The 1935 S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in worn condition to over $600 in high-grade uncirculated mint state. Whether you found this silver coin in an old jar or inherited a collection, its value depends heavily on its condition and the presence of the “S” mint mark.
How to Identify and Grade Your 1935 S Washington Quarter
Before you get too excited about a potential windfall, it is crucial to understand what makes this specific year and mint mark significant. The 1935 S Washington Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and it features the classic bust of George Washington on the obverse. If you are unsure if you have a rare variety, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common Philadelphia strike and the more sought-after San Francisco version.
Determining the grade is the next step in establishing value. Most coins found in change are “Circulated,” meaning they show signs of wear on Washington’s hair and the eagle’s breast feathers. However, if the coin looks like it just came from the bank with a sharp strike and original luster, you might be looking at a “Mint State” specimen. To get a precise reading on your coin’s condition, you can use the CoinHix mobile tool to compare your coin against high-resolution images of graded examples.
Current Market Value and Price Guide for 1935 S Quarters
The market for 1935 S Washington Quarters is relatively stable, as these are considered semi-key dates in the series. While millions were minted, finding one that hasn’t been worn down by decades of commerce is the real challenge for collectors. The silver content alone provides a “floor” for the price, as each quarter contains 90% silver, but the numismatic premium is where the real money is made. Collectors are often willing to pay a significant premium for coins that have avoided scratches, “bag marks,” or harsh cleaning.
You can find the most recent 1935 S Washington Quarter auction prices to see what buyers are currently paying for various grades. Generally, even a heavily used coin will fetch a few dollars above its silver melt value. As you move up the grading scale into “Extremely Fine” or “About Uncirculated,” the price jumps quickly. The following table provides an estimate of what you can expect based on professional grading standards.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $6.50 – $8.00 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $12.00 – $18.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $35.00 – $55.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $150.00 – $220.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $550.00+ |
What Makes the San Francisco Mint Mark Special
In the 1930s, the San Francisco Mint often produced lower mintages than the Philadelphia or Denver facilities. In 1935, San Francisco struck approximately 5.6 million quarters. While this sounds like a lot, it is quite small compared to the modern minting runs of hundreds of millions. This lower mintage is exactly why the “S” mark on the reverse—located just below the wreath—is so important to the 1935 San Francisco quarter worth in today’s numismatic market.
Many of these coins were shoved into piggy banks during the Great Depression or stayed in circulation until the mid-1960s when silver was removed from U.S. coinage. If you discover one that is exceptionally shiny, it might have “toning,” which is a natural oxidation process that can turn the silver into shades of blue, gold, or purple. Beautifully toned coins often sell for much more than the standard retail price. If you want to keep track of your finds and their potential appreciation, the CoinHix app is an excellent way to catalog your collection digitally.
Common Errors and Variations to Look For
While the 1935 S Washington Quarter is not famous for spectacular doubled dies like some other years, collectors still hunt for minor minting errors. These can include “RPMs” (Re-punched Mint Marks) or small die cracks. An error can turn a standard $10 coin into a unique piece worth significantly more to a specialist. Always examine the “S” mint mark under magnification to see if there is any doubling or if the letter looks thicker than usual.
Using a high-quality lens or the digital zoom on CoinHix can reveal details the naked eye misses. Remember that even if your coin isn’t an error, its silver purity (0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver) ensures it will always have value. Never clean your coins, as rubbing them with chemicals or cloths can take away the original surface and cut the collector value in half instantly.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1935 S Washington Quarter?
A: You can find the “S” mint mark on the reverse (back) of the coin, located directly below the center of the wreath that the eagle is sitting on.
Q: Is a 1935 quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Washington Quarters minted from 1932 through 1964 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Q: What is the most expensive 1935 S Washington Quarter ever sold?
A: While average uncirculated examples sell for a few hundred dollars, rare specimens graded MS67 or higher by professional services have been known to sell for over $5,000 at major auctions.