1936 Quarter Coin Value Explained: Potentially Worth $9,000

1936 Quarter Value Guide

In 1931, the U.S. Congress authorized the release of a special quarter to commemorate the 200th birthday of George Washington. Although intended as a one-time issue, the Washington quarter was so well-received that it permanently replaced the Standing Liberty quarter starting in 1934. The design has become one of the most enduring in American coinage. The 1936 edition stands out due to its silver content and historical appeal, though it was minted in large numbers, making it more accessible to collectors. Still, select high-grade or unique specimens can be worth thousands.

1936 Quarter Value Chart

Condition 1936 No Mint Mark Quarter 1936 D Quarter 1936 S Quarter
Good $6.24 $15 $6.24
Very Good $6.24 $24 $6.24
Fine $6.24 $29 $8.36
Very Fine $6.24 $41 $10.85
Extra Fine $7.42 $65 $15
AU $9.60 $287 $57
MS 60 $29 $585 $136
MS 65 $136 $1,228 $373
PR 65 $1,657

1936 Washington Quarter Value Breakdown

The Philadelphia Mint produced most of the over 50 million quarters struck in 1936, including all the year’s proof coins. The Denver and San Francisco Mints produced far fewer, which makes certain versions more sought after and valuable, particularly in higher grades or with exceptional preservation.

1936 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter

Philadelphia issued 41,300,000 standard quarters in 1936. Even in worn condition, these coins are worth significantly more than 25 cents due to their age and silver content.

Condition 1936 No Mint Mark Quarter
Good $5.14
Very Good $5.14
Fine $5.64 to $7.80
Very Fine $7.25 to $10.80
Extra Fine $9.50 to $12
AU $12 to $19.20
MS 60 $20 to $24
MS 61 $21 to $25.20
MS 62 $22 to $26.40
MS 63 $25 to $30
MS 64 $30 to $36
MS 65 $65 to $78
MS 66 $85 to $115
MS 67 $265 to $360
MS 68 (est.) $9,000

These coins typically range from $5 to $20 in circulated grades, while mint-state examples can command $20 to $350. Ultra high-grade pieces, like those graded MS 68, have been known to bring in up to $9,000.

1936 Washington Proof Quarter

Only 3,837 proof quarters were minted in Philadelphia in 1936, making them one of the scarcest and most desirable issues for collectors. Their mirror-like surfaces and fine detail set them apart.

Condition 1936 Proof Quarter
PR 60 $400 to $480
PR 61 $440 to $528
PR 62 $480 to $576
PR 63 $525 to $630
PR 64 $575 to $690
PR 65 $700 to $840
PR 66 $1,000 to $1,200
PR 67 $5,000 to $6,000

Top-tier proof coins in PR 67 condition can command between $5,000 and $6,000, with one example setting an auction record at $10,925 in 2002.

1936 D Washington Quarter

The Denver Mint struck 5,374,000 quarters in 1936. Lower-grade coins are comparable in price to those from Philadelphia, but values rise sharply for higher grades due to relative scarcity.

Condition 1936 D Quarter
Good $5.14
Very Good $5.64 to $6.14
Fine $8 to $18
Very Fine $22.50 to $48
Extra Fine $50 to $102
AU $125 to $408
MS 60 $490 to $588
MS 61 $510 to $612
MS 62 $520 to $624
MS 63 $540 to $648
MS 64 $600 to $700
MS 65 $760 to $912
MS 66 $900 to $1,080
MS 67 $2,600 to $3,000

The most valuable Denver-minted 1936 quarter achieved a sale price of $17,250 in 2004, underscoring the potential value of high-grade coins.

1936 S Washington Quarter

San Francisco produced only 3,828,000 quarters in 1936, making them the rarest among the three mints for that year. Because of this, they hold a premium value, especially in high grades.

Condition 1936 S Quarter
MS 60 and below $85 to $1,100
MS 68 $25,000 to $31,000

Even moderately preserved specimens are highly sought after, while MS 68 examples can sell for up to $31,000. The highest known sale was $31,200 at auction in 2021.

1936 Washington Quarter Errors

Although 1936 Washington quarters don’t have an abundance of known error types, a few notable varieties can significantly enhance a coin’s value.

1936 Washington Quarter Doubled Die

A famous variety for 1936 is the doubled die, where details like the date or lettering appear duplicated due to a misaligned die strike. These coins are rare and desirable in mint condition.

Condition 1936 DDO Quarter
MS 62 $900 to $1,080
MS 63 $1,100 to $1,320
MS 64 $1,300 to $1,560
MS 65 $1,600 to $1,920
MS 66 $2,600 to $3,250

An MS 66 Doubled Die Obverse sold for $6,600 in 2018, reflecting collector demand for this uncommon error.

Off-Center Errors

Off-center strikes occur when the die hits the coin blank incorrectly, leading to misaligned images. The more off-center the strike, the more collectible the coin—especially around the 50% mark. In rare cases, coins may feature both off-center strikes and doubling, which makes them extremely valuable to collectors.

History of the 1936 Washington Quarter

Marking a significant transition in U.S. coinage, the 1936 Washington quarter was the third year of this now-classic design. It was struck in three different locations—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—and featured a composition of 90% silver. The coin celebrates George Washington’s 200th birthday and represents a pivotal moment in American numismatic history.

How to Identify the 1936 Washington Quarter

Collectors can identify a 1936 Washington quarter by its silver sheen and the well-known design: Washington’s portrait on the front and a perched eagle on the back. The presence of a mint mark—either D for Denver or S for San Francisco—is located beneath the olive branches on the reverse, while the absence of a mark indicates Philadelphia origin.

Conclusion

Though widely minted, the 1936 Washington quarter holds significant appeal for collectors due to its age, silver content, and design. The most valuable coins come from the San Francisco Mint, especially those in exceptional condition. Whether you’re a new or experienced collector, owning a 1936 quarter is like holding a small piece of American history—and in some cases, that piece can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

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