The 1935-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $6 in heavily worn condition to over $300 or more in high-grade mint state — and a truly pristine example can push well past that. If you just found one of these old silver coins, you may be sitting on something genuinely valuable. Read on to find out exactly what yours might be worth.
What Makes the 1935-S Washington Quarter Special
The 1935-S Washington Quarter was struck at the San Francisco Mint during just the fourth year of the Washington quarter series. The “S” mintmark — found on the reverse just above the words “QUARTER DOLLAR” — tells you this coin came from San Francisco, not Philadelphia or Denver.
The total mintage for this coin was 5,660,000 pieces. That’s actually a fairly modest number compared to other quarters from the same era, which helps explain why well-preserved examples command serious money today.
If you’ve got an old quarter and aren’t sure which mint it’s from, a free coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm the date, mintmark, and even estimate its value. Tools like CoinKnow make it easy for everyday people to scan a coin with their smartphone and get instant results — no numismatic degree required.
How Much Is a 1935-S Washington Quarter Worth Today
Value depends heavily on the coin’s condition, also called its “grade.” A coin that’s been in circulation for decades will show wear on the high points — George Washington’s cheek, hair, and the eagle’s breast feathers. The more wear, the lower the grade and the lower the value.
Here’s a general value breakdown based on condition:
| Grade / Condition | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $6 – $8 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, some detail | $8 – $12 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear across surfaces | $12 – $18 |
| Very Fine (VF-20/30) | Light wear, good detail | $20 – $35 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Slight wear on high points | $40 – $65 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Trace wear, most luster remains | $70 – $120 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | No wear, some contact marks | $150 – $250 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | Gem quality, full luster | $300 – $600+ |
For a more detailed look at 1935-S Washington Quarter mint state prices and recent auction records, it’s worth checking a dedicated coin price database to see what collectors are actually paying right now.
The Silver Content Factor — Your Coin Has Melt Value Too
One thing many people forget: the 1935-S Washington Quarter is made of 90% silver. That means even a heavily worn example has real intrinsic metal value regardless of collectible grade.
Each Washington quarter from this era contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounces of pure silver. With silver prices fluctuating around $28–$30 per troy ounce in recent years, that puts the raw silver melt value of any 1935-S quarter at roughly $5 to $6 just from the metal alone.
So even if your coin is too worn to interest a collector, it’s not worthless. Many coin dealers and precious metal buyers will purchase worn silver quarters just for their silver content.
How to Check the Condition of Your 1935-S Quarter
Grading coins can feel intimidating, but a few simple checks will give you a good starting point. First, look at Washington’s cheekbone and the hair just above his ear — these are the first spots to show wear on a circulated coin.
On the reverse, examine the eagle’s breast feathers and the tops of the wings. Sharp, well-defined feathers suggest a higher-grade coin. Flat or mushy-looking feathers indicate significant circulation wear.
Natural light or a simple magnifying glass works well for home inspection. Avoid cleaning the coin — even gentle polishing can drastically reduce collector value by removing original surface patina.
You can also use CoinKnow to photograph your coin and get an AI-assisted grade estimate right from your phone. It’s one of the most practical tools available for beginners who want a fast, reliable second opinion before visiting a dealer.
For a full breakdown of 1935 Washington Quarter values across all mint marks and grades, a dedicated coin value resource will walk you through exactly where your specific example fits in the market.
Is the 1935-S Quarter Worth Getting Professionally Graded
If your coin looks like it might be in AU or Mint State condition — meaning it has most of its original luster and shows little to no wear — professional grading through PCGS or NGC is absolutely worth considering.
A certified MS-65 example can sell for $300 to $600 or more, compared to a raw (ungraded) coin of similar appearance that might only fetch $150 to $200. The certification gives buyers confidence, and that confidence translates directly into higher prices.
Grading fees typically run $30 to $50 per coin for standard service, so it makes financial sense only if your coin appears to be in genuinely high grade. CoinKnow can help you assess whether your coin is a good candidate before you spend money on professional submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my quarter is the 1935-S and not just a 1935?
A: Look at the reverse of the coin, just above the words “QUARTER DOLLAR” near the bottom. If you see a small “S” mintmark, your coin was made in San Francisco. No mintmark means Philadelphia. A “D” means Denver. Each has different values, with the San Francisco issue being among the more desirable of the three.
Q: My 1935-S Washington Quarter looks shiny — does that mean it’s uncirculated?
A: Not necessarily. Many coins have been cleaned over the decades, which creates an artificial shine but actually damages collector value. A genuine uncirculated coin will have a slightly different luster — more “cartwheel” effect under light. If you’re unsure, avoid further cleaning and consult a dealer or use an app like CoinKnow for a second opinion.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1935-S Washington Quarter?
A: For common circulated examples, a local coin dealer or coin show is the easiest option. For higher-grade examples, eBay auctions often reach the widest audience and can produce competitive prices. For certified MS-65 or better coins, major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers are worth considering, as serious collectors monitor those platforms closely.
