A 1952-D quarter in MS-67+ sold for $21,150 at auction — while most circulated examples sit near $9–$15 in silver melt value. The difference is mint mark, condition, and knowing which rare varieties to look for. Use the free tools below to find out exactly where yours lands.
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Use the Calculator →The Superbird is the most famous 1952 quarter variety — a distinctive S-shaped die mark on the eagle's chest that can push a Deep Cameo proof to $7,800+. Use this checker to see if your proof coin might be a Superbird.
The table below captures the full value range across all 1952 quarter varieties and conditions. For a more detailed step-by-step 1952 Washington quarter identification walkthrough with grading photos and population data, the CoinValueApp guide covers every variety in depth.
| Variety | Worn (G–F) | Circulated (EF–AU) | Uncirculated (MS-60–65) | Gem (MS-66+) / Top Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 Philadelphia | $9–$11 | $11–$19 | $20–$80 | $100–$4,600 |
| 1952-D Denver | $9–$11 | $11–$19 | $20–$175 | $175–$21,150 |
| 1952-S San Francisco | $9–$11 | $11–$19 | $20–$80 | $100–$15,525 |
| 1952 Proof (Standard) | — | — | — | $25–$350 (PR-60–68) |
| 1952 Proof CAM | — | — | — | $180–$3,055 |
| ⭐ 1952 Superbird FS-901 (Proof) | — | — | — | $300–$9,600 (DCAM $7,800+) |
| 🔴 1952-D DDO FS-101 | $75+ | $150+ | $250–$500+ | $500–$1,000+ |
| 1952-S/S RPM FS-501 | $30+ | $60+ | $90–$300 | $300–$2,585 |
| 1952-S/S RPM FS-502 | $20+ | $40+ | $60–$200 | $150–$500+ |
| 1952 DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) | $20+ | $40+ | $50–$150 | $150–$400+ |
⭐ Gold row = Superbird signature variety | 🔴 Red row = rarest business-strike variety
🪙 CoinKnow lets you snap a photo of your 1952 quarter and quickly estimate its value tier on the go — a coin identifier and value app.
Over 102 million 1952 quarters were struck at three mints, yet a handful of documented errors and die varieties can transform an ordinary example into a coin worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Each card below covers a different variety — what it is, how to find it, and what the market pays for it today.
The Superbird is the most celebrated variety in the entire 1952 Washington quarter series. On a subset of proof coins struck at Philadelphia, a dramatic S-shaped mark appears on the eagle's chest — catalogued as FS-901 by CONECA and recognized by both PCGS and NGC. Heritage Auctions describes it as "well-known and highly sought-after among series specialists" despite its absence from the official Guide Book of United States Coins.
The mark's origin is part of the coin's lore. One theory suggests a Mint employee deliberately incised the S-shaped mark as a nod to the Superman television program, which debuted in 1952 — giving the variety its "Superbird" nickname. Whether deliberate or a natural die gouge, the mark is clearly visible to the naked eye on well-struck examples and appears on the die, meaning it repeats across all coins struck from that die state.
Value is entirely dependent on the proof finish designation. A standard PR-67 Superbird commands around $300–$400, a PR-67 CAM (Cameo) reaches $2,000–$2,500, and a PR-67 DCAM (Deep Cameo) sold for $7,800 at Heritage Auctions in September 2020. The combination of a famous variety with the rarest finish designation creates exponential value in the top tier.
The 1952-D DDO FS-101 is produced when the hub — the master steel tool used to impress the design into working dies — is hubbed twice at a slightly different rotational angle. Each impression transfers the full obverse design, but at an offset, so the finished die (and all coins struck from it) carry doubled images on every obverse element. This is true mechanical hub doubling, a permanent die characteristic distinct from the worthless machine doubling that collectors sometimes confuse it with.
Under a 10x loupe, look for a distinct shelf-like or rounded secondary impression on the letters of "IN GOD WE TRUST" — most dramatically on the G, O, and D — and on "LIBERTY" as well. The date digits, particularly "52," also show subtle doubling. The separation between the primary and secondary impressions is clear and three-dimensional on strong examples. Machine doubling, by contrast, shows flat, smeared letter edges with no secondary raised detail.
The Greysheet lists the 1952-D DDO FS-101 at a $1,000 market value at the MS grade level, making it among the highest-premium business-strike varieties of the year. Collector demand for this variety is strong and consistent, driven by the dramatic visual impact of clear lettering doubling on a coin that appears common in every other respect.
Repunched Mint Mark errors occur when the mint mark punch is applied to the working die more than once at slightly different positions. In 1952 at the San Francisco Mint, at least two distinct RPM varieties were created during die preparation. FS-501 is the primary variety, showing a secondary "S" impression to the lower-left (southwest) of the primary punch. The separation between the two impressions is clear and visible at relatively low magnification.
To identify this variety, focus on the curves of the "S" mint mark under a 10x loupe. On FS-501, doubled serifs are visible at the top of the upper curve and the bottom of the lower curve, and the ghost impression to the southwest creates a distinctive thickening on the left side of the letter. The extra serif detail is the clearest diagnostic — on coins with any wear, this is the portion of the doubling that survives longest.
The auction record for the 1952-S/S RPM series is an MS-66 FS-501 that realized $2,585 at Heritage Auctions on December 3, 2015, confirming strong collector demand in premium Mint State grades. Even circulated examples at MS-63 and below trade with a meaningful premium over base silver value, making this one of the more accessible and rewarding 1952 varieties for mid-level collectors.
The FS-502 is the second documented Repunched Mint Mark variety on the 1952-S Washington quarter, created when the San Francisco Mint applied a second punch impression to the die at a slightly southeast offset from the first. While less dramatic than the FS-501, this variety is still clearly distinguishable under magnification and commands a genuine collector premium over a standard 1952-S example.
The diagnostic for FS-502 is a secondary S impression visible on the right side of the mint mark. Under a 10x loupe, examine the right curve of the S and the serif at the lower right — on genuine FS-502 examples, you will see thickening and a doubled serif on that side, compared to the clean left side. This right-side shadow is the mirror image of FS-501's left-side effect, and distinguishing the two comes down to which side of the S shows the extra material.
The FS-502 remains undervalued relative to FS-501 because fewer collectors know to look for the right-side diagnostic, creating an opportunity for knowledgeable buyers. Greysheet confirms a premium exists in MS grades, and authenticated examples in MS-65 or better have traded meaningfully above silver melt value at numismatic venues. It represents one of the more cost-effective entry points into verified 1952 quarter variety collecting for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) varieties occur when the hub impressions a working die in two slightly different orientations, embedding doubled elements into the reverse die. On the 1952 quarter, documented DDR examples show secondary parallel lines running alongside the eagle's feather detail on the breast and wing areas, and offset secondary impressions on the reverse lettering — particularly on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "QUARTER DOLLAR."
Correct attribution requires distinguishing genuine hub doubling from machine doubling (also called strike doubling or ejection doubling). True DDR shows rounded, raised secondary detail alongside the primary design elements — you can see a three-dimensional secondary line of feather detail that is separate from, and slightly offset from, the primary feathers. Machine doubling, by contrast, shows flat, smeared detail with no separate raised secondary element; it adds no collector premium and is very common on 1952 quarters.
Authentication by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before attributing or attempting to sell a 1952 DDR. Circulated examples with clear, strong doubling have sold in the $20–$100 range, while well-preserved Mint State examples with unambiguous doubling can reach $150–$400 or more. The variety rewards careful buyers who take time to confirm attribution, as it remains underrecognized compared to the DDO and RPM varieties for this date.
Found one of these errors on your coin? Run it through the calculator to see your estimated value range.
Get My Error Coin Value →All four 1952 quarter issues were struck at Philadelphia. Production figures below are sourced from Washington Quarter mintage records confirmed by multiple numismatic reference databases.
| Issue | Mint | Mintage | Strike Type | NGC Census (MS) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 (No Mark) | Philadelphia | 38,780,093 | Business strike | 797 graded | Average gem rarity; slightly tough in MS-66+ |
| 1952-D | Denver | 49,795,200 | Business strike | 576 graded | Highest mintage; scarcest in gem — conditional rarity |
| 1952-S | San Francisco | 13,707,800 | Business strike | 1,182 graded | Lowest business-strike mintage; softer die strikes common |
| 1952 Proof | Philadelphia | 81,980 | Proof (sold in sets) | 1,132 graded | Part of post-WWII proof set revival; no mint mark |
| Total All Issues | 102,365,073 | All business strikes 90% silver; proof also 90% silver | |||
The difference between a $9 circulated coin and a $175 uncirculated gem comes down to condition. Here is exactly where to look on a 1952 quarter to assign an accurate grade.
Washington's cheek is flat and merges with the neck. Most hair strands fuse into smooth, featureless areas. The eagle's breast feathers are largely lost. The coin trades primarily on silver melt value ($9–$11). No numismatic collector premium at this level except for key error varieties.
Washington's curls near the ear and cheekbone show slight flatness in EF; almost sharp in AU with only traces of wear on the very highest points. Eagle breast feathers have some definition. Original luster may be visible in protected areas. Worth $11–$19 for most issues.
No wear at all — original mint luster covers all surfaces. Under a light, luster rolls unbroken across Washington's cheek and the eagle's breast. Contact marks and bag marks may be present but are not distracting at MS-65. Worth $20–$175 depending on mint and strike quality.
Rare for the 1952-D (PCGS expert David Hall calls it "by far the scarcest" in this condition). Surfaces appear virtually contact-mark free to the naked eye. Full original luster, sharp strike, and beautiful eye appeal. Worth $100–$21,150 depending on mint mark and exact grade.
📷 CoinKnow can help you match your coin's surfaces against graded comparison examples from your smartphone camera — a coin identifier and value app.
The right venue depends on how valuable your coin is, whether it's been graded, and how quickly you need to sell.
The dominant venue for high-value 1952 quarters. Every major auction record for this series — including the $21,150 record and the $7,800 Superbird — was set at Heritage or similarly large auction houses. Best for graded coins in MS-66+, rare DDO, RPM, or Superbird varieties. Expect 15–20% seller fees but maximum realized prices for rare material.
The most active market for circulated and mid-grade 1952 quarters. Check the recently sold prices for 1952-D Washington quarters on eBay to see actual completed transactions before setting your price. Best for coins worth $20–$200; ungraded error coins in this range often find active bidding. Avoid for proof cameos or top-grade specimens where Heritage outperforms.
Convenient and immediate payment, but expect to receive 50–70% of retail value — dealers need room to profit on resale. Good option for bulk circulated rolls or if you need cash quickly. Before visiting, use the value chart on this page so you know your coin's fair market range and can negotiate confidently. Most shops are most competitive on silver melt-value material.
The r/coins and r/CoinSales communities offer peer-to-peer sales with no auction fees. Useful for mid-range specimens ($30–$150 range) where eBay fees eat too much margin. Requires a verified account with positive feedback history. Buyers are often knowledgeable collectors who understand variety premiums — a good fit for RPM or DDO coins with clear photos and documentation.
A circulated 1952 quarter in worn condition is worth $9–$15, primarily reflecting its 90% silver content (about 0.18 troy ounces of silver). Uncirculated examples range from roughly $20 to $130 for Philadelphia, $20 to over $9,000 for Denver in gem grades, and $20 to several thousand for San Francisco. Special proof and error varieties can reach into the thousands. The all-time auction record is $21,150 for a 1952-D in MS-67+.
The mint mark on a 1952 Washington quarter is on the reverse (eagle side), positioned below the eagle's tail feathers and directly above the letter 'R' in 'QUARTER.' A 'D' indicates Denver, 'S' indicates San Francisco, and no mint mark means Philadelphia. Use a magnifying glass to see it clearly on worn examples. All 1952 proof coins were struck at Philadelphia and also carry no mint mark.
The 1952 Superbird (FS-901) is a proof quarter with a distinctive S-shaped die gouge on the eagle's chest. It's the most famous 1952 Washington quarter variety. Heritage Auctions notes it is 'well-known and highly sought-after among series specialists.' A Proof-67 Deep Cameo Superbird sold for $7,800 at Heritage Auctions in September 2020, while even standard Superbird proofs fetch significant premiums over regular proof examples.
Despite having the highest mintage of any 1952 quarter (nearly 49.8 million), PCGS expert David Hall calls the 1952-D 'by far the scarcest of the 1952 Washingtons in Gem condition.' Denver coins from this era consistently suffered rough handling and poor quality control, leaving almost all examples heavily bag-marked. A clean 1952-D in MS-66 or higher is extremely rare, which is why a single MS-67+ example fetched $21,150 at auction in 2019.
The 1952-D DDO FS-101 is a Doubled Die Obverse error where the hub was impressed twice at a slightly different angle during die production. Look for distinct doubling on the letters of 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY,' most dramatically on the letters G, O, and D, visible under 10x magnification. Values range from around $75 in XF condition to $500 or more in MS-65 Gem Mint State, representing a 10–20x premium over standard 1952-D quarters.
In Good (G-4) condition, Washington's portrait shows heavy wear with most hair detail lost; the cheek and neck merge into flat surfaces, and the eagle on the reverse shows only basic outline. In Uncirculated (MS-60+) condition, no wear is present — original mint luster covers all surfaces, Washington's hair curls near the ear remain sharp, and the eagle's breast feathers and leg feathers show full detail. MS-65 Gem examples display clean surfaces with no significant marks visible to the naked eye.
The 1952-S has two Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) varieties. FS-501 shows a secondary 'S' to the southwest of the primary punch, with clear separation visible on both curves. FS-502 displays the secondary punch to the southeast, creating a shadow on the right side of the mint mark. Both are visible under 10x magnification. A 1952-S/S RPM in MS-66 sold for $2,585 at Heritage Auctions. FS-501 commands roughly a 20% premium over FS-502 in equivalent grades.
Yes, significantly. Only 81,980 proof quarters were struck in 1952, versus over 100 million business strikes. A standard PR-65 proof is worth around $90, but value escalates sharply with cameo designations. A PR-67 CAM (Cameo) reaches roughly $475, while a PR-67 DCAM (Deep Cameo) with strong frosted-device contrast can sell for $3,000–$8,500+. The Superbird DCAM version sold for $7,800. Always have potential proofs authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
The 1952 Washington quarter is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 6.30 grams with a diameter of 24.3mm and a reeded edge. It contains 0.18084 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it an intrinsic silver melt value that fluctuates with the spot price of silver. The design was created by sculptor John Flanagan and has been used since 1932. This silver composition continued through 1964, after which clad coinage replaced it.
Never clean a 1952 quarter. Cleaning removes original mint luster through microscopic abrasion, permanently destroying the natural surface that graders and collectors prize. A cleaned coin is typically graded 'details' by PCGS or NGC and can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an equivalent original-surface example. Even gentle polishing is detectable under magnification. Store coins in holders by the edges only; let a professional conservator handle any surface treatment on valuable specimens.