Washington Quarter Grading Guide
How to grade your Washington quarter — wear points, the silver vs clad eras, and the key 1932 dates.
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Washington Quarter grading, in brief
Washington quarters (1932–present) are graded 1–70 on the Sheldon scale. Value concentrates in the 1932-D and 1932-S keys, high-grade silver issues (pre-1965), and gem Mint State coins. Grade hinges on wear and contact marks on Washington's cheek and hair, plus the eagle's breast on the reverse.
Cheek, hair, and the eagle's breast
On the obverse, Washington's cheek and the hair above his ear show wear and marks first. On the reverse, the eagle's breast feathers are the high point. Strong luster with a clean cheek points to a high Mint State grade; the key dates are worth authenticating.
What graders look at
Cheek
Contact marks on the cheek are the main grade limiter in Mint State.
Hair above the ear
High-point wear shows here first on circulated coins.
Eagle's breast
The reverse high point — breast feathers wear early.
Luster
Full luster separates Mint State from About Uncirculated.
Washington Quarter grading chart
Grade-by-grade, what to look for on your coin.
| Grade | Label | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| VF-20 | Very Fine | Moderate wear; most hair detail present |
| XF-40 | Extremely Fine | Light high-point wear; sharp detail |
| AU-55 | About Uncirculated | Trace wear; luster mostly intact |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated | Full luster; marks on cheek |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated | Clean cheek, strong luster, eye appeal |
| MS-66+ | Superb Gem | Exceptional surfaces for the date |
Key dates worth grading
Washington Quarter grading FAQ
How do I grade a Washington quarter?
Check Washington's cheek and hair for wear and marks, and the eagle's breast on the reverse. Full luster with a clean cheek indicates a high Mint State grade.
Which Washington quarters are valuable?
The 1932-D and 1932-S are the keys and valuable in all grades. High-grade silver issues (pre-1965) and gem Mint State coins also command premiums.
Are silver Washington quarters worth grading?
Common dates are worth their silver melt; grading makes sense for the 1932-D/S keys and high-grade gem examples.
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