The 1935-D Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in heavily circulated condition to over $200 or more in high mint state grades. If you pulled one of these out of an old jar or inherited it from a grandparent, you might be sitting on more than pocket change — especially if it still has some shine to it.
After the introduction of the Washington Quarter in 1932, the Denver Mint continued striking these coins through the mid-1930s. The 1935-D is one of those early issues that collectors genuinely seek out. Using a free coin identifier app is a great first step if you’re not sure what you have or where to start — it can instantly pull up details about your coin from a photo.
What Makes the 1935-D Washington Quarter Special
The “D” mintmark on this quarter stands for Denver, and it was struck at the Denver Mint in Colorado. In 1935, the Denver Mint produced 5,780,000 Washington Quarters — a decent mintage, but not enormous by modern standards.
Because this coin is nearly 90 years old and made of 90% silver, it already has a base metal value just from its silver content. Even a worn, ugly example is worth a few dollars in silver melt value alone.
What really gets collectors excited is condition. A coin that has been sitting in a drawer untouched for decades — rather than spending years in circulation — can grade out at MS-63 or higher, and those examples bring serious money at auction and in dealer cases.
How Much Is the 1935-D Washington Quarter Worth by Grade
The value of your 1935-D quarter depends almost entirely on its condition. Coin grading uses a scale from 1 to 70, and for older coins like this one, even moving a few grades up can double or triple the price.
Here’s a look at approximate retail values across different grades:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, design visible | $6 – $8 |
| VG-8 (Very Good) | Moderate wear, lettering clear | $8 – $12 |
| F-12 (Fine) | Even wear, some detail remains | $12 – $18 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Light wear on high points | $18 – $28 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Slight wear, sharp details | $30 – $50 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $90 – $150 |
| MS-65 (Gem Mint State) | Bright luster, minimal contact marks | $200 – $350+ |
For the most current market data, you can check out 1935-D Washington Quarter price trends across mint state grades — values can shift depending on silver prices and collector demand.
What to Look For on Your Coin
Before you assume your coin is just another worn silver quarter, take a close look at a few things. First, find the mintmark — it sits on the reverse (eagle side) of the coin, just to the right of the ribbon above the “R” in QUARTER. If you see a small “D,” you’ve got the Denver issue.
Next, look at the coin’s overall surface. Is there any original luster — that soft, cartwheel-like shine — still visible around the legends or in the fields? If so, that’s a very good sign.
Also inspect for cleaning. Many old silver coins were polished by well-meaning owners over the years, which actually reduces their value significantly to collectors. A cleaned coin will look unnaturally bright and may show fine hairlines under magnification.
Silver Melt Value and Why It Matters
Every 1935-D Washington Quarter contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. That means even in the worst condition, it’s still worth something based purely on silver content.
When silver trades at around $28–$30 per troy ounce, the melt value of your quarter is roughly $5.00–$5.45. That’s your floor — no matter how beat up the coin is, it will almost always be worth at least that.
For a complete breakdown of 1935 quarter value including all mint marks and condition grades, it helps to cross-reference multiple sources before selling or buying.
If you want a fast and reliable way to estimate what your coin is worth, CoinKnow is one of the most popular apps among everyday collectors. Just snap a photo, and CoinKnow walks you through grading basics, historical mintage data, and current price ranges — all in plain English, no numismatic degree required.
Where to Sell Your 1935-D Washington Quarter
If you’ve decided to sell, you have several solid options. Online platforms like eBay let you reach the widest pool of buyers, and you can see exactly what similar coins have sold for recently using the “sold listings” filter.
Local coin shops offer the convenience of instant cash, though they typically pay 60–70% of retail value since they need room for profit. Coin shows are another excellent option — dealers there are often more competitive on pricing.
For coins grading MS-63 or higher, consider getting them professionally certified by PCGS or NGC. A slabbed, graded coin commands significantly more buyer confidence and usually sells for more than a raw (ungraded) example.
CoinKnow can also help you decide whether professional grading is worth the cost for your specific coin — it’s a smart tool to have before making any selling decisions.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1935-D Washington Quarter made of silver?
A: Yes. Like all Washington Quarters made before 1965, the 1935-D is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it real metal value regardless of its collector grade.
Q: How do I tell if my quarter is the Denver (D) mint or another mint?
A: Look on the reverse side of the coin, just to the right of the bow on the eagle’s breast. A small “D” means Denver, no mintmark means Philadelphia, and an “S” means San Francisco. The Philadelphia version typically carries a slight premium in top grades due to its lower surviving population in mint state.
Q: What’s the most valuable 1935-D Washington Quarter ever sold?
A: In gem mint state grades like MS-67, examples of the 1935-D have sold at major auction houses for several hundred dollars or more. A PCGS MS-67 example can reach $500–$800+ depending on eye appeal and the strength of the strike. Coins at that level are rare survivors that were never put into circulation.
