That old quarter from 1936 sitting in your drawer could be worth far more than 25 cents. With values ranging from $9 for worn specimens to over $9,000 for pristine examples with rare errors, these Washington quarters represent the second year of America’s most iconic coin series. Whether you’ve inherited a collection or found one in circulation, understanding what makes these 87-year-old coins valuable can mean the difference between spending pocket change and discovering a small fortune.

Understanding the 1936 Washington Quarter’s Historical Significance

The Washington quarter debuted in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. By 1936, the U.S. Mint had resumed regular production after limited mintages in the early years. Three facilities struck these quarters: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The Philadelphia Mint produced 41,303,837 pieces, Denver contributed 5,374,000, and San Francisco minted 3,828,000—making the S mint mark the scarcest of the three.

These coins contain 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a diameter of 24.3 millimeters. The silver content alone provides a melt value of approximately $4.50 to $5.00 at current silver prices, establishing a minimum worth for even damaged examples. Designer John Flanagan’s portrait of Washington appears on the obverse, while a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings graces the reverse.

1936 Quarter Value by Mint Mark and Grade

The mint mark location sits on the reverse beneath the eagle, though Philadelphia coins bear no mark. Condition dramatically affects value—a circulated 1936 quarter in Good condition might fetch $9, while an uncirculated Mint State 67 specimen commands $872 or more.

1936 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) Value Table:

1936-D Denver Mint Value Table:

1936-S San Francisco Mint Value Table:

Heritage Auctions recorded a 1936-D graded MS-67 selling for $1,320 in January 2023, while a 1936-S in MS-67+ with Full Head designation achieved $2,160 in March 2023. The Full Head designation indicates exceptional strike detail on Washington’s hair, a premium feature collectors seek.

Valuable Errors That Can Push Values Beyond $9,000

Error coins represent minting mistakes that escaped quality control. For 1936 quarters, several errors command substantial premiums when authenticated by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): The most valuable 1936 quarter error shows doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or the date. This occurs when the die receives multiple impressions slightly offset from each other. A 1936 DDO in MS-65 condition sold for $4,800 through Great Collections in August 2022. In MS-67, values exceed $9,000 for specimens with strong doubling visible to the naked eye.

Doubled Die Reverse (DDR): Less common than obverse errors, reverse doubling appears on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “QUARTER DOLLAR,” or “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” A 1936-S DDR graded MS-66 realized $3,400 at Stack’s Bowers in November 2022.

Repunched Mint Marks (RPM): Visible on Denver and San Francisco quarters when the mint mark punch was applied twice in slightly different positions. The 1936-D RPM FS-501 (Fivaz-Stanton designation 501) shows clear separation between the two D impressions. In MS-65, this variety fetches $650 to $950 depending on the clarity of repunching.

Off-Center Strikes: When the planchet (metal blank) isn’t properly centered between dies, part of the design is missing. A 1936 quarter struck 15% off-center with full date visible sold for $425 in Fine condition. Examples 30% or more off-center with complete dates command $800 to $1,500.

Clipped Planchets: These occur when overlapping metal strips are punched into planchets, creating a curved or straight clip. A 1936-S with a 10% curved clip in AU-55 brought $380 at auction in April 2023.

Die Cracks and Cuds: Advanced die deterioration creates raised lines (cracks) or blob-like areas (cuds) on the coin. A 1936 Philadelphia with a major cud covering half of “LIBERTY” reached $525 in EF-45.

Grading Factors That Determine Your Quarter’s Worth

Professional grading services use the Sheldon Scale from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better preservation. Understanding grade characteristics helps you estimate value before paying for professional authentication.

Good (G-4): Washington’s portrait shows heavy wear with most details flattened. The rim is partially worn into the lettering. Date and mint mark remain legible but weak.

Fine (F-12): Hair lines show some definition. Major details are visible but worn smooth. Lettering is sharp with full rim separation.

Very Fine (VF-20): Moderate wear on high points. Hair strands show clear separation. Eagle feathers display individual definition. Light scratches or bag marks acceptable.

Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear confined to highest points. Washington’s cheekbone shows slight flattening. 90% of original mint luster remains in protected areas.

About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Traces of wear on cheekbone, hair above ear, and eagle’s breast. Retains 50% to 90% of original luster. Contact marks minimal.

Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear from circulation. MS-60 exhibits numerous contact marks and dull luster. MS-63 shows fewer marks with moderate luster. MS-65 displays minimal marks visible only under magnification with strong luster. MS-67 and higher exhibit exceptional eye appeal with virtually no imperfections and blazing luster.

The difference between MS-65 and MS-67 can mean $500 to $800 in value. Grading is subjective between services and individual graders, making professional certification crucial for coins potentially worth $200 or more. PCGS and NGC charge $20 to $35 per coin for standard service, with turnaround times of 30 to 60 days.

Market Trends and Where to Buy or Sell 1936 Quarters

The numismatic market for Washington quarters has strengthened since 2020. Silver prices climbing from $18 per ounce in 2019 to $23 to $26 per ounce in 2023-2024 lifted floor values. Premium gem specimens (MS-66 and higher) saw 15% to 25% appreciation as collectors completing registry sets competed for scarce high-grade examples.

Buying venues include:

Online auction platforms like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and Great Collections offer authenticated, graded specimens with detailed photographs and provenance. Prices generally reflect wholesale-plus values, competitive for buyers but requiring research.

Local coin shops provide hands-on inspection but typically charge 20% to 40% above wholesale for graded coins. They’re excellent for raw (ungraded) coins where you can negotiate based on your assessment.

Major coin shows like the American Numismatic Association conventions or regional shows feature dozens of dealers. Prices are competitive, and you can compare multiple specimens before purchasing.

Selling considerations:

Auction houses accept consignments typically worth $500 or more. They charge 10% to 20% buyer’s premiums and 5% to 10% seller fees. Payment arrives 30 to 45 days after auction close.

Local dealers offer immediate payment but typically at 60% to 75% of retail value. For common-date circulated coins, this represents the most practical option.

Online marketplaces like eBay provide direct access to collectors. Selling graded coins with clear photos typically yields 80% to 95% of retail value, but fees consume 12% to 15% of the final price.

Authentication and Preservation Best Practices

Counterfeit 1936 quarters are uncommon but exist, particularly for high-grade specimens and error varieties. Genuine quarters should weigh 6.25 grams precisely. The reeding (edge ridges) should count 119 distinct ridges around the circumference. Magnetic attraction indicates fake composition—silver is not magnetic.

For coins potentially worth $200 or more, professional authentication through PCGS or NGC provides peace of mind and marketability. Their population reports show exactly how many examples exist at each grade level, allowing you to gauge rarity. As of December 2023, PCGS recorded just 47 1936-S quarters in MS-67, explaining their $872 to $1,400 values.

Proper storage prevents value loss from environmental damage. Never clean coins with abrasives, jewelry cleaners, or even soft cloths, which create microscopic scratches reducing grades. Store in acid-free holders like 2×2 cardboard flips with Mylar windows or plastic capsules. Keep in stable environments between 65°F and 70°F with 30% to 50% humidity. Avoid PVC-containing plastics that leach chemicals causing green spots.

Handle coins by edges only, never touching obverse or reverse surfaces. Skin oils contain acids that create toning and corrosion over years. Cotton gloves provide extra protection when examining valuable specimens.

What Your 1936 Quarter Is Really Worth Today

Three factors determine whether your 1936 quarter is worth $9 or $9,000: mint mark, condition, and errors. Start by checking the reverse beneath the eagle for D or S—their lower mintages add premiums. Examine under magnification for doubling on letters or dates, repunched mint marks, or striking irregularities that indicate valuable errors.

If your quarter shows minimal wear and strong luster, professional grading could reveal MS-65 or better status worth $200 to $1,200 depending on mint mark. Even worn examples hold $9 to $30 based on silver content and numismatic interest. The key is proper identification—that overlooked coin might be the 1936-D DDO that funds your next vacation or the MS-67 that auction houses compete to list.