1936 Washington quarter obverse and reverse showing portrait of George Washington and eagle design

Find Your 1936 Quarter Value — Free Calculator & Errors Guide

A 1936-S quarter in MS-68 sold for $31,200 at Stack's Bowers — from a coin that originally cost 25 cents. Struck in 90% silver during the Great Depression, your 1936 Washington quarter could be worth anywhere from its silver melt value to thousands of dollars. Mint mark, condition, and the elusive DDO FS-101 variety are the three factors that determine whether you're holding a common coin or a genuine treasure.

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Check My 1936 Quarter Value →
$31,200
Top recorded sale (1936-S MS-68, Stack's Bowers 2021)
50.5M+
Total 1936 quarters minted across all three mints
90%
Silver content — every example has melt-value floor
5
Known varieties and error types with premium potential

Free 1936 Quarter Value Calculator

Select your mint mark, grade your coin's condition, then check any errors or varieties you've identified. The calculator maps your inputs to current market ranges based on auction data from PCGS, Heritage, and Stack's Bowers.

Step 1 — Choose Mint Mark

Step 2 — Choose Condition

Step 3 — Check Any Varieties or Errors

Not sure what mint mark or condition grade your coin has? You can upload photos to the 1936 Quarter Coin Value Checker, a free third-party tool that analyzes coin images and returns an estimated value without requiring you to know the grade in advance.

Describe Your 1936 Quarter for a Detailed Assessment

Describe what you see on your coin in plain language — our keyword analyzer will identify likely varieties, estimate value, and flag anything worth a closer look.

Mention these things if you can

  • Mint mark (D, S, or none)
  • Any doubling on lettering or date
  • Mint luster — full, partial, or none
  • Wear on Washington's cheek and hair
  • Contact marks or bag marks

Also helpful

  • Off-center or misaligned strike
  • Clipped or irregular edge
  • Color — bright silver, toned, or dark
  • Any cleaning or polishing evidence
  • PCGS / NGC certification number

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1936 DDO FS-101 Self-Checker

The 1936 Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 is the most valuable and most searched variety in the entire 1936 Washington quarter series. Use this checker to assess whether your coin shows the diagnostic markers of an authentic DDO FS-101.

Comparison of normal 1936 quarter versus DDO FS-101 variety showing doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and Washington's hair above the ear

⬜ Common 1936 Quarter (No Variety)

The legend "IN GOD WE TRUST" reads clean and sharp with single, well-defined letters. Washington's hair above the ear shows crisp individual strands with no ghost image. The date numerals are single and distinct. Worth $9–$125 depending on condition and mint mark.

🏆 1936 DDO FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse)

The legend "IN GOD WE TRUST" shows a secondary "shadow" image of the letters, displaced slightly. Washington's hair above the ear and near the temple has a doubled, smeared look — like two exposures on film. The date also shows separation. A diagnostic die scratch below the "B" in LIBERTY confirms identity. Worth $300–$6,600+ depending on grade.

Check all features that match your coin:

1936 Washington Quarter Value Chart at a Glance

The table below covers all major varieties across four condition tiers. For a full in-depth breakdown of every grade level and variety identification, see this illustrated 1936 Washington quarter identification guide and reference walkthrough. Values reflect current auction and dealer market data; highlighted rows indicate the most collectible issues.

Variety Worn (G–F) Circulated (VF–AU) Uncirculated (MS-60–64) Gem (MS-65+)
1936 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) $9–$15 $15–$25 $35–$55 $100–$9,000+
⭐ 1936 DDO FS-101 (Philadelphia) $50–$80 $150–$600 $900–$1,560 $2,640–$6,600+
🔴 1936-D (Denver) $11–$25 $27–$200 $450–$765 $925–$17,250
1936-S (San Francisco) $12–$25 $18–$55 $90–$150 $225–$31,200
1936 Proof (Philadelphia) — $195–$300 — $630–$10,925

⭐ = Signature variety (DDO FS-101)  |  🔴 = True conditional rarity (1936-D)  |  Values reflect recent PCGS/NGC-graded auction results.

📱 CoinHix is a fast on-the-go way to cross-check any 1936 quarter value estimate directly from your phone using coin photos — a coin identifier and value app.

What's on This Page

Jump to any section using the links below.

🧮 Value Calculator 📝 Describe Your Coin 🔍 DDO FS-101 Self-Checker 📊 Value Chart at a Glance ⚠️ Errors & Varieties Guide 🏭 Mintage & Survival Data 🎓 How to Grade Your Quarter 💰 Where to Sell

The Valuable 1936 Quarter Errors — Complete Guide

The 1936 Washington quarter series contains several documented errors and die varieties that can multiply a coin's value many times over its face or silver-melt worth. The five varieties below are ranked by collector demand and premium potential. Each requires careful examination under magnification — and confirmed examples should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for authentication before sale.

1936 quarter DDO FS-101 close-up showing doubled die doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST lettering and Washington's hair
Most Famous $50 – $6,600+

1936 DDO FS-101 — Doubled Die Obverse

The 1936 Doubled Die Obverse is the crown jewel of the entire 1936 Washington quarter series. It is a strong Class I doubled die — meaning both the hub and the working die received misaligned sequential impressions during the hubbing process, transferring a secondary "ghost" impression onto every coin subsequently struck from that die.

Visually, the doubling is most pronounced in the legend "IN GOD WE TRUST" and in Washington's hair above the ear and near the temple. Under a 10× loupe the letter edges appear thick and smeared with a distinct secondary outline. The date numerals may also show subtle separation. A diagnostic die scratch below the "B" in LIBERTY anchors the attribution to FS-101 specifically.

Collector demand for this variety is driven by its combination of visual drama and rarity relative to the enormous Philadelphia mintage. Even circulated examples in Fine to Very Fine command three-figure premiums, while gem uncirculated survivors in MS-66 have realized over $6,600 at Heritage Auctions. Professional authentication is strongly recommended before any sale.

How to spot it

Examine "IN GOD WE TRUST" under 10× magnification for thick, shadowed letter edges. Check Washington's hair above the ear for overlapping strand images. Confirm the diagnostic die scratch below the "B" in LIBERTY.

Mint mark

P (Philadelphia only) — no mint mark on reverse. The DDO occurs exclusively on the Philadelphia issue.

Notable

Cataloged as FS-101 (Cherrypickers' Guide), CONECA DDO-001, and PCGS #146091. A 2020 auction realized $2,640 for an MS-66 PCGS-graded specimen; MS-66+ examples have topped $6,600 at Heritage.

1936-D quarter repunched mint mark close-up showing D/D Southwest secondary impression below and left of primary D
Rarest Grade $11 – $17,250

1936-D RPM — Repunched Mint Mark (D/D Southwest)

The 1936-D Repunched Mint Mark variety is a product of the era's manual mint-mark punching process. In the 1930s, the "D" punch was hammered by hand into each working die individually, and a misaligned first strike could not be removed — only partially corrected by a second, properly positioned punch. The result is two slightly different "D" impressions merged on the die surface.

On this variety — cataloged as CONECA RPM-001 and Variety Vista RPM-001 — the secondary impression appears to the southwest of the primary "D," described as "D/D Southwest." The repunching is minor in overall appearance, requiring 5×–10× magnification for confident identification. Look for a faint echo or shadow on the lower-left portion of the "D" above QUARTER DOLLAR on the reverse.

While the RPM variety itself adds only a modest 20%–100% premium in circulated grades, the 1936-D is the true conditional rarity of the year. PCGS has certified fewer than 15 examples at MS-67, and the all-time auction record for the 1936-D in any variety sits at $17,250 for a Heritage Auctions MS-67 sale in 2004. A 2019 Heritage sale achieved $9,600 for another MS-67 specimen.

How to spot it

Examine the "D" mint mark on the reverse under 5×–10× magnification. Look for a secondary, slightly southwest-displaced shadow of the letter below and left of the primary impression. Avoid polished or cleaned coins where the mark may be obscured.

Mint mark

D (Denver only) — the "D" appears on the reverse above QUARTER DOLLAR, at the ribbon base.

Notable

Attributed as CONECA RPM-001 and Variety Vista RPM-001. The 1936-D's overall MS-67 auction record stands at $17,250 (Heritage, 2004) and $9,600 (Heritage, 2019). PCGS population at MS-67 is fewer than 15 examples.

1936-S quarter repunched mint mark showing S/S East variety with secondary S impression to the right of primary S under magnification
Most Valuable S-Mint $12 – $31,200

1936-S RPM — Repunched Mint Mark (S/S East)

The 1936-S Repunched Mint Mark is a more widely recognized variety than its Denver counterpart, attributed as CONECA RPM-001, Variety Vista RPM-001, and NGC VarietyPlus VP-001. Like the 1936-D RPM, it results from the hand-punching era when a misaligned first punch required a corrective second strike, leaving overlapping impressions in the die surface that transferred to every subsequent coin.

The secondary "S" impression on this variety falls to the east of the primary mark — described as "S/S East." Under 5×–10× magnification, the right side of the "S" above QUARTER DOLLAR appears thickened or shows a distinct echo. On circulated coins the effect is subtle; on higher-grade Mint State examples with original surfaces, the secondary impression can be clearly distinguished from simple planchet flow lines or die polish.

The 1936-S is already the most sought-after business strike of the year due to its low mintage of 3,828,000 pieces, and the RPM designation adds a meaningful premium in circulated grades. The variety's top-grade ceiling is defined by the extraordinary $31,200 record for an MS-68 1936-S (Stack's Bowers, 2021) — though that sale reflects the base issue, not necessarily the RPM variety specifically. The NGC VarietyPlus listing makes this the most formally recognized RPM of the year.

How to spot it

Examine the "S" mint mark on the reverse under 5×–10× magnification. Look for a secondary impression displaced to the right (east) of the primary "S." On uncleaned coins, the echo is visible as a distinct thickening on the right side of the letter.

Mint mark

S (San Francisco only) — appears on the reverse above QUARTER DOLLAR. The 1936-S has the lowest business-strike mintage of the year: 3,828,000.

Notable

Attributed as CONECA RPM-001, Variety Vista RPM-001, and NGC VarietyPlus VP-001 — making it the most formally cataloged RPM of the 1936 series. Carries a 20%–100% premium over standard 1936-S values in circulated grades.

1936 quarter off-center strike error showing shifted design with blank crescent of silver on one edge and visible date
Best Kept Secret $50 – $800+

1936 Quarter Off-Center Strike Error

An off-center strike occurs when the coin blank (planchet) slips out of position inside the coining press before the dies come together. Instead of a centered design, the obverse and reverse images are displaced to one side, leaving a blank crescent of unstruck silver on the opposite edge. Each off-center example is completely unique in angle and degree of displacement, making them individually collectible as one-of-a-kind mint errors.

On 1936 Washington quarters, off-center strikes are most commonly encountered in the 5%–20% range, where the shift is obvious to the naked eye but Washington's portrait and the date are still fully readable. More dramatic examples in the 40%–60% range — especially those where the full date remains visible near the displaced design — are dramatically more valuable and are prized by advanced error collectors.

Value is determined almost entirely by the degree of off-centering and whether the date is retained. A minor 5%–10% off-center 1936 quarter typically sells for $50–$150. A dramatic 50% off-center example with a clearly visible date can command $300–$800 or more. Gem-quality dated off-center specimens of pre-war 90% silver quarters are increasingly rare and attract serious competition at auction.

How to spot it

Observe the coin's edge from directly above. A blank, unstruck crescent on one side with the design shifted toward the opposite edge confirms an off-center strike. Use a loupe to confirm the date remains readable — this is the critical value driver.

Mint mark

All three mints (P, D, and S) can produce off-center strikes. Philadelphia examples are most common given the higher mintage of 41,300,000.

Notable

Gem-quality dated off-center 1936 quarters in the 40%–60% range are rare at auction. Values of $300–$800+ have been recorded for dramatic examples. Date visibility is the single most important value factor for any off-center error coin.

1936 quarter clipped planchet error showing curved section of silver missing from the coin's edge at approximately 15-20% clip
Strike Error $30 – $300+

1936 Quarter Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet error occurs before the coin is even struck. When the metal strip used to punch out coin blanks overlaps a previously punched hole, the resulting blank has a curved or straight section of metal missing from its edge. This is a planchet-stage defect that cannot be replicated after minting, making every clipped planchet a genuine, unalterable mint error.

On 1936 Washington quarters, curved clips are the most common type, though straight clips exist as well. The visible result is a coin with a smooth, concave bite removed from the edge — the radius of the curve matches exactly the diameter of the previous blank punch. Multiple clips (two or more bites from the same planchet) are significantly rarer and more valuable than single clips. On silver-era quarters, the clip removes not just rim metal but also a portion of the design.

Value depends primarily on the size of the clip as a percentage of the overall planchet. A minor clip removing under 5% of the coin typically brings $30–$80. Larger, dramatic clips removing 15%–25% of the planchet — especially those that eliminate a recognizable portion of Washington's portrait or the eagle — can sell for $100–$300 or more. Coins with multiple clips are rarer still and attract premium bids at specialized error-coin auctions.

How to spot it

Examine the coin's edge for a smooth, curved concavity — as if a perfect semicircle was removed. The clip should be sharp and clean (not filed or damaged post-mint). Using a loupe, check that the coin's reeding disappears at the clip point and that the design flows naturally into the missing area.

Mint mark

All three mints (P, D, and S) produced clipped planchet errors. Philadelphia-mint clips are most frequently encountered given the large production volume.

Notable

Clipped planchet errors on pre-war 90% silver quarters are popular with error specialists. Multiple-clip specimens are especially rare. Dramatic 20%+ clips on 1936 quarters with original surfaces have sold in the $150–$300+ range at Heritage and GreatCollections.

Think you've spotted one of these errors on your coin? Run it through the calculator with the error checkbox selected to see your estimated value range.

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1936 Washington Quarter Mintage & Survival Data

Historical view of the United States Mint facility or group of 1936 Washington quarter specimens across all three mint marks
Issue Mint Mintage Relative Scarcity MS-65 Survival
1936 (No Mint Mark) Philadelphia 41,300,000 Common date Abundant in lower MS; scarce at MS-68
1936-D Denver 5,374,000 Semi-key / conditional rarity Very scarce; <15 at MS-67 per PCGS
1936-S San Francisco 3,828,000 Key date (lowest business-strike) Hoarded in quantity; MS-68 extremely rare
1936 Proof Philadelphia 3,837 First modern proof issue — key date Proof-65 examples: several hundred known
Total All mints 50,505,837
Composition specs: 90% silver, 10% copper · Weight: 6.25 g · Diameter: 24.3 mm · Designer: John Flanagan · Silver content: 0.18084 troy oz per coin · Current melt value: approximately $8–$10 depending on silver spot price (this is the minimum value for any circulated example). The 1936 series marks the first year modern proof Washington quarters were issued, making the 1936 Proof a dual milestone — scarce by mintage and historically significant.

How to Grade Your 1936 Washington Quarter

Condition is the single most important factor in 1936 quarter valuation after mint mark. The grading strip below illustrates the four major condition tiers — from heavy circulation wear to gem Mint State. Washington's cheek and hair above the ear are the obverse's primary wear indicators; the eagle's breast feathers are the reverse high point.

1936 Washington quarter grading strip showing four condition tiers from worn Good grade through gem Mint State MS-65

Worn

G-4 to F-12

Washington's portrait shows heavy flattening. Hair detail above the ear is completely smooth. The eagle's breast feathers are worn flat. Date and lettering remain readable. Worth primarily for silver content: $9–$15.

Circulated

VF-20 to AU-58

Moderate to minor wear on high points. Washington's cheek shows slight flatness; hair strands partially defined. Eagle's breast feathers retain some detail. At AU-58, only traces of wear visible on the very highest points. Value: $15–$200+ depending on mint mark.

Uncirculated

MS-60 to MS-64

No wear from circulation. Full mint luster present but with contact marks, bag marks, or minor abrasions visible in the fields and on Washington's face. At MS-64, marks are few and minor but still detract from full gem status. Value: $35–$765 depending on mint mark.

Gem Mint State

MS-65 to MS-68+

Near-perfect surfaces with full, undisturbed mint luster. Only very few, very small contact marks allowed. At MS-67+, the coin approaches perfection. The 1936-S in MS-68 is the series peak. Value: $100 to $31,200+ depending on mint mark and grade.

Pro Tip — Color and Luster Designations: For the 1936 Washington quarter series, original silver luster comes in bright white (untoned), pale champagne (light natural toning), or deep rainbow (attractive multi-color toning). Toned coins with attractive, naturally developed color can command premiums at PCGS-certified auction — particularly the 1936-D and 1936-S, where finding a gem-grade example with original toning intact adds a "CAC-stickered" premium. Always avoid artificial toning or dipping, which destroys value. The broad, open fields of Washington's obverse are particularly susceptible to contact marks — inspect these areas under a 75-watt incandescent lamp at 12–18 inches for an accurate grade assessment.

🔎 CoinHix lets you compare your 1936 quarter's surfaces against graded reference images to match condition tiers and estimate value in seconds — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1936 Washington Quarter

The right venue depends on your coin's estimated value and whether it's certified. High-grade or variety examples belong at auction; circulated common dates are best moved through eBay or a coin dealer.

🏛️ Heritage Auctions

The premier destination for certified 1936-D, 1936-S, 1936 Proof, and DDO FS-101 examples. Heritage's Washington quarter specialists attract competitive bidding from registry set collectors who regularly push top-grade examples to four- and five-figure prices. Best suited for coins graded MS-65 or higher, or for the 1936 Proof in any grade. Seller's commission applies.

🛒 eBay / Online Marketplaces

eBay is the most liquid market for circulated 1936 Philadelphia quarters and lower-grade D and S examples. Check recently sold prices for 1936 Washington quarter listings to price your coin competitively. Raw (unslabbed) coins in VF–AU are the most frequently traded tier here. Aim for auction-format listings on Sundays for maximum bidder competition.

🏪 Local Coin Shop (LCS)

A local dealer offers instant payment and no shipping risk — ideal for common circulated 1936 Philadelphia quarters where the premium over silver melt is modest. Expect offers of 50%–70% of retail for common dates. However, for a 1936-D in AU or better, or any variety, the dealer's margin is steeper; consider auction instead. Dealers are also good for authentication advice before you invest in PCGS submission.

💬 Reddit (r/Coins & r/CoinSales)

The r/Coins and r/CoinSales communities on Reddit are active peer-to-peer marketplaces with knowledgeable audiences. Posting high-resolution photos of a 1936-D or DDO FS-101 often attracts well-informed buyers who understand variety premiums and will pay closer to retail than a dealer. Ideal for mid-range coins ($50–$500) where auction fees would be disproportionate. Build feedback history before major transactions.

💡 Get It Graded Before You Sell

For any 1936-D in AU or above, any DDO FS-101 in any grade, any 1936 Proof, or any mint error, professional grading by PCGS or NGC dramatically increases your realized price and protects buyers from counterfeits. Certification costs are typically $30–$50 per coin and are justified whenever the coin's estimated value exceeds $100. Submit early — turnaround times can vary from weeks to months depending on service tier chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1936 Quarter Value

How much is a 1936 quarter worth?

A 1936 quarter's value ranges from about $9–$15 in worn circulated condition (reflecting its 90% silver content) up to thousands for gem uncirculated examples. The 1936 Philadelphia issue in MS-65 brings around $100–$125, the 1936-D commands $900–$1,150 at MS-65, and the 1936-S fetches $225–$265 at MS-65. The all-time record is $31,200 for a 1936-S graded MS-68 at Stack's Bowers in 2021.

What is the rarest 1936 quarter?

The 1936 Proof quarter is the rarest by mintage — only 3,837 were struck, making it a genuine key date for proof collectors. Among business strikes, the 1936-D is the true conditional rarity: despite a mintage of 5,374,000, it was not widely saved in gem condition and PCGS has certified fewer than 15 examples at MS-67, making high-grade specimens genuinely scarce and commanding prices up to $17,250.

What is the 1936 DDO FS-101 variety?

The 1936 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) FS-101 is the most famous variety in the 1936 Washington quarter series. It shows strong, Class I doubling on Washington's hair above the ear and temple, the letters of "IN GOD WE TRUST," and portions of the date. It is cataloged as FS-101 in the Cherrypickers' Guide, CONECA DDO-001, and PCGS #146091. In MS-66, examples have sold for over $6,600.

How do I identify the 1936 DDO FS-101?

Look for strong doubling in Washington's hair strands above the ear and near the temple, and check the legend "IN GOD WE TRUST" for a ghost image of the letters. The date numerals may also show slight separation. A diagnostic die scratch below the "B" in LIBERTY helps confirm attribution. Examine under 10× magnification; strong examples may be visible to a trained naked eye. Always cross-reference with the Cherrypickers' Guide FS-101 listing.

Is the 1936-S quarter a key date?

The 1936-S is the lowest-mintage business strike of the year at 3,828,000 coins from San Francisco. It was heavily hoarded upon release, so circulated examples are relatively common. However, finding one with original, undisturbed luster in gem condition is difficult. The record sale of $31,200 for an MS-68 example confirms just how rare top-grade survivors are, with PCGS certifying only a handful above MS-67.

What is my 1936 quarter worth in circulated condition?

All 1936 quarters are made of 90% silver, so even a heavily worn example has intrinsic melt value. In Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12) condition, a 1936 Philadelphia quarter typically brings $9–$15. The 1936-D in the same grades brings $11–$25, and the 1936-S starts at $12–$25 circulated. Silver melt value (approximately $8–$10 per coin depending on current silver prices) acts as the floor for all examples.

How do I tell a 1936 Philadelphia quarter from Denver or San Francisco?

Look at the reverse of the coin at the base of the ribbon tying Washington's hair, just above the word QUARTER. Philadelphia-minted coins have no mint mark. Denver coins show a small "D" and San Francisco coins show a small "S" in that position. A magnifying glass or loupe helps on worn specimens where the mint mark may be indistinct. The presence or absence of a mint mark dramatically affects value, especially for the D and S issues.

What are repunched mint mark (RPM) varieties on the 1936 quarter?

Both the 1936-D and 1936-S are known to have RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) varieties. The 1936-D RPM-001 shows "D/D Southwest" repunching, while the 1936-S RPM-001 shows "S/S East" repunching, cataloged as CONECA RPM-001. Both are best identified under 5×–10× magnification. These varieties carry a modest 20%–100% premium in circulated grades over standard examples, though the premium narrows significantly in higher mint-state grades.

Should I clean my 1936 quarter before selling?

Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently with a soft cloth — destroys its original mint luster and drastically reduces value. PCGS and NGC graders will assign a "Cleaned" or "Details" designation to any coin showing signs of cleaning or polishing, which significantly lowers its auction realization. An uncleaned, original-surface 1936 quarter in MS-65 can be worth $100–$265 or more; the same coin cleaned may bring only a fraction of that amount.

Is the 1936 quarter made of silver?

Yes. The 1936 Washington quarter is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 6.25 grams and a diameter of 24.3 mm. Each coin contains exactly 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver. This composition was used on all Washington quarters from 1932 through 1964, after which the Mint switched to a copper-nickel clad composition. The silver content gives every 1936 quarter a meaningful melt-value floor regardless of numismatic condition.

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