The 1935-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $7 in heavily worn condition to well over $500 in high-grade mint state examples. If you found one of these coins in an old jar or inherited collection, you might be sitting on a nice little piece of American history — and real money.
What Makes the 1935-S Quarter Special
The 1935-S Washington Quarter was minted at the San Francisco Mint and carries the small “S” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin, just below the eagle. This was only the fourth year of production for the Washington Quarter series, which launched in 1932. Coins from this early era of the series tend to attract strong collector interest because they’re genuinely old, historically significant, and not always easy to find in great condition.
The San Francisco Mint produced 5,660,000 quarters in 1935, which sounds like a lot — but after nearly 90 years of circulation, surviving examples in collectible grades are far fewer than you’d expect. If you’re not sure what mintmark you’re looking at or need help identifying the coin in your hand, using the best coin identifier app available today can save you a lot of guesswork and help you get accurate results fast.
How Much Is the 1935-S Washington Quarter Worth Today
Value depends almost entirely on condition. A coin that’s been passed through countless hands will show heavy wear on Washington’s cheek, hair details, and the eagle’s feathers. These well-worn examples are still collectible but fetch modest prices. As condition improves — especially into mint state grades — values climb sharply.
Here’s a general value breakdown based on grade:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $7 – $10 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Moderate wear, some detail | $15 – $25 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $35 – $55 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | Slight friction only | $75 – $120 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $200 – $350 |
| Mint State (MS-65+) | Gem quality, strong luster | $500 and up |
For a deeper look at auction results and graded coin prices, you can explore the 1935-S Washington Quarter mint state price data on CoinHix, which tracks real market trends across major coin sales. CoinHix is a fantastic resource when you want hard data rather than guesswork.
How to Grade Your 1935-S Quarter at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough sense of your coin’s grade. Start by examining it under good lighting — natural daylight or a simple desk lamp works well. Look at George Washington’s hair above the ear: in a well-worn coin, those strands will be completely flat and merged together. In a nicer coin, you’ll see individual lines and detail.
Check the cheekbone and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. Sharp, distinct feathers typically indicate a coin grading Extremely Fine or better. If the coin shows absolutely no wear and has a natural silvery shine or toning, you may be looking at an uncirculated example — and that’s where real value kicks in.
Keep in mind that cleaning a coin will destroy its value almost completely. If your 1935-S quarter looks shiny but has hairline scratches under magnification, it’s likely been cleaned. Collectors strongly prefer original, untouched surfaces, even if they’re darker or toned.
Factors That Affect the Value of Your 1935-S Washington Quarter
Beyond grade, a few other factors can influence what your coin is worth. Eye appeal matters — two coins with the same grade number can look quite different, and the more attractive one will usually sell for more. Strike quality is another consideration; some 1935-S quarters were struck with less than full pressure, resulting in soft details even on otherwise uncirculated coins.
Luster is also critical in mint state coins. A coin with blazing original mint luster — that cartwheel-like shimmer when you tilt it under light — is far more desirable than a dull, lackluster example at the same grade. Certified coins from PCGS or NGC also tend to command premiums over raw (ungraded) coins because buyers trust the authentication.
If you want a handy reference that breaks down all the value factors for this specific date, the complete 1935 quarter value breakdown at CoinValueApp is worth bookmarking. And if you’re building a collection or selling coins regularly, CoinHix gives you live pricing data that keeps you informed with real market values — not outdated price guides.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1935-S Washington Quarter rare?
A: It’s not considered a key date, but it’s genuinely scarce in high grades. With over 5.6 million minted, circulated examples are findable. However, gem mint state examples are legitimately tough to locate and command strong premiums from collectors.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1935-S Washington Quarter?
A: The “S” mintmark is on the reverse side of the coin, at the bottom near the eagle, just above the “QUARTER DOLLAR” text. It’s small, so look closely — a magnifying glass helps.
Q: Should I get my 1935-S quarter professionally graded?
A: If your coin appears uncirculated or in very high grade, professional grading from PCGS or NGC can significantly increase its market value and buyer confidence. For heavily circulated examples worth under $25, the grading fee probably isn’t worth it. Use CoinHix to check current prices first so you can make a smart decision.
