1936 Quarter Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1936 quarter value ranges from $0.25 face value to $31,200. That record was a Grade 68 example sold through Stack’s Bowers in March 2021. To find out what yours is worth, upload a photo of your coin below for a quick value range. You can also scroll down to browse recent eBay sales and see what buyers are paying right now.

 

1936 Quarter Value By Variety

Here’s a quick-reference chart covering all four 1936 quarter varieties — Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and Proof — across every grade level, from $5 beaters to $4,000+ gems.

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 Value Records

The king of 1936 quarters is a 1936-S graded MS-68 that brought $31,200. That’s a coin struck in San Francisco during the Depression, somehow surviving nearly nine decades without a serious hit. Only a handful of 1936-S quarters have ever graded that high, and when one surfaces, bidding gets aggressive fast.

The 1936 DDO FS-101 error has also crossed $6,600 in MS-66, proving that die varieties can compete with low-mintage dates for collector dollars. If you’re chasing any of these prices, get your coin slabbed by PCGS or NGC first — raw coins simply don’t command top-tier money.

 

1936 Quarter Value History: The Silver Coin Behind the Number

Congress authorized the Washington Quarter under the Act of March 4, 1931, replacing the Standing Liberty design by Hermon Atkins MacNeil. The original plan was a one-year commemorative for Washington’s 1932 bicentennial, but the Treasury made it permanent.

Sculptor John Flanagan won the design competition. He based his portrait on the famous 1785 Houdon bust — widely considered the most accurate likeness of Washington. The pick was controversial. A committee preferred Laura Gardin Fraser’s design, but Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon overruled them. By the time coins were actually struck in 1932, Mellon had left office, and his successor Ogden L. Mills let the decision stand. Flanagan’s initials, “JF,” sit at the truncation of Washington’s bust.

In 1936, three mints struck quarters: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Philadelphia also resumed proof production for the first time since 1916 — a 20-year gap — making 1936 the very first year of Washington quarter proofs.

The economy was still rough. Unemployment had dropped from about 25% in 1933 to roughly 17% by 1936, but people were spending their coins, not saving them. That’s exactly why high-grade 1936 quarters are so hard to find today.

All 1936 quarters are 90% silver and 10% copper — a composition the Mint held through 1964. Starting in 1965, silver was gone, replaced by the copper-nickel clad sandwich still used today.

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

 

Is Your 1936 Quarter Rare? What Drives 1936 Quarter Value

Our Coin Identifier and Value App provides detailed rarity data and rankings to help make informed collecting decisions.

Here’s what trips people up: Philadelphia struck 41.3 million quarters in 1936, while San Francisco made just 3.83 million — less than one-tenth as many. So the S-mint is obviously rarer, right? Yes, but mintage alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Even the common Philadelphia issue has almost zero certified examples above MS-67. Nearly every coin circulated hard during the Depression.

The grading bottleneck on these coins is Washington’s hair detail above the ear and at the temple. Weak strikes leave those lines flat and blended, capping the grade no matter how clean the surfaces are. After strike, luster is the next deal-breaker. Any bag marks, hairlines, or friction that disrupts the original mint shine will hold a coin below MS-65 — and that’s where the real money starts.

 

Key Features That Affect 1936 Quarter Value

The Obverse Of The 1936 Quarter

The obverse — the “heads” side — shows Washington’s left-facing profile, adapted by Flanagan from the Houdon bust. “LIBERTY” arches across the top, the date sits at the bottom, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears just below Washington’s chin.

When you’re grading one of these, go straight to the hair above Washington’s ear. That high-relief area wears first. Even light rubbing there drops a coin from Mint State down to About Uncirculated or lower.

Fun footnote: Laura Gardin Fraser’s rejected 1932 design finally got its day decades later on a special commemorative gold issue. But Flanagan’s portrait has been the face of the quarter for nearly a century.

The Reverse Of The 1936 Quarter

Flip it over and you’ll see Flanagan’s heraldic bald eagle — an ornithologist consulted by the *New York Times* confirmed the species when the coin debuted — perched on a bundle of arrows above an olive branch.

Look below the center of the olive branch for the mint mark. A “D” means Denver, an “S” means San Francisco. Blank space? That’s Philadelphia.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches above the eagle’s head. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, with “QUARTER DOLLAR” at the bottom.

Physical Specifications and Silver Content

The 1936 quarter weighs 6.3 grams, measures 24.3 millimeters across, and has a reeded edge — those grooves date back to the 18th century as an anti-counterfeiting trick.

With 90% silver content, each coin holds exactly 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. At a spot price around $30 per troy ounce (typical for 2024–2025), that puts the melt value at roughly $5.40. No circulated 1936 quarter should sell for less than that.

One thing to note if you’re comparing across years: a 1944 die revision sharpened the lettering and enlarged the date. So minor design differences between 1936 and post-1944 quarters are normal — not errors.

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

 

1936 Quarter Value and Mintage: Survival Data by Mint

Philadelphia cranked out 41,300,000 quarters in 1936, but only about 10% survive in collectible form — roughly 4.13 million coins, most of them well-worn. To put that in perspective, if you lined them all up edge to edge, they’d stretch over 60 miles. Still sounds like a lot, until you realize fewer than a few hundred have ever graded MS-67 or higher.

Denver struck just 5,374,000 and San Francisco only 3,828,000. Both have similar ~10% survival rates, leaving around 537,000 Denver and 383,000 San Francisco examples out there today.

The real outlier is the 1936 Proof. Only 3,837 were made, but a remarkable 78.2% survived — roughly 3,000 coins. Collectors bought them in protective packaging and never spent them. That’s the difference between coins made for commerce and coins made for collections.

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

 

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1936 Quarter Value

To figure out what your 1936 quarter is worth, you need three things: the mint mark, the condition, and whether it’s a special variety or error. Professional grading gives you the most accurate answer, but for a fast estimate, try the Coin Identifier and Value App.

Just upload clear photos of both sides. The app identifies the mint mark, estimates the grade, and flags potential varieties — then gives you a market value range in seconds.

 

 

1936 Quarter Value Guides

Three mints, four varieties. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark, Denver shows a “D,” and San Francisco shows an “S” — all on the reverse. Philadelphia also struck special proof coins with mirror-like surfaces for collectors.

Mintage and survival rates vary wildly between these varieties, and that directly affects what you’ll pay — or get paid.

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

 

1936 Quarter Value — No Mint Mark Philadelphia Edition

Most collectors start here. The Philadelphia issue is the most common 1936 quarter, and you can pick up a heavily circulated example in Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12) for $5–$8. Nothing fancy, but it’s real Depression-era silver.

The jump to Mint State is where things get fun. An MS-63 typically runs $30–$50. Push to MS-65 — strong luster, sharp strike, only minor contact marks — and you’re looking at $150 to $250.

Above MS-65, prices take off. PCGS has certified very few Philadelphia coins at MS-67 or higher. Those that make the cut can approach or exceed $19,000. That’s condition rarity doing the heavy lifting, not mintage.

What to look for: check the hair above Washington’s ear for full, separated detail, and confirm unbroken luster across both sides.

Here’s how auction prices break down across different grade levels for this coin.

Recent market activity for 1936 No Mint Mark quarters:

 

1936 Quarter Value Guide: D Mint Mark (Denver) Prices and Varieties

Think your 1936-D is just another quarter? With a mintage of only 5,374,000 — roughly one-eighth of Philadelphia’s output — even circulated examples in Good to Fine pull $12–$25. That’s already a noticeable premium.

Here’s the real problem with Denver coins from this era: weak strikes. The Denver Mint’s production conditions in the mid-1930s churned out a high percentage of mushy, poorly defined coins. Finding a 1936-D with full, crisp detail is genuinely tough.

A well-struck MS-65 can bring $800–$1,000. In MS-66, values regularly top $3,000 at major houses. PCGS has certified fewer than 15 examples at MS-67, making that grade a true rarity.

If you’re hunting for a premium 1936-D, look for complete hair detail, strong eagle feathers on the reverse, and even cartwheel luster across the whole surface. Those are the coins that bring serious money.

Auction results across all grade levels for the 1936-D:

Current trading activity for 1936-D quarters:

 

1936 Quarter Value Guide: S Mint Mark (San Francisco) Key Date Prices

$31,200 for a single quarter. That’s what the top 1936-S brought in MS-68, and I think it was honestly a fair price given how few exist at that level. With a mintage of just 3,828,000, this is the lowest-production business-strike Washington quarter of 1936 and one of the most wanted coins in the entire series.

Even in Good (G-4), you’re looking at $15–$25. An MS-65 commands $400–$600, and MS-66 specimens regularly sell for $1,500–$2,500 at Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers.

PCGS has certified only a handful at MS-67 and above. Most 1936-S quarters circulated hard on the West Coast, picking up bag marks, getting cleaned, or just wearing down. When a truly original, untouched survivor shows up, collectors jump on it.

Auction price history for this key date across all condition levels:

Market activity tracking for 1936-S quarters:

 

1936 Quarter Value Guide: Proof Cameo and Deep Cameo Specimens

This is where it all started. The 1936 Proof Washington quarter was the very first proof quarter in the series, struck after the Mint’s 20-year break from proof production dating back to 1916.

Only 3,837 were made. They were sold as part of complete proof sets at $1.81 per set — all denominations included. Think about that price next time you see one sell for thousands.

You can tell a proof from a business strike by the mirror-like fields and frosted raised devices. That contrast between mirror and frost is the “cameo” effect. A CAM (Cameo) designation from PCGS or NGC means moderate contrast and adds real value. DCAM (Deep Cameo) means the strongest possible contrast — and those command the biggest premiums because so few 1936 proofs earned that designation.

At PR-65 without cameo, expect $350–$550. With CAM, $600–$900 in PR-65. The rarest DCAM examples in PR-66 or PR-67 have brought thousands at auction. We think these are some of the most underappreciated coins in the early proof Washington series.

Price history across grades for these first-year proofs:

Current collector activity and bidding trends for 1936 Proof quarters:

Also Read: What Quarters Are Worth Money

 

Rare 1936 Quarter Value Errors: Doubled Die and RPM List

Beyond the standard varieties, the 1936 series has some genuinely exciting error coins that can multiply a coin’s value overnight.

1936 DDO (FS-101) Doubled Die Obverse Error — 1936 Quarter Value Impact

A DDO — Doubled Die Obverse — happens when the working die gets multiple hub impressions at slightly different angles. Every coin struck from that die shows overlapping design elements.

The 1936 DDO FS-101 is listed in the *Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties* by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, the go-to reference for variety specialists.

Where to look: the doubling shows up strongest in Washington’s hair above the ear and at the temple, plus in the letters of “IN GOD WE TRUST” and parts of the date. On well-preserved examples, you can sometimes spot it with the naked eye. A 5x loupe makes it obvious.

In MS-66, this variety has sold for over $6,600. Even lower-grade examples in VF-30 to EF-45 carry solid premiums over a regular 1936 quarter. This is a cherrypicker’s dream — genuinely rare and actively chased by error specialists.

1936-D and 1936-S RPM Varieties — Additional 1936 Quarter Value Opportunities

RPM stands for Repunched Mint Mark. It happens when the mint mark punch hits the die more than once at slightly different positions, leaving a ghost image of the “D” or “S” beside or below the primary letter.

Both the 1936-D and 1936-S have known RPM varieties cataloged in the Cherrypickers’ Guide. Depending on how clear the repunching is and the coin’s overall condition, these can add a 20%–100% premium over a regular example at the same grade.

To spot one, examine the mint mark under 5x–10x magnification. You’re looking for a secondary outline that doesn’t line up perfectly with the main letter. Stick to original, uncleaned coins — polished surfaces can obscure or destroy the evidence.

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

 

Where To Sell and Maximize Your 1936 Quarter Value

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 Value Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About 1936 Quarter Value

1. What Is The 1936 Quarter Made Of?

90% silver, 10% copper. It weighs 6.3 grams and measures 24.3 millimeters across. Modern quarters (1965+) use a copper-nickel clad — you can tell the difference by checking the edge for a brown copper stripe.

2. What Year Quarters Are Silver?

All Washington quarters from 1932 through 1964 are 90% silver. Starting in 1965, the Mint switched to copper-nickel clad with no silver content. If your quarter says 1964 or earlier, it’s real silver.

3. What Is The Silver Melt Value Of A 1936 Quarter?

Every 1936 quarter contains exactly 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. At a spot price near $30 per troy ounce (roughly the 2024–2025 range), that works out to approximately $5.40 — the price floor below which no 1936 quarter should sell.

4. How Do I Tell A 1936 Proof Quarter From A Regular Business Strike?

Proofs have deeply mirrored fields that reflect like glass, plus frosted raised design elements — that’s the cameo effect. Business strikes show normal cartwheel luster and typical bag marks from bulk production. If you’re not sure, submit to PCGS or NGC. Genuine 1936 proofs are worth hundreds to thousands.

5. What Does CAM or DCAM Mean on a 1936 Proof Quarter?

CAM = Cameo (moderate contrast between mirror fields and frosted devices). DCAM = Deep Cameo (strongest possible contrast). These designations are awarded during grading and can multiply a coin’s value. A PR-65 without cameo might sell for $400; the same grade with DCAM can bring several times that.

6. What Makes The 1936-D Quarter More Valuable Than The Philadelphia Issue?

Two reasons. First, Denver’s mintage of 5,374,000 was roughly one-eighth of Philadelphia’s 41.3 million. Fewer coins made means fewer survivors at every grade. Second, Denver quarters from this era are notorious for weak strikes. A sharply struck 1936-D in high Mint State is doubly rare — scarce by mintage and scarce by quality. That’s why strong examples routinely sell for $800 to $3,000 or more.

7. Are There RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) Varieties For The 1936 Quarter?

Yes. Both the 1936-D and 1936-S have documented RPM varieties where the mint mark was punched into the die more than once at slightly different positions. They’re cataloged in the *Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties* by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton. Check under 5x–10x magnification for a secondary outline that doesn’t align with the main letter. Confirmed RPMs carry a 20%–100% premium over standard coins at the same grade.

8. What Is The 1936 Quarter Worth In Average Circulated Condition?

A Philadelphia coin in Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12) runs $5–$10. Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-35) brings $10–$20. The 1936-D in the same circulated grades starts at $12–$25, and the 1936-S — the key date — starts at $15–$30 even heavily worn.

9. How Can I Tell Which Mint Made My 1936 Quarter?

Flip it over. Look just below the center of the olive branch, beneath the eagle’s tail feathers. “D” = Denver. “S” = San Francisco. Nothing there? Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Mint didn’t use a mint mark on business strikes during this era.

10. Is The 1936 Washington Quarter A Good Investment?

High-grade 1936-D and 1936-S quarters have shown steady long-term appreciation at major auction houses. Low surviving populations at MS-65 and above, combined with constant demand from date-set collectors, keep prices firm. Proof examples — especially CAM and DCAM coins — have also performed well as the market increasingly rewards original, top-pop pieces. That said, any coin investment carries risk, and professional grading from PCGS or NGC is a must before putting serious money into a single coin.