The 1935 quarter coin value ranges from $7.50 for circulated conditions to over $30,000 for pristine uncirculated examples. All 1935 quarters contain 90% silver with a melt value of approximately $9.06. Three mint marks exist: no mint mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), and “S” (San Francisco). The 1935-S quarter typically values between $7.50-$85 circulated and $1,775-$30,000 uncirculated. Key value factors include coin grade/condition, mint mark location, and toning quality. Higher-grade coins with better eye appeal command significantly higher prices, with even slight grade differences creating substantial value variations. Collectors should evaluate condition carefully as it’s the most significant pricing factor.
Finding a 1935 quarter in your change might seem ordinary until you realize these silver coins can fetch anywhere from $7.50 to an astonishing $30,000 depending on their condition and mint mark. As one of the early Washington quarters minted during the Great Depression, these 90% silver coins hold both historical significance and substantial value for collectors today.
Understanding the 1935 Washington Quarter
The 1935 Washington quarter represents the fourth year of production for this iconic design, which replaced the Standing Liberty quarter in 1932. Each coin contains 6.25 grams of total weight with 5.625 grams of pure silver content, measuring 24.3 millimeters in diameter. The obverse features John Flanagan’s portrait of George Washington, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings.
Three facilities produced quarters in 1935: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mint mark appears on the reverse below the wreath, just above the denomination. Philadelphia struck 32,484,000 quarters, making it the most common variety. Denver produced 5,780,000 coins, while San Francisco minted 5,660,000 pieces. These mintage figures directly impact today’s collector values, particularly in higher grades.
As of current silver prices, the base melt value for any 1935 quarter stands at approximately $4.06 based purely on silver content. However, numismatic premiums push values significantly higher for well-preserved examples.
1935 No Mint Mark Quarter Value (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia quarters without a mint mark represent the highest mintage of 1935, yet pristine examples remain surprisingly scarce. The typical circulated 1935-P quarter in Good-4 condition sells for $7.50 to $9, barely above melt value. Fine-12 examples command $12 to $15, while Extremely Fine-40 coins reach $25 to $35.
The real value explosion occurs in uncirculated grades. Mint State-60 specimens trade for $85 to $120, showing noticeable bag marks but retaining full mint luster. MS-63 coins, with better eye appeal and fewer contact marks, fetch $175 to $225. Premium quality MS-65 quarters reach $850 to $1,200, displaying sharp strikes and attractive surfaces.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good-4 | $7.50 – $9 |
| Fine-12 | $12 – $15 |
| EF-40 | $25 – $35 |
| MS-60 | $85 – $120 |
| MS-63 | $175 – $225 |
| MS-65 | $850 – $1,200 |
| MS-67 | $8,500 – $15,000 |
Exceptional MS-67 examples have sold at Heritage Auctions for $12,925 in 2019, with the finest known MS-68 specimen realizing $28,800 in 2020. These top-tier coins exhibit exceptional strike quality, vibrant luster, and minimal surface imperfections visible only under magnification.
1935-D Quarter Value (Denver Mint)
The Denver mint struck 5,780,000 quarters in 1935, making this the middle scarcity among the three varieties. Circulated 1935-D quarters in Good-4 condition start at $8 to $10, slightly above the Philadelphia issue. Fine-12 specimens bring $14 to $18, while Extremely Fine-40 examples command $30 to $40.
Uncirculated Denver quarters carry substantial premiums due to lower survival rates in high grades. MS-60 coins trade for $120 to $165, representing solid investments for type collectors. MS-63 examples reach $250 to $350, showing better surfaces and more complete strikes than lower grades. Premium MS-65 quarters fetch $1,400 to $2,200, significantly more than their Philadelphia counterparts.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good-4 | $8 – $10 |
| Fine-12 | $14 – $18 |
| EF-40 | $30 – $40 |
| MS-60 | $120 – $165 |
| MS-63 | $250 – $350 |
| MS-65 | $1,400 – $2,200 |
| MS-67 | $18,000 – $25,000 |
According to NGC Census data, only 147 coins have been certified MS-67 or higher, explaining the dramatic premium at this level. A remarkable MS-67+ specimen sold through Stack’s Bowers in 2022 for $21,600, while the single finest known MS-68 example realized $32,400 at a 2021 Heritage auction.
1935-S Quarter Value (San Francisco)
San Francisco produced 5,660,000 quarters in 1935, creating the lowest mintage and highest values among the three varieties. Worn 1935-S quarters in Good-4 grade sell for $9 to $11, while Fine-12 examples command $16 to $20. Extremely Fine-40 specimens reach $35 to $50, showing clear design details and moderate wear.
The uncirculated 1935-S quarters represent the most valuable regular strike coins from this year. MS-60 examples start at $165 to $225, significantly higher than Philadelphia or Denver issues. MS-63 coins fetch $400 to $550, while premium MS-65 specimens command $2,000 to $3,200.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good-4 | $9 – $11 |
| Fine-12 | $16 – $20 |
| EF-40 | $35 – $50 |
| MS-60 | $165 – $225 |
| MS-63 | $400 – $550 |
| MS-65 | $2,000 – $3,200 |
| MS-67 | $22,000 – $30,000 |
Top-grade 1935-S quarters are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 100 coins certified MS-67 or higher by PCGS and NGC combined. A pristine MS-67+ example sold at Heritage Auctions in 2023 for $28,800, establishing a strong market for premium quality San Francisco quarters. The single MS-68 specimen known to exist last traded privately for an undisclosed sum exceeding $40,000.
Notable Errors and Varieties
While 1935 quarters lack dramatic doubled die varieties like some other years, several collectible errors exist. Repunched mint marks appear on both Denver and San Francisco coins, where the mint mark was stamped twice in slightly different positions. These typically add $15 to $75 to the value of circulated coins, depending on the prominence of the repunching.
Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank is improperly positioned during striking. Minor off-center errors showing 5-10% of the design missing sell for $75 to $200, while dramatic 25-50% off-center pieces with full dates visible command $400 to $850. A 1935-D quarter struck 35% off-center realized $1,080 at a 2021 Heritage auction.
Struck through grease errors create weak or missing design elements when debris interferes during striking. Depending on severity, these errors add $25 to $125 to a coin’s base value. Die cracks and cuds, where pieces of the die break away creating raised bumps on the coin, bring premiums of $35 to $250 for significant examples.
Clipped planchet errors, where part of the blank metal is missing before striking, sell for $50 to $175 depending on clip size. A 1935-S quarter with a dramatic curved clip comprising 15% of the planchet sold for $288 in 2022. Lamination errors, where the metal separates in layers, fetch $40 to $150 for visible examples.
Grading and Authentication Essentials
Accurate grading determines the difference between a $10 coin and a $10,000 treasure. Circulated grades from Good-4 through About Uncirculated-58 show progressive wear on high points. Check Washington’s cheekbone, hair details, and the eagle’s breast feathers for wear indicators. Even slight rubbing on these areas drops a coin from Mint State to About Uncirculated, reducing value by 50% or more.
Mint State coins retain full original luster with no wear from circulation. MS-60 through MS-62 grades show numerous bag marks and contact marks from coin-to-coin contact during production and storage. MS-63 represents choice quality with moderate marks but better overall eye appeal. MS-65 gems display minimal marks visible to the naked eye, sharp strikes, and attractive luster.
MS-67 superb gems are extraordinarily rare, showing only minor imperfections under magnification. These coins possess exceptional strike quality, vibrant original surfaces, and outstanding visual appeal. The difference between MS-65 and MS-67 often represents a 10-20x value increase, making professional grading essential for valuable examples.
Third-party grading services like PCGS and NGC authenticate and grade coins, encapsulating them in tamper-evident holders. Their population reports track how many coins exist at each grade level, helping establish rarity and value. For any 1935 quarter potentially worth over $200, professional grading provides market credibility and protection. The service costs $25-$40 per coin but ensures accurate assessment and maximizes resale value.
Maximizing Your 1935 Quarter’s Value
Start by examining your 1935 quarter under good lighting with at least 5x magnification. Identify the mint mark location below the wreath on the reverse. Assess the coin’s condition honestly, comparing it to reference images from PCGS or NGC photo grades. Handle the coin only by its edges to avoid fingerprints or damage to surfaces.
Research recent auction results through Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and eBay sold listings to understand current market values. Prices fluctuate based on silver spot prices, collector demand, and economic conditions. A coin worth $850 today might bring $950 in a strong market or $750 during downturns.
For potentially valuable coins grading MS-63 or higher, consider professional grading before selling. The holder provides authentication, protects the coin, and often increases buyer confidence sufficiently to justify the grading fee. Compare the grading cost against potential value increase to determine if submission makes economic sense.
Sell through established venues matching your coin’s value level. Common circulated quarters sell efficiently on eBay or to local coin dealers. Mid-grade uncirculated coins ($200-$2,000) perform well through dealer networks or specialized online marketplaces like Great Collections. Premium gems over $2,000 benefit from major auction house exposure, where serious collectors compete for top-quality material.
Store your 1935 quarters properly in inert plastic holders or capsules specifically designed for coins. Avoid PVC-containing flips that emit harmful chemicals over time. Keep coins in stable environments away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. Proper storage maintains condition and protects your investment for future appreciation.
How much is a 1935 S quarter worth?
A 1935-S quarter is worth approximately $7.50 in circulated condition, increasing to $1775 or more for uncirculated, pristine examples. The value depends heavily on the coin’s condition, with higher-grade coins commanding significantly higher prices. For example, a coin in the highest grade can be valued at up to $30,000, according to Greysheet.
What is the error on the 1935 quarter?
1935 Quarter Errors One of the most sought-after errors is a doubled die obverse (DDO), where the design elements appear doubled. How to determine if there is an error on 1935 Quarter? Look closely at the lettering on the obverse (front) of the coin, particularly “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Is a 1935 quarter rare?
This 1935 S quarter is a very hard to find coin. When you consider the number of people that have touch this quarter. coin, you can appreciate the value and the history of this coin.
Are quarters with D rare?
Among Washington quarters, the 1932-D sits at the very top of the rarity chart. Only two dates in the entire series were struck in quantities below one million, and both hail from 1932: 1932-D: 436,800 coins minted. 1932-S: 408,000 coins minted.