Collecting coins is an interesting pastime that combines history, art, and the excitement of seeing unexpected gems. While most quarters are only worth their face value, a few precious ones can command astronomical prices at auctions.
Certain coins possess distinctive errors, limited production, or special metals that make them extremely valuable to collectors. Here, we examine seven rare quarters that have sold for hundreds of dollars and might be lurking in your collection.
Bicentennial
One of the least expected high-value quarters is a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which reached an incredible price of $201,000. The U.S. Mint produced the quarters to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary but had most of them struck in a standard copper-nickel composition. A special edition featuring 40% silver was, though, created for collector sets.
What makes this particular quarter valuable is not only its silver content but also its pristine condition and grading. Coins certified by professional grading services as near-perfect specimens can command impressive prices. This sale proves that even a relatively modern quarter can be worth a small fortune when the right factors align.
1932-S
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is one of the rarest coins in the Washington Quarter series. Only 408,000 were produced, the lowest mintage of any regularly issued Washington Quarter, making it a collector key date.
The “S” mint mark indicates that it was struck in San Francisco, which is part of its allure. High-grade, nicely preserved specimens have sold for more than $25,000, and their value only grows. If you happen to have one in your collection, particularly in mint condition, you may be holding a true numismatic gem.
1943 Copper
During World War II, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of coins in order to conserve metals for the war effort. Quarters in 1943 were intended to be struck with silver, but several were accidentally made of copper, and thus they are an extreme rarity.
These copper quarters are among the most important mistake coins in the history of the United States. If you discover a 1943 quarter and it adheres to a magnet, then it’s silver, but if it doesn’t, you could have one of the rare copper varieties. In mint condition, these coins can fetch more than $25,000.
1950-D/S
Minting mistakes usually render coins very valuable, and the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a perfect case. Here, the Denver (“D”) mint mark was accidentally over-stamped over a San Francisco (“S”) mint mark. This mistake makes the coin distinctive and valuable to collectors.
A high-grade 1950-D/S quarter can readily sell for over $25,000 at auction. These overmintmark errors are a testament to how coin production was sometimes less than perfect, resulting in collectible errors that appreciate with time.
1964-D
The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter is another interesting coin. This quarter has a doubling effect on the reverse, most prominent in the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The doubling resulted from a misaligned die, producing a discernible shift in the design.
Collectors seek out these doubled die quarters due to their unique visual appeal. If found in excellent condition, this quarter can sell for over $25,000. The striking doubling effect makes it a prized possession for those who appreciate minting errors.
1970-S
The 1970-S Small Date Quarter is a scarce variety that has a slightly smaller date than the rest of the 1970 quarters. Though the difference appears small, it greatly impacts the value of the coin.
Collectors will pay top dollar for high-grade examples of this quarter. Specimens of the 1970-S Small Date Quarter in high grade have sold for more than $25,000. This coin is a reminder that even minor design differences can make a big difference in the numismatic world.
1983-P
The 1983-P Washington Quarter is a contemporary rarity with a surprising value. The main reason it is so valuable is that not many were preserved in uncirculated state. Most quarters, unlike them, were heavily circulated and therefore most of the 1983-P quarters are hard to find in uncirculated condition.
A mint-condition 1983-P quarter can fetch prices of more than $25,000, demonstrating that even more recent coins can be extremely valuable if they are in good condition and scarce.
It’s amazing how something so ordinary as a 25-cent quarter can be worth thousands. Whether due to minting errors, low mintages, or unique compositions, these rare quarters show the unsuspecting treasures that could be lingering in your wallet or coin bank. If you happen to hit the jackpot with one of these treasures, you could have a fortune in your pocket.
FAQ’s
Q. How can I determine whether my quarter is valuable?
A. Observe the date, mint mark, condition, and look for mistakes.
Q. Where do I sell unusual quarters?
A. You may sell them to coin shops, auction houses, or internet exchanges.
Q. What is the most scarce U.S. quarter?
A. The 1932-S Washington Quarter ranks as one of the key date’s rarity.
Q. Why are errors valuable?
A. Mistakes are scarce and unusual, making them very sought after by collectors.
Q. How can I protect my precious quarters?
A. Keep them in protective cases and don’t touch them.