1936 Quarter Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1936 Washington quarter emerged during a pivotal moment in American history, as the nation gradually recovered from the depths of the Great Depression.

By 1936, economic optimism had returned sufficiently for the U.S. Mint to resume proof coin production after a twenty-year hiatus since 1916, with 1936 marking the inaugural year for Washington quarter proofs.

While Philadelphia quarters in mint state are valued at $62, the Denver mint quarters command $838 in the same grade—a premium that reflects how money “worked hard in the Midwest during the depression” and fewer specimens survived in collectible condition.

This historical context makes 1936 quarters particularly fascinating to collectors, representing both numismatic value and a tangible connection to America’s economic resilience during the recovery era.

 

1936 Quarter Value By Variety

This is a value chart for 1936 quarters displaying current market prices across different mint varieties (No Mint Mark, Denver, San Francisco, and Proof) and condition grades, with values ranging from $5 for common examples to over $4,000 for high-grade proof coins.

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 1936 Quarter Worth Money

The top 10 most valuable 1936 quarters represent an extraordinary range of numismatic treasures, with the 1936-S in MS-68 condition leading the pack at an impressive $31,200. This comprehensive ranking showcases how condition, rarity, and variety combine to create exceptional values within the Washington quarter series.

From the key date San Francisco mint issue to the fascinating DDO FS-101 error variety commanding over $6,600 in MS-66 grade, these coins demonstrate the significant premium that collectors place on quality and scarcity.

The dramatic price differences between grades highlight the critical importance of professional authentication and accurate grading when evaluating 1936 quarters.

Error varieties like the doubled die obverse prove that minting anomalies can rival even low-mintage issues in terms of collector demand and market value. Whether you’re holding a common Philadelphia mint quarter or a rare proof specimen, understanding these benchmark values provides essential insight into the current marketplace.

 

History of The 1936 Quarter

The 1936 quarter is part of the series known as Washington quarters. Their nickname comes from the image on the obverse, a portrait of the first US president, George Washington.It had originally been planned to mark the bicentenary of Washington’s birth with a single-year issue of a coin. And at first, this was intended to be a half-dollar.

But plans changed, and it was decided that the new coin should be a permanent addition to the nation’s coinage. And rather than a half-dollar, it would be a quarter.The Treasury ran a competition to select a design for the new coins. The winning entry was by an artist named John Flanagan.

The first coins were struck in 1932, and they were made of 90 per cent silver and 10 per cent copper. But over the decades, silver values steadily rose, making the coins increasingly expensive to produce.

From 1965 onwards, silver was removed from the quarter. The new coins were made of copper with a cupronickel cladding to give them a silver color. It’s that recipe that’s still being used for quarters to this day.

The new quarters were tougher than the silver versions, so some changes were needed to the design. The relief was lowered to ensure that it would still be possible to strike them successfully.

In 1936, quarters were struck at the Mint facilities in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. And proof coins were struck at Philadelphia too.There are several mintages of silver Washington quarters where it’s difficult to find high quality examples. Amongst them is the 1936 D. It’s this rarity that keeps the values for these coins buoyant.

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

 

Is Your 1936 Quarter Rare?

Our CoinValueChecker App provides detailed rarity data and rankings to help make informed collecting decisions.

 

Key Features Of The 1936 Quarter

The Obverse Of The 1936 Quarter

The obverse – or “heads” side – of the 1936 quarter is responsible for its nickname. It shows the profile of George Washington, facing to the left as the coin is viewed.

The decision on a design for the commemorative Washington coin had first been passed to a committee. They were charged with overseeing all aspects of the celebrations for the bicentenary of Washington’s birth.

But it was then decided that Washington should be honored with a permanent coin. And as such, the decision on its design passed to the Treasury Secretary, Andrew W. Mellon.

The committee wrote to Mellon recommending the image they had already selected – a portrait by the American artist, Laura Gardin Fraser. But Mellon preferred a different option, by John Flanagan.

By the time the coin was ready to be issued, Mellon had left his post. The committee tried to persuade his successor, Ogden L. Mills, to think again. Mills, however, declined, and the coins went ahead with Flanagan’s portrait.

His initials are inscribed on the cut-off of the bust. The word “LIBERTY” arches across the top of the coin, while the date mirrors it at the bottom. The familiar motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is tucked to the left of the design, just under Washington’s chin.

The Reverse Of The 1936 Quarter

The reverse of the 1936 quarter was also designed by John Flanagan. It depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a bundle of arrows. Beneath it is an olive branch.

The stylized representation of the eagle gave rise to some comment when the coin was issued. The New York Times even sought the view of an ornithologist to determine its species. The verdict was that the bird was a bald eagle, the traditional emblem of the USA.

Above its head is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. The phrase, which appears on most US coins, means “From the many, one”. It’s a reference to the country’s birth as a union of states.

The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curve across the top of the coin. And at the bottom is the denomination, spelled out as “QUARTER DOLLAR”.

The 1936 quarters struck in Denver and San Francisco both have mint marks – a “D” and an “S” respectively. Look for the mark below the middle of the olive branch. If there’s no letter, your coin was struck in Philadelphia.

Other Features Of The 1936 Quarter

Because the 1936 quarter is made mostly of silver, all coins have an intrinsic value. They weigh 6.3 grams and are 24.3 millimeters in diameter.If you turn one on its side, you’ll see what’s known as a “reeded edge”. The reeds are grooves which run at right angles to the coin faces.

They were first used in the eighteenth century, and were originally designed as a measure to counter fraud. The pattern meant it was easy to see at once if someone had clipped precious metal from the edge of the coin.

If you compare a quarter from 1936 with one from a decade later, you’ll see some minor differences. The dies were changed in 1944 to make the lettering sharper, and the date was slightly enlarged the same year.

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

 

1936 Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

The 1936 Quarter Mintage & Survival Chart reveals fascinating insights into coin preservation over nearly 90 years. The Philadelphia mint (No Mint Mark) produced the highest quantity at 41.3 million coins, yet maintains a 10% survival rate with approximately 4.13 million coins remaining today.

The Denver mint (D) struck 5.37 million quarters with a slightly lower survival rate of 9.9926%, leaving about 537,000 coins in existence. San Francisco (S) had a mintage of 3.83 million with a 10.0052% survival rate, resulting in 383,000 surviving examples.

Most remarkably, the 1936 Proof quarters show an exceptional 78.1861% survival rate, with approximately 3,000 of the original 3,837 coins still existing today.

These survival statistics demonstrate how mintage numbers don’t always correlate directly with current availability, as factors like circulation wear, melting, and loss significantly impact long-term preservation.

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

 

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1936 Quarter Value

Determining your 1936 quarter’s value requires identifying the mint mark, assessing the coin’s condition, and recognizing any special varieties or errors. While professional grading services provide the most accurate assessment, you can get an instant estimated value using the CoinValueChecker App.

Simply upload clear photos of both sides of your coin, and the app will analyze the mint mark, grade, and potential varieties to provide a reliable market value range—making coin evaluation quick and accessible for collectors of all levels.

 

 

1936 Quarter Value Guides

The 1936 Washington quarter was produced at three different U.S. Mint facilities, each creating distinct varieties identifiable by their mint marks.

The Philadelphia mint produced coins without mint marks, while Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) issues bear their respective letters on the reverse. Additionally, the Philadelphia mint struck special proof coins featuring mirror-like surfaces and sharp details for collectors.

Each variety has different mintage numbers and rarity levels, significantly affecting their current market values. Collectors often seek complete sets representing all mint locations from this pivotal year in Washington quarter history.

• 1936 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia )
• 1936-D (Denver Mint)
• 1936-S (San Francisco)
• 1936 Proof – Special proof production for collectors

 

1936 No Mint Mark Quarter Value

The 1936 No Mint Mark Quarter stands out as a notable entry in the Washington Quarter series, demonstrating the dramatic impact of condition on coin values.

While relatively common in lower grades with prices starting around $5-8, this quarter exhibits an extraordinary price surge in pristine condition, reaching nearly $19,000 for MS-70 specimens according to recent auction records.

The dramatic value escalation from MS-65 to MS-70 grades makes it a prime example of how condition rarity can transform an otherwise common coin into a highly sought-after collectible.

The auction records for this foundational coin reveal fascinating pricing trends across different grade levels, with premium examples commanding exceptional values.

Recent market activity data shows strong collector interest and trading volume for 1936 No Mint Mark quarters throughout the year.

 

1936-D Quarter Value

The 1936-D Washington quarter stands out as a moderately scarce issue from the Denver Mint, with a mintage of approximately 5.37 million coins—significantly lower than its Philadelphia counterpart.

The 1936-D represents an important bridge piece for collectors. Denver Mint quarters from this era often exhibit distinctive strike characteristics and luster patterns that distinguish them from other mint facilities, making them particularly appealing to numismatists seeking quality examples.

The comprehensive auction record chart below demonstrates the steady price appreciation for 1936-D quarters across all grade levels, reflecting their growing collector demand.

Current market activity data reveals consistent trading interest and robust participation from collectors throughout recent months.

 

1936–S Quarter Value

The 1936-S Washington quarter represents the true key date of the inaugural Washington quarter series, with 3.83 million coins from the San Francisco Mint.

Distinguished by the “S” mint mark positioned below the eagle on the reverse, this coin commands premium prices across most grades due to its genuine scarcity in the numismatic marketplace.

Many 1936-S quarters were heavily circulated on the West Coast, making high-grade survivors exceptionally rare and highly coveted by serious collectors seeking to complete their Washington quarter type sets.

The detailed auction record analysis below illustrates the remarkable price performance of this coveted key date across various condition levels.

Market activity trends demonstrate the sustained collector enthusiasm and competitive bidding environment surrounding 1936-S quarters throughout the collecting season.

 

1936 Proof Quarter Value

The 1936 Proof Washington quarter represents a masterpiece of American numismatic artistry, struck with extraordinary care using specially polished dies and planchets to create the signature mirror-like fields and frosted design elements.

With an extremely limited production of only 3,837 pieces, these proof coins were exclusively created for collectors at the Philadelphia Mint using multiple strikes under high pressure to achieve perfect detail definition.

This coin appeal that showcase John Flanagan’s Washington design at its absolute finest. These coins were sold directly to collectors in protective packaging, making them the ultimate representation of the Washington quarter’s debut year.

The comprehensive price and grade chart below reveals the dramatic value escalation these exceptional proof coins achieve in today’s marketplace.

Current market activity statistics reflect the intense competition and premium pricing these rare numismatic treasures consistently generate among discerning collectors.

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1936 Quarter Error List

Beyond the standard mint mark varieties, the 1936 Washington quarter series features several captivating error coins that showcase the fascinating world of minting anomalies and production mistakes.

1936 DDO (FS-101) Errors

The 1936 DDO FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse) exhibits clear doubling on the obverse, most notably visible in Washington’s hair details, the sentence “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and portions of the date.

The doubling occurs when the working die receives multiple impressions from the master hub at slightly different angles, creating the characteristic overlapping design elements.

Examples of this variety are extremely rare and highly prized by error coin specialists, as the doubling is dramatic enough to be easily identified even without magnification, making it a cornerstone piece for advanced collectors.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1936 Quarter ?

Now that you know the value of your 1936 quarter, do you know where to sell these coins for the best price? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering the top selling platforms, including their features, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you make the right choice.

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

 

1936 Quarter Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1936 Quarter

1. What Is The 1936 Quarter Made Of?

The 1936 quarter is made of 90 per cent silver and 10 per cent copper. Modern quarters, in contrast, have a copper core with cupronickel cladding.

The easiest way to tell the difference between the two types of coin is by looking at the edge. With the cupronickel versions, you can often see signs of the copper core where the cladding has worn away.

2. What Year Quarters Are Silver?

Washington quarters were first issued in 1932, when they were made of 90 per cent silver. The composition remained the same right up until 1964.

But quarters from 1965 onwards only appear silver. They have a copper core, and the silver color comes from a cladding of copper and nickel.