5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Handling Your 1935-S Washington Quarter (MS66 Crack-Out Guide)

I’ve Watched Collectors Lose Thousands – Save Your 1935-S Quarter Now

Let me tell you about the heartbreak I saw last month. A collector cracked open what he thought was an MS66 1935-S Washington Quarter… only to turn a $4,500 coin into a $2,000 problem child. After 20 years handling these beauties, I’ve learned exactly where collectors trip up. Here’s how to protect your coin from these five devastating mistakes.

Mistake #1: Slabbing First, Thinking Later

I get it – that urge to crack the holder feels like opening a treasure chest. But let me show you the pile of “upgrade attempts” that landed on my desk last quarter (pun intended).

Are You Making These Assumptions?

• Thinking “PCGS only” collectors will overpay
• Believing old holders automatically mean lower value
• Missing subtle PVC traces before cracking

My 3-Step Rule Before Popping the Holder

1. Send to CAC first ($35 beats a $3,000 mistake)
2. Green sticker? Cross to PCGS, don’t crack
3. PVC alert? Hire a pro – this isn’t DIY territory

“Last week’s cracked-out disaster? Started with acetone and ended with hairlines. Treat your 1935-S like museum porcelain, not garage sale silverware.” – My Conservator Buddy

Mistake #2: Missing the PVC Time Bomb

That pretty haze on your quarter? It could be silently eating the surfaces. Here’s how I spot trouble:

PVC Red Flags I Always Check

• Olive-green spots on Washington’s cheek (common)
• Rainbow smudges shaped like fingerprints
• Cloudy patches that follow your light source

Acetone Isn’t Your Friend (Usually)

I’ve lost count of “quick acetone dips” that created:

• Hairline scratches from panicked wiping
• Residue from non-lab grade solvents
• Dull surfaces from over-soaking

Only Safe Approach:
1. Lab-grade acetone (not nail polish remover!)
2. Three-second dunks – no longer
3. Pat dry like handling a butterfly wing
4. Get expert eyes on it within 48 hours

Mistake #3: Flipping the Grading Priorities

Stop obsessing over eagle marks! For 1935-S quarters, the face matters most:

Where Graders Really Look

Notice how PCGS tolerates chatter on eagle legs? I’ve seen identical reverse marks on MS66+ coins. The real make-or-break zone is Washington’s portrait.

Mistake #4: Romance Over Reality With Holders

That vintage NGC slab won’t pay your mortgage. From tracking 1935-S auction results:

• Zero premium for “old holder nostalgia”
• 5% value hit for cracked non-CAC coins
• 15%+ boost for CAC green stickers (any holder)

Smart Move: Only crack if you have CAC’s blessing AND a conservation plan. Otherwise, use PCGS crossover service.

Mistake #5: Misreading the Surface Story

1935-S quarters have unique “skin” that fools even seasoned collectors:

What Your Coin’s Surface Reveals

• Natural: Milky haze from original mint bags
• PVC: Sticky spots with greenish tint
• Damage: Tiny pits hiding under toning

“I once watched a collector scrub off $3,000 worth of original surface mistaking it for PVC. Know what you’re touching before touching it.” – Top Registry Set Builder

Damage Control for Your 1935-S

Already made a mistake? Here’s your recovery plan:

Step 1: Professional Triage

PCGS/NGC conservation service ($85) with detailed notes

Step 2: CAC Reality Check

Green sticker = Value Band-Aid applied

Step 3: Strategic Relabeling

PCGS Crossover Must-Do's:
- Tick "Minimum Grade MS66" box
- Select "Do Not Crack If Not Crossing"
- Attach high-res photos of both sides

Your Pre-Crack Checklist

Before touching that slab:

1. Compare to PCGS CoinFacts images (zoom in!)
2. Get CAC’s opinion – worth the $35 gamble
3. Calculate: Crack costs vs. selling-as-is
4. Check luster type with angled light
5. Photograph surfaces at 10x magnification

Final Wisdom: Originality Pays Bills

Let me leave you with this: My most valuable client holdings are all original-surface 1935-S quarters in their first holders. Why? Because collectors pay premiums for coins that haven’t been scrubbed, soaked, or “improved.”

• CAC first – always
• Never crack without a pro’s green light
• Grade Washington’s face, not the eagle’s legs
• When in doubt – don’t touch it!

Remember: That MS66 grade represents real money. Treat your 1935-S quarter like the rare artifact it is, not a DIY project. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• How to Safely Crack and Preserve Your 1935-S Washington Quarter in 15 Minutes Flat – Need to crack that slab fast? Here’s what actually works (I’ve tested it 35 times). After cracking hundreds …
• The Insider’s Dilemma: To Crack or Not to Crack Your 1935-S MS66 Washington Quarter – Let me tell you what nobody shows you about these coins – the real story behind the plastic After fifteen years of…
• 1935-S Washington Quarter Cracking Strategy Showdown: I Tested 7 Expert Methods for PCGS Success – I Tested 7 Strategies on My 1935-S Quarter – The Winner Shocked Me When I first held this 1935-S Washington Quarte…