The 1938-S Washington Quarter is worth anywhere from $10 in worn condition to over $150 in mint state. Finding one of these silver quarters in your change or an old collection is an exciting discovery because it is considered one of the key dates in the entire series.
Understanding the Scarcity of the 1938-S Washington Quarter
If you have stumbled upon an old quarter with a date of 1938 and a small “S” on the back, you are holding a piece of American history with a very low production count. During the late 1930s, the United States was still feeling the effects of the Great Depression, and the San Francisco mint produced only 411,000 of these quarters. This is the fourth lowest mintage in the entire Washington Quarter series, making it a “key date” that collectors actively hunt for.
To determine if your find is truly a treasure, using a free coin identifier app can help you distinguish the mint mark and confirm the date instantly. Many casual hobbyists use the CoinHix app to quickly scan their pocket change and see if they have unearthed a rare mintage. Because so few were made, even specimens that have seen years of circulation still command a premium price well above their silver melt value.
Evaluating the Condition and Grade of Your Coin
The value of your 1938-S quarter is heavily dependent on its “grade,” which is a measure of how much wear and tear the coin has endured. Quarters that were used in daily commerce for decades will appear smooth, with George Washington’s hair details worn away and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse looking flat. These “Good” or “Fine” condition coins are still valuable to collectors filling holes in their albums, but they won’t reach the high prices of uncirculated pieces.
If your coin looks like it just came from the bank—with a bright, frosty luster and no visible scratches—it may be in “Mint State.” High-grade specimens are the most sought after, and you can check the specific 1938-S Washington Quarter auction prices to see how much professional collectors are willing to pay for top-tier quality. Using the CoinHix app can also provide you with high-resolution image comparisons to help you estimate whether your coin is a “circulated” or “uncirculated” example.
Current Market Value and Price Chart
While precious metal prices fluctuate, the 1938-S quarter derives most of its value from its numismatic rarity rather than its 90% silver content. Even a heavily worn 1938-S is worth significantly more than a common quarter from the 1960s. For those looking for a detailed breakdown, you can find a comprehensive 1938-S quarter price list that covers every major grade from about good to gem uncirculated.
Below is a valuation table based on average market prices for the 1938-S Washington Quarter across different conditions:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $10 – $15 |
| Fine (F-12) | $25 – $35 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $55 – $70 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $85 – $110 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $150 – $225 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | $300 – $600+ |
Where to Find the Mint Mark and Why It Matters
To confirm you have the San Francisco mintage, you need to look at the reverse (the back) of the coin. On the Washington Quarter, the mint mark is located just below the center of the eagle’s wreath, right above the “R” in the word “QUARTER.” If you see a small “S,” that confirms it was minted in San Francisco. If there is a “D,” it was minted in Denver, and if there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.
While the 1938-D is also a semi-key date, the 1938-S is more famous among collectors due to its lower mintage figures. If you are unsure about the lettering, the CoinHix app offers a magnification feature that allows you to see the mint mark clearly. This distinction is vital because a 1938 quarter from Philadelphia is common and worth much less than its San Francisco counterpart.
Final Tips for Selling and Protecting Your Quarter
Once you realize you have a valuable 1938-S Washington Quarter, the first rule is: do not clean it! Many people think they are helping by polishing an old coin, but cleaning actually destroys the original surface and slashes the value by 50% or more. Collectors prefer the natural “patina” or toning that comes with age.
Instead of cleaning, place the coin in a soft plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder to prevent further scratches. When you are ready to sell, you can take it to a reputable local coin shop or list it on a reputable auction site. Knowing the exact 1938-S Washington Quarter value beforehand will ensure you get a fair price and aren’t taken advantage of during the sale.
Q: Is the 1938-S Washington Quarter made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Washington Quarters minted between 1932 and 1964 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a real 1938-S and a fake one?
A: Authentic 1938-S quarters should weigh approximately 6.25 grams. Counterfeits often have “mushy” details or the “S” mint mark looks glued on. Using an app like CoinHix can help verify visual authenticity.
Q: Are there any 1938-S quarter errors to look for?
A: While no major world-renowned errors exist for this specific year, collectors always look for “doubled dies” on the lettering or “RPMs” (re-punched mint marks) which can add extra value to the coin.
