1935 Quarter Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1935 Washington quarter holds a special place in American coin history—and not just because it’s 90% silver.

This was the year when every United States mint (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco) struck a unique transitional version of the Washington quarter. Specifically, all 1935 coins use the “Medium Motto” hub exclusively, making them distinct from all quarters made before and after. We’ll explain exactly what that means and why it matters for your coin’s value.

Nearly 47 million 1935 quarters were struck across three mints. Yet in top grades, authenticated examples have sold for as much as $21,000—proof that condition and mint mark can transform a pocket-change coin into a prize collector’s item.

 

1935 Quarter Value By Variety

The numbers don’t lie—here’s what your 1935 quarter is actually worth today.

This value chart breaks down current market prices by mint mark and condition. Notice the massive difference: a regular 1935 quarter in MS condition is worth $542, but that same grade 1935-D jumps to $654. The mint mark on the back of your coin can literally double its value.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarter Worth Money (1932 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1935 Quarter Worth Money

The 1935 Washington quarters showcase remarkable value differences based on mint mark and condition. The 1935-S MS68 stands as the current crown jewel at $21,000, realized at a Stack’s Bowers auction in August 2024—making it one of the most sought-after early Washington quarters in numismatics.

The Philadelphia 1935 MS68 follows with a $7,200 result from Stack’s Bowers in March 2021, while the 1935-D MS67 at Heritage Auctions in 2003 commanded $9,775. Even mid-grade examples like the 1935-S MS67 and 1935-D MS66 consistently attract strong competition at major auction houses.

What makes 1935 quarters particularly compelling is how all three mint marks produced genuinely high-value specimens. The record-setting $21,000 sale for the 1935-S MS68 in 2024 confirmed what savvy collectors already knew: population data from PCGS shows only 2 coins have ever cracked the MS68 barrier for this date.

These 1935 quarters represent just one year in the rich history of valuable Washington quarters spanning nearly a century of production.

 

History of the 1935 Quarter

The 1935 Washington quarter has a design origin story that most collectors don’t know—and it involves a genuine controversy at the U.S. Treasury.

When Congress decided in 1924 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, the original plan was to issue a commemorative half dollar. The Great Depression changed that. Because the Standing Liberty quarter was notoriously difficult to strike and wore out dies too quickly, Representative Randolph Perkins (R-NJ7) introduced legislation switching the commemorative coin from the half dollar to the quarter dollar denomination.

A design competition was held. Sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser—a highly accomplished artist and the first woman to design a U.S. coin—submitted a portrait of Washington based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous 1785 marble bust. The Commission of Fine Arts selected her design. Then Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon overruled the commission and held a second competition. When Fraser’s design was selected again, Mellon once more set it aside, this time choosing sculptor John Flanagan’s left-facing portrait instead. According to numismatic historian Q. David Bowers in his 2006 book A Guide Book of Washington and State Quarters, the controversy surrounding this decision was well documented at the time.

Flanagan’s design has been on the quarter in some form ever since 1932. Fraser’s portrait was eventually honored—first on a 1999 $5 gold commemorative coin, and then as the obverse design for the 2022–2025 American Women Quarters Program. Flanagan’s portrait was itself modeled on Houdon’s 1785 bust, which can still be viewed at George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Also Read: Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarter Worth Money (1999 – 2008)

 

What Makes the 1935 Quarter Unique: The Medium Motto

Here’s an important detail that even experienced collectors often overlook: every single 1935 Washington quarter, from all three mints, was struck exclusively with the “Medium Motto” hub.

To understand why this matters, you need a bit of backstory. When John Flanagan originally designed the Washington quarter in 1932, he engraved the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” too softly on his master model. As noted by numismatist David W. Lange in an article for the Numismatist (September 2003), the Mint worried the faint lettering would wear off the dies too quickly.

The Mint experimented with the font weight across three different obverse hubs. The 1932 coins used the “Light Motto” (mushy and indistinct). In 1934, three different hubs were tested—the Light Motto, a “Medium Motto” (sharper, but slim letters), and a “Heavy Motto” (very bold, with the center peak of the letter “W” in WE visibly above the left and right strokes). In 1936 and all later silver years, only the Heavy Motto was used.

The 1935 coins are the only year in the entire series to use the Medium Motto exclusively at all three mints. This makes them a one-year-only transitional type that sophisticated collectors recognize as special. The 1935-S coins specifically used the second transitional hub, which produced lettering that was described in Mint records as “much sharper” than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.

You can identify the Medium Motto by examining the letter “W” in “WE” under magnification: the center peak ends at the same level as the left and right strokes (not above them, as on the Heavy Motto). No premium is currently attached to the Medium Motto in 1935, since it appears on all examples, but it’s a fascinating design detail that tells the history of the coin.

 

Is Your 1935 Quarter Rare?

You can quickly check the exact rarity score of any coin in your collection using our CoinValueChecker App, which provides real-time rarity rankings and market data.

 

Key Features of the 1935 Quarter

We’ve already touched on some numismatic descriptors like the obverse of a coin. The back or tails side is the reverse while the thin side is the edge, and it has a raised border called a rim or collar. The edge might also have ridges called reeds. The words on a coin—as we said earlier—are mottos or legends. The images are devices and the coin background is the field.

The Obverse of the 1935 Quarter

It shows George Washington facing left. His portrait is modeled after Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1785 marble bust of the general, which differs subtly from Flanagan’s version in head shape and certain hair curls. The motto In God We Trust (in the Medium Motto style unique to 1935) appears to the left of his head while the legend Liberty arcs along the top rim. The mint date runs along the bottom rim of the coin. His neckline cut-off is engraved JF to identify the coin designer as John Flanagan. Flanagan was also a member of the American Numismatic Society.

The Reverse of the 1935 Quarter

It shows a heraldic eagle with wings spread, facing left and clutching a bundle of arrows in its talons. Above its head is the motto E Pluribus Unum. An olive branch wreath frames the design, with the mint mark positioned below the central point of the wreath. The top of the coin says United States of America and the bottom says Quarter Dollar. Note that the original 1932 reverse hub—which had a higher rim that protected the design from wear—was replaced starting in 1934, meaning 1935 quarters tend to show more reverse wear than obverse wear in circulation.

Other Features of the 1935 Quarter

The 1935 Quarter was 90% Silver and 10% Copper, giving it a silver weight of 0.18084 troy ounces. It weighed 6.25g, was 24.3mm in diameter, 1.75mm thick, and had 119 reeds on its edge. The reeds were a counterfeiting measure since you could tell if someone had scraped any silver off the edge.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter

 

1935 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Based on the 1935 Quarter Mintage & Survival Chart, the data showcases fascinating insights into coin preservation patterns across U.S. mints. The combined 1935 production across all three facilities reached 46,924,000 coins—a substantial increase over the 35,439,252 struck in 1934 as economic confidence improved during the Depression era.

The Philadelphia mint (No Mint mark) dominated production with 35,484,000 quarters—roughly 75% of the entire 1935 output. Denver contributed 5,780,000 and San Francisco the fewest at 5,660,000. Consistent survival rates of approximately 10% across all three mints suggest uniform circulation patterns during the 1930s, meaning scarcity in high grades is driven by how many were saved uncirculated—not by how many were melted or lost.

Notably, no Proof quarters were minted in 1935 (or from 1932 through 1935 at all), so there are no cameo or deep cameo specimens from this year. Every 1935 quarter you encounter is a business-strike circulation coin.

The survival distribution data emphasizes how the Philadelphia mint’s massive production translates to the largest surviving population, yet the Denver and San Francisco coins are genuinely scarcer in high Mint State grades, making them the real prizes for advanced collectors.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money (1932 – 1998)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1935 Quarter Value

Want to quickly determine your 1935 quarter’s true value? Download our CoinValueChecker App for instant, professional grade assessment. Simply snap a photo, and our AI-powered technology will accurately identify your coin’s condition and provide real-time market valuations. No expertise needed—get reliable grading results in seconds.

Whether you’re a collector or investor, CoinValueChecker makes coin evaluation effortless and accurate. Start your coin appraisal journey today!

 

1935 Quarter Value Guides

Three varieties of 1935 Washington quarters were minted:

• 1935 (No Mint Mark) – Philadelphia mint production, most common variety, Medium Motto hub
• 1935-D – Denver mint production, indicated by “D” mint mark on reverse, scarcest in high grades
• 1935-S – San Francisco mint production, indicated by “S” mint mark on reverse, uses a slightly sharper second transitional hub

Here’s what you need to know about these three varieties.

The 1935 Washington quarter’s value depends largely on its mint mark. Philadelphia coins have no mark, while Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) coins show their letters below the eagle on the reverse. Despite similar mintage numbers between Denver and San Francisco, the 1935-D is generally more valuable in high grades because of its dramatically lower survival rate in Mint State. Always check for that small mint mark—it could add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your coin’s value.

 

1935 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The regular 1935 Washington quarter represents the Philadelphia mint’s solid production during the heart of the Great Depression. While it’s the most common of the three varieties, don’t dismiss it entirely. High-grade examples still command serious collector respect, especially those with original luster or attractive toning.

Circulated examples in Fine-12 condition trade for around $12–$15, while MS-63 coins fetch $175–$225. Premium MS-65 specimens reach $850–$1,200, displaying sharp strikes and attractive surfaces. The auction record for this variety is a remarkable $7,200 for an MS68-graded coin sold at Stack’s Bowers in March 2021. A Heritage Auctions sale in 2019 brought $12,925 for an MS67 example—both figures illustrating the dramatic jump in value at the top of the grading scale.

Recent auction results reveal what collectors are actually willing to pay for 1935 Philadelphia quarters across different grades.

Current market activity data shows the real-time buying interest and trading volume for this variety.

 

1935-D Quarter Value

The Denver mint’s 1935 quarters are the scarcest of the three varieties in high grades, even though their mintage of 5,780,000 coins is actually slightly higher than the 5,660,000 struck in San Francisco.

The reason comes down to survival rates in Mint State. According to NGC census data, only 147 coins have ever been certified at MS67 or higher for the 1935-D—a strikingly low number that explains why top examples command the highest premiums in the series. Circulated Denver quarters in Good-4 condition start at $8–$10, while MS-63 examples command $250–$350. Premium MS-65 quarters fetch $1,400–$2,200. The current auction record for the 1935-D is $9,775 for an MS67 coin sold at Heritage Auctions in 2003, a figure that remains a benchmark for this variety even two decades later. A 1935-D MS67+ CAC later sold at Stack’s Bowers in 2022 for $21,600—the current series high for this mint.

Recent auction results show exactly what premium collectors are paying for 1935-D quarters in various conditions.

Current market activity reveals the buying momentum and collector interest driving 1935-D quarter prices today.

 

1935-S Quarter Value

The 1935-S stands out as the most historically documented of the three varieties, ranking 14th among all Washington quarters for rarity in top grades. The San Francisco mint struck 5,660,000 quarters in 1935—the lowest mintage of the three mints that year—using a second transitional hub that produced noticeably sharper motto lettering than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.

The PCGS MS67 population for the 1935-S now stands at 82 coins (as of April 2024), with 19 in MS67+. In the summer of 2024, PCGS graded only 2 examples at the MS68 level—the first time any 1935-S had reached that pinnacle. One of those MS68 coins had previously sold as a PCGS MS67+ CAC for $5,137.88 at GreatCollections in October 2023. After receiving its MS68 upgrade, it resold at GreatCollections in July 2024 for $8,182.11. The second MS68 set the all-time auction record for the variety at $21,000 through Stack’s Bowers in August 2024. Circulated examples in Good-4 condition start at about $7.50–$9, while MS-65 specimens typically trade in the $130–$200 range.

Auction records demonstrate the significant premiums that 1935-S quarters achieve when they hit the market.

Market activity data reveals the intense collector competition driving current 1935-S quarter values.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1935 Quarter Error List

1935 DDO FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse)

The 1935 DDO FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse) is the most significant known error variety in the 1935 Washington quarter series. “DDO” means Doubled Die Obverse—an error that occurs during die production when the design hub is impressed onto the die more than once at slightly different angles, creating a doubled image baked permanently into the die itself.

This variety shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date, and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” making it identifiable even to beginner collectors using a 5x loupe. Because the doubling is in the die—not the strike—it will appear identically on every coin struck from that die, which is what makes it a recognized variety rather than a one-off accident.

Grade-by-grade values reveal the dramatic premium this error commands: a 1935 DDO FS-101 in MS64 condition sold for just $25 in 2019, but an MS63 example brought $200 in 2023 and top MS67 examples have reached $9,200 at auction. The rarity in certified high grades is what drives these spikes.

1935 Broadstruck Error

A broadstruck error happens when a coin is struck outside its retaining collar, allowing the metal to spread outward further than normal. The result is a coin that’s flatter and wider than a standard quarter, with design elements that appear more spread out than intended.

A 1935 quarter broadstruck error in VF30 (Very Fine) grade has been documented selling for around $40. More dramatic examples in higher Mint State grades could potentially reach $100–$200 depending on how dramatically the coin expanded beyond normal dimensions.

1935 Wrong Planchet Error (Struck on Dime Blank)

One of the rarest 1935 quarter errors documented is a coin struck on a dime planchet (blank), producing a quarter-sized design squeezed onto a much smaller disk. The resulting coin is approximately dime-sized in appearance but shows Washington quarter design elements.

A verified example in AU58 (About Uncirculated) grade sold for an impressive $2,600—a dramatic illustration of how major planchet errors can transform even a common date coin into a significant numismatic rarity.

1935-S RPM (Repunched Mint Mark)

The 1935-S also has a documented RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) variety, where the “S” mint mark punch was applied more than once to the die in slightly different positions. Under magnification, you can see doubling or shadows around the edges of the “S” mint mark on the reverse. RPM varieties typically command modest premiums over regular examples, though values depend heavily on the clarity of the repunching and the coin’s overall grade.

Also Read: 20 Rare Washington Quarter Errors Worth Money (Full List with Pictures)

 

Where to Sell Your 1935 Quarter?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now:  Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1935 Quarter Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

1935 Quarter FAQ

1. What is a 1935 Quarter Worth?

The value of a 1935 quarter spans a huge range depending on mint mark and grade. Circulated Philadelphia examples start around $9–$12 in Fine condition, while a rare MS68-graded Philadelphia coin sold at Stack’s Bowers in March 2021 for $7,200. The 1935-S holds the all-time high for the year, with an MS68 specimen bringing $21,000 at Stack’s Bowers in August 2024. Most collector-grade MS67 examples across all three mints fall in the $1,000–$4,500 range.

2. Are Quarters from 1935 Made of Silver?

Yes, 1935 quarters are 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition continued through 1964, meaning all Washington quarters struck before 1965 have silver value. Each 1935 quarter contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it a melt value that fluctuates with the silver spot price. After 1992, some Proof quarters were again struck in 90% silver, but circulating quarters have been copper-nickel clad since 1965.

3. What is the 1935 Quarter Medium Motto and Why Does It Matter?

Every 1935 quarter—from all three mints—was struck exclusively with the “Medium Motto” hub, a unique transitional design between the “Light Motto” of 1932 and the “Heavy Motto” used from 1936 onward. The difference is in the weight of the “IN GOD WE TRUST” lettering. On the Medium Motto, the center peak of the “W” in “WE” ends level with the outer strokes; on the Heavy Motto (used from 1936), it projects noticeably above them. This makes every 1935 quarter a one-year-only type in the Washington quarter series.

4. What is the Rarest 1935 Quarter?

In terms of top certified grades, the 1935-D is the hardest to find above MS67, with only 147 coins ever certified at that level or higher by NGC. However, the 1935-S holds the all-time auction record at $21,000 for its MS68 example sold in 2024. The DDO FS-101 error variety—found only on Philadelphia coins—is the rarest collectible variety, with MS67 examples reaching $9,200.

5. Where is the Mint Mark on a 1935 Quarter?

The mint mark on a 1935 Washington quarter is located on the reverse (tails) side of the coin, below the eagle and above the word “QUARTER.” It’s positioned in the middle of the two stems of the interwoven olive branch wreath. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark; Denver coins show a “D” and San Francisco coins show an “S.” Always examine this spot under good lighting before assuming your coin is a common Philadelphia issue.

6. Were Any 1935 Quarters Made as Proof Coins?

No. The U.S. Mint did not produce any Proof Washington quarters between 1932 and 1935—or again between 1943 and 1949. This means there are no Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) versions of the 1935 quarter. Every 1935 quarter you find is a business-strike circulation coin. Proof production for Washington quarters resumed in 1936 and ran through 1942, and then again from 1950 onward.

7. What is the 1935 Quarter DDO FS-101 Error Worth?

The DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) FS-101 is the premier error for this date. An MS64 example sold for just $25 in 2019, but an MS63 coin brought $200 in 2023, and MS67 examples have reached $9,200. The dramatic doubling on “LIBERTY,” the date, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is visible under 5x magnification, making this one of the more beginner-friendly errors to spot. Always get suspected DDO coins certified by PCGS or NGC before selling.

8. How Do I Know If My 1935 Quarter is Valuable?

Start by identifying the mint mark (D, S, or no mark) on the reverse. Then assess the coin’s condition—look for full luster, sharp design details, and minimal marks. If the coin appears uncirculated, it may be worth having it professionally graded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). Finally, check for the DDO FS-101 error on the obverse. Using the CoinValueChecker App to photograph and evaluate your coin is a fast, free first step.

9. How Were John Flanagan’s Initials Added to the 1935 Quarter Design?

John Flanagan’s initials “JF” appear in small letters on the obverse, engraved at the base of Washington’s bust just above the “5” in the date. Flanagan was a New York sculptor and member of the American Numismatic Society. His portrait was based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1785 marble bust of Washington, though Flanagan’s version differs from the original in head shape and specific hair curl placement. In 1944, a design revision accidentally distorted Flanagan’s initials, which were then corrected in 1945.

10. What Other Errors Should I Look for on 1935 Quarters?

Beyond the DDO FS-101, look for: broadstruck errors (the coin is wider and flatter than normal—a verified VF30 example sold for $40); wrong planchet errors (a quarter struck on a dime blank in AU58 sold for $2,600); and the 1935-S RPM (Repunched Mint Mark), where the “S” appears doubled under magnification. Clipped planchets and die cracks are also documented on this date, each adding a modest premium depending on severity. Always use a 5x to 10x loupe and good lighting to examine your coin carefully.