How to Identify the 1932-S Washington Quarter
A visual identification guide to the 1932-S Washington quarter, a key date from the series' debut year, covering its design, mint mark location, and how to spot altered mint marks.
Read the full 1932-S Washington Quarter encyclopedia entry →
What It Is
The Washington quarter series began in 1932, honoring the bicentennial of George Washington's birth with a design by sculptor John Flanagan. The 1932-S, struck at the San Francisco mint, is one of the two key dates of the series alongside the 1932-D, both produced in limited numbers during a difficult economic period.
Obverse Design
Washington's bust faces left, "LIBERTY" arcs above, "IN GOD WE TRUST" sits in the field to the left of the portrait, and the date is at the bottom near the rim.
Reverse Design
An eagle with outstretched wings perches on a bundle of arrows, flanked by olive branches, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcing above, "QUARTER DOLLAR" at the bottom, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in small letters above the eagle.
Size, Weight, Metal & Edge
It measures 24.3mm in diameter, weighs 6.25 grams, is 90% silver and 10% copper, and has a reeded edge.
Mint Mark Location
The mint mark is on the reverse, centered below the wreath and directly above the words "QUARTER DOLLAR." A small "S" identifies a San Francisco strike, distinguishing it from the plain Philadelphia issue and the "D" marked Denver issue.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
Compare the mint mark space to distinguish this coin from the far more common Philadelphia issue, which carries no mint mark, and from the 1932-D. Mintages for both the D and S issues were significantly lower than Philadelphia's that year, making correct mint mark identification the essential first step before evaluating condition or value.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Examine Washington's cheek and hair details on the obverse, along with the eagle's breast and leg feathers on the reverse, since these high points wear down first as a coin circulates. Sharp definition in these areas, along with strong denticles around the rim, points to a lightly circulated or higher-grade example.
Authenticity Red Flags
Given the price difference between this key date and the common 1932 Philadelphia issue, added "S" mint marks are a known concern among collectors and dealers alike. Look closely at the mint mark's shape, size, and the surface around it for signs of tooling, filing, or inconsistent texture that would suggest it was added after striking rather than part of the original die, and compare it against multiple verified genuine examples if possible before drawing conclusions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the mint mark on a 1932-S quarter?
On the reverse, centered below the wreath and just above the words QUARTER DOLLAR.
Why is the 1932-S considered scarce?
San Francisco struck a relatively small number of quarters that year compared to Philadelphia, making the date scarcer than the common issue.
How do I check if the S mint mark is genuine?
Compare its shape and placement to verified examples and inspect the surrounding surface under magnification for tooling marks or an unnatural texture.
What is the composition of the 1932-S quarter?
It is 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.25 grams with a reeded edge.
How does the 1932-S compare in scarcity to the 1932-D?
Both are considered key dates of the series with similarly low mintages, and both deserve careful mint mark verification given their premium over the common Philadelphia issue.