SILVER COIN FIELD GUIDE
Silver Washington Quarter
1932-D and 1932-S are the main keys. Doubled dies and overmintmarks require the exact diagnostic details.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1932–1964
- Composition
- 90% silver
- Standard gross weight
- 6.25 g
- Fine silver per coin
- 0.1808 troy oz
- Face value
- $0.25
Keep the pre-clad group separate
The Washington design continued after 1964, but this profile is for the earlier 90% silver coins. Sort by issue and composition before totaling a mixed group.
The 1950-D/S and 1950-S/D overmintmarks are different attributions. Record the exact variety rather than searching only for a 1950 quarter or assuming every mintmark looks unusual.
Where to look. For this 1932–1964 silver group, find the mintmark below the eagle on the reverse; Philadelphia is blank.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
Variety. A specific attributed design or die difference, not every coin with that year.
- Key date
1932-D · 1932-S
The principal keys in the silver Washington quarter series.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Variety
1937 doubled die
The Philadelphia doubled-die obverse shows strong doubling in IN GOD WE TRUST and the date.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Variety
1950-D/S · 1950-S/D
Overmintmarks, not all 1950 quarters. Match the overlapping mintmark details.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.1808 fine troy ounces of silver per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce silver quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
- PCGS Washington quarter guide ↗
- 1932-D · 1932-S — reference ↗
- 1937 doubled die — reference ↗
- 1950-D/S · 1950-S/D — reference ↗
- NGC silver melt-value reference ↗
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.