Quarters are more than just small change. Some are rare and worth much more than 25 cents. In fact, some U.S. quarters can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars. If you’re into coin collecting or just curious, you might be holding a valuable piece in your pocket. Below, we’ll explore 10 of the most valuable U.S. quarters, why they’re special, and how much they’re worth.
10 Most Valuable U.S. Quarters
These U.S. quarters are highly sought after by collectors for their rarity, historical importance, and unique features. Let’s take a look at these top 10 quarters.
| Rank | Quarter | Value | Year | Mint Mark | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | Up to $1.74 million | 1796 | None (Philadelphia) | First U.S. quarter, extremely rare, only 6,146 produced |
| 2 | 1804 Draped Bust Quarter | Up to $345,000 | 1804 | None (Philadelphia) | Rare early quarter, few surviving specimens |
| 3 | 1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | Up to $336,000 | 1873 | CC (Carson City) | Arrows on sides of date, rare Carson City mint |
| 4 | 1901-S Barber Quarter | Up to $550,000 | 1901 | S (San Francisco) | One of the rarest Barber quarters, low mintage (72,664) |
| 5 | 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | Up to $100,000 | 1916 | None (Philadelphia) | Short minting period, unique design |
| 6 | 1932-D Washington Quarter | Up to $25,000 | 1932 | D (Denver) | First Washington quarter, low mintage |
| 7 | 1932-S Washington Quarter | Up to $20,000 | 1932 | S (San Francisco) | Rare inaugural year quarter, limited production |
| 8 | 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter (Overdate) | Up to $250,000 | 1823 | None (Philadelphia) | Overdate variety (2 stamped over 3), only 30 known examples |
| 9 | 1965 MS67+ Washington Quarter | Up to $12,000 | 1965 | None (Philadelphia) | First clad quarter, rare in high grade condition |
| 10 | 1971-S Proof Washington Quarter | Up to $3,500 | 1971 | S (San Francisco) | Deep cameo appearance, rare proof coin |
What Makes These Quarters Valuable?
- Rarity: The fewer the number of coins produced or surviving, the higher their value.
- Mint Marks: Some mint locations, like Carson City (CC), produced fewer coins, making them more valuable.
- Errors and Overdates: Quarters with unique errors or overdates (like the 1823/2 Capped Bust) are highly sought after.
- Historical Importance: Some quarters mark significant moments in U.S. history or changes in coin design.
Why You Should Check Your Quarters
Even though these coins are rare, it’s still possible to find valuable quarters in circulation or through coin collections. Keep an eye out for old quarters, mint marks, or any unusual features. You might discover a coin that could be worth a small fortune.
Conclusion
Collecting U.S. quarters isn’t just fun; it can be very rewarding. Some of these coins are worth thousands, and their value continues to rise. Knowing the history, mint marks, and rarity of U.S. quarters can help you spot a valuable one. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, it’s worth checking your spare change or old collections for these rare quarters.
FAQ’s
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Valuable quarters usually have unique characteristics, like low mintage numbers, special mint marks, historical importance, or design errors (like overdates). Check for coins from rare years or locations, such as Carson City (CC), or unusual features like arrows, cameo effects, or any signs of design alterations. You can also have your coin appraised by a professional to determine its worth.
Can I find valuable quarters in my pocket change?
Yes, it’s possible, although it’s rare. Some valuable quarters from the 20th century may still be in circulation, like the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington quarters. Keep an eye out for old dates, special mint marks, or coins in excellent condition. Even more modern quarters, like the 1965 MS67+, can be valuable if they are in mint condition.
Where can I sell my valuable quarters?
You can sell valuable quarters through various avenues, including coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms like eBay. For higher-value coins, it’s recommended to get an appraisal from a professional coin expert to ensure you know the accurate value before selling.
