Good to Mint State
Condition is everything in the world of numismatics. A 1936-S quarter that has spent decades in a pocket will look very different from one that was tucked away in a silk-lined drawer. Professional graders look at the hair lines on Washington’s head and the feathers on the eagle’s breast to determine a grade.
In “Good” condition, the letters and date are legible, but the eagle on the back and Washington’s bust are mostly flat outlines. In “Extremely Fine,” you can see most of the hair details around the ear. If the coin still looks shiny like it just left the mint, it could be in “Mint State,” where the 1936-S Washington Quarter prices for uncirculated specimens reach their peak.
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| Grade Detail | Visual Indicators |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Rim is flat; letters blend into the edge slightly. |
| Fine (F-12) | Some details in Washington’s hair; eagle’s wing edges show. |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Original luster remains in protected areas; slight wear on high points. |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Full luster; no wear; very few contact marks or scratches. |
The Precious Metal Value of 1932-1964 Quarters
Every Washington Quarter minted from 1932 until 1964 is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means that regardless of the collectibility of the 1936-S, the coin has a “floor” value based on the current price of silver bullion.
Each quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver prices rise, even the most damaged 1936-S quarters increase in value. However, since the 1936-S is a rare date, its numismatic (collector) value is almost always much higher than the silver melt value.
Before you consider selling your coin for its silver weight, make sure to check its rarity. Using CoinKnow can prevent you from accidentally selling a rare semi-key date for “junk silver” prices. Dealers will often pay a premium for 1930s coinage that they wouldn’t offer for common 1964 quarters.
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Tips for Selling Your 1936-S Washington Quarter
When you’re ready to sell, you have several options: local coin shops, online auctions, or specialized numismatic dealers. Because the 1936-S is worth a decent amount of money, you should avoid “Cash for Gold” stores or pawn shops, as they rarely pay full collector value.
For coins that appear to be in Mint State (very shiny with no wear), it may be worth having them professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A certified MS-66 1936-S can sell for several thousand dollars at a major auction.
| Sales Venue | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|
| Local Coin Dealer | Fast cash, but usually pays 60-70% of retail value. |
| eBay / Online | Highest price potential; involves fees and shipping risks. |
| Heritage Auctions | Best for high-grade (MS-65+) certified coins. |
FAQ about the 1936-S Quarter
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1936-S quarter?
A: The mint mark is on the reverse (tails) side of the coin. Look at the bottom of the coin, right above the “Quarter Dollar” text and directly below the center of the eagle’s wreath. You are looking for a small “S”.
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Q: Is the 1936-S quarter rare?
A: It is considered a “semi-key” date. While not as rare as the 1932-S or 1932-D, it had a much lower mintage than the Philadelphia version and is highly sought after by collectors.
Q: Should I clean my 1936-S quarter to make it look better?
A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. A cleaned coin can lose up to 50% or more of its collector value compared to one with original patina.
Q: How much silver is in a 1936-S Washington Quarter?
A: It contains 6.25 grams of 90% silver, which equates to about 0.1808 ounces of pure silver. However, its value as a collectible usually far exceeds this silver price.