Is the 1932 Washington Quarter worth collecting? As a coin collector, you may be wondering if the 1932 Washington Quarter is worth adding to your collection.
Key Takeaways:
1. The 1932 Washington Quarter was the first commemorative coin ever issued by the United States Mint.
2. The coin features a left-facing bust of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with wings spread on the reverse.
3. The 1932 Washington Quarter is considered rare and valuable among collectors, but potential risks should be considered before investing.
Brief History of the 1932 Washington Quarter
The 1932 Washington Quarter is a significant coin in American numismatics.
It was the first quarter-dollar coin to feature the image of a historical figure, George Washington, on the obverse.
The coin was issued to commemorate the bicentennial of Washington’s birth, and John Flanagan designed it.
The 1932 Washington Quarter was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
The Philadelphia Mint produced the most coins, with over 5.4 million pieces struck.
The Denver mint produced just over 436,000 coins, and the San Francisco mint produced just over 408,000 coins.
The coin’s design features a bust of George Washington on the obverse, with the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” above and below the image, respectively.
On the flip side, you’ll find an image of an eagle, its wings spread wide, perched upon a bundle of arrows and an olive branch.
Surrounding the eagle, you’ll see the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”e.
The 1932 Washington Quarter is considered a key date in the series, and collectors highly seek after it.
Its value depends on a number of factors, including its condition, mint mark, and rarity.
Key Features
As a coin collector, the 1932 Washington Quarter holds a special place in my heart.
It was the first year of issue for this iconic design, and it is considered by many to be one of the most important coins in American history. Here are some key features of this coin that make it worth collecting:
- Design
- The Washington Quarter features a bust of George Washington on the obverse, with the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” surrounding the image.
- On the flip side, you’ll find an eagle with its wings outstretched, resting atop a bundle of arrows and an olive branch.
- Additionally, you’ll see the inscriptions “United States of America,” “Quarter Dollar,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
- Mintage
- The 1932 Washington Quarter was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
- The Philadelphia mint produced over 5 million coins.
- While the Denver and San Francisco mints produced just over 400,000 coins each. This makes the Denver and San Francisco issues particularly rare and valuable.
- Composition
- The 1932 Washington Quarter is made of silver(90%) and copper (10%), with a total weight of 6.25 grams.
- The coin has a diameter of 24.3mm and a thickness of 1.75mm.
- Condition
- As with any coin, the value of a 1932 Washington Quarter is heavily dependent on its condition. Coins that are in uncirculated condition are the most valuable, with prices ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Even coins that are heavily circulated can still be worth a significant amount of money, especially if they are rare or have other desirable features.
Overall, the 1932 Washington Quarter is a must-have for any serious coin collector.
Its historical significance, beautiful design, and rarity make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Rarity and Value
The 1932 Washington Quarter is a highly sought-after coin among numismatists due to its rarity and historical significance.
Here, I will discuss the rarity and value of the 1932 Washington Quarter, including the impact of mint marks and conditions on its value.
Mint Marks and Their Impact on Value
The 1932 Washington Quarter was minted in three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
The mint mark can be found on the reverse side of the coin, to the right of the eagle’s tail feathers.
The mint mark is a small letter that indicates the location where the coin was minted.
The mint mark can have a significant impact on the value of the coin.
The Philadelphia Mint produced the most 1932 Washington Quarters, with a total mintage of 5,404,000 coins.
The Denver mint produced 436,800 coins, while the San Francisco mint produced 408,000 coins. The 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are rarer than the 1932-P and can command a higher price.
Condition and Its Impact on Value
| Grades | Price as of October 2023 |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $9.19 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $10.47 |
| Fine (F-12) | $13 |
| Very Fine (VF-12) | $16 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $18 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $19 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $29 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (MS-65) | $323 |
The condition of the 1932 Washington Quarter also plays a significant role in its value.
The coin’s condition is graded on a scale from Poor-1 to Mint State-70, with Mint State-70 being a perfect, flawless coin.
The value of a 1932 Washington Quarter can vary greatly depending on its condition.
A coin in Poor-1 condition may only be worth a few dollars, while a coin in Mint State-70 condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
In general, the higher the grade of the coin, the more valuable it will be.
Collectors should look for coins that are in the best possible condition within their budget.
Overall, the 1932 Washington Quarter is a rare and valuable coin that collectors highly sought after.
The coin’s rarity and condition can greatly impact its value, making it important for collectors to be knowledgeable about these factors when looking to add a 1932 Washington Quarter to their collection.
Collectibility
As a collector, I often get asked about the collectibility of the 1932 Washington Quarter.
When it comes to determining the value of a 1932 Washington Quarter, there are a few factors to consider.
The condition of the coin is one of the most important factors, as coins in better condition are generally worth more.
The mintmark is also important, as coins minted in San Francisco tend to be more valuable than those minted in Philadelphia or Denver.
Overall, I believe that the 1932 Washington Quarter is definitely worth collecting. Its historical significance and rarity make it a valuable addition to any collection.
However, as with any collectible, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting a fair price when purchasing a 1932 Washington Quarter.
Potential Risks
As with any collectible item, there are potential risks associated with collecting 1932 Washington Quarters. Some of these risks include:
Counterfeit Coins
Since the 1932 Washington Quarter is a valuable coin, there is a risk of counterfeit coins being sold.
It is important to be aware of the characteristics of an authentic 1932 Washington Quarter to avoid purchasing a counterfeit one.
Some of the things to look for include the correct weight and measurements, the presence of certain design elements, and the condition of the coin.
Market Fluctuations
The value of the 1932 Washington Quarter can fluctuate depending on market conditions.
While the coin may be worth a certain amount at one point in time, its value can decrease or increase over time.
It is important to keep up with market trends and to be aware of any factors that may affect the value of the coin.
Storage and Maintenance
Proper storage and maintenance of the 1932 Washington Quarter is essential to preserving its value.
Exposure to air, moisture, and heat can damage the coin and decrease its value. It is important to store the coin in a protective case and to handle it carefully to avoid scratches or other damage.
Before you go…
Overall, the 1932 Washington Quarter is a fascinating piece of American history and a valuable addition to any coin collection.
Whether you are an expert numismatist or just starting this iconic coin is certainly worth considering.
Check out my next article: “1925-S Mercury Dime Guide: A Comprehensive Look at History, Valuation, and Rarity.”
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