10 Most Valuable Quarters To Look For (Some Are Worth Thousands!)
That handful of quarters in your car's cup holder might be worth a lot more than 25 cents. The U.S. quarter has a rich history filled with rare dates, low mintages, and valuable errors that collectors are willing to pay top dollar for. From the very first year of issue to modern state quarter mistakes, this list covers the most valuable quarters you should be looking for.
Top 10 Most Valuable Quarters for Your Collection
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The first year of the Washington quarter is a key date, especially those minted in Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). With the Great Depression in full swing, very few coins were produced. The 1932-D had a mintage of only 436,800, making it the king of the series.
- What to Look For: A 1932 quarter with a small "D" on the reverse, below the eagle's tail feathers.
- Estimated Value: $100 in well-worn condition to over $1,500 in uncirculated condition.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Nearly as rare as its Denver counterpart, the 1932-S had a mintage of just 408,000. It's the second-most valuable coin in the Washington quarter series and essential for any serious collector.
- What to Look For: A 1932 quarter with a small "S" on the reverse, below the eagle.
- Estimated Value: $90 in worn condition to over $1,000 in uncirculated condition.
3. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The first year of the beautiful Standing Liberty design is a major American rarity. With a mintage of only 52,000, it's a coin that many collectors dream of owning.
- What to Look For: A 1916 date. Be aware of fakes where the date has been altered from a 1917. Authentic examples should be verified by a professional.
- Estimated Value: $2,000 in good condition to over $20,000 in uncirculated grades.
4. 1918/7-S Overdate Standing Liberty Quarter
A fascinating error where a 1918 die was struck over a 1917 die at the San Francisco mint. The faint outline of a "7" can be seen underneath the "8" in the date.
- What to Look For: Use a magnifying glass to look for traces of a "7" under the "8" in 1918 on an S-mint quarter.
- Estimated Value: $1,000 to over $35,000 depending on condition.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter "Extra Leaf"
One of the most famous modern errors. On some quarters minted in Denver, a die flaw created what looks like an extra leaf on the ear of corn on the reverse. There is a "Low Leaf" and a "High Leaf" variety, both of which are valuable.
- What to Look For: On the reverse of a 2004 Wisconsin quarter with a "D" mint mark, look at the corn stalk. The extra leaf will be on the left side, pointing down (Low Leaf) or up (High Leaf).
- Estimated Value: $50 - $150 per coin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are all quarters from 1964 and earlier valuable?
Yes. All US quarters minted in 1964 or before are made of 90% silver. At a minimum, they are worth their weight in silver, which is significantly more than 25 cents. However, the key dates listed above are worth much more to collectors.
How can I find rare quarters?
The best way is to search through bank rolls, a hobby known as "coin roll hunting." You can also check your everyday pocket change and look through old family collections.
What is the most expensive quarter ever sold?
A 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, one of the first quarters ever made in the US, sold at auction for over $1.7 million. It was graded in near-perfect condition.
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