Collecting quarters might seem like a modest hobby, but you might be surprised to learn that some quarters are worth thousands of dollars! From rare minting errors to limited production runs, certain quarters have become highly valuable among coin collectors.
If you’ve got some spare change lying around, you might want to check whether one of these valuable quarters is in your possession.
Here’s a look at the 8 most valuable quarters you should keep an eye out for.
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter was the first quarter ever minted in the United States, and its rarity makes it extremely valuable. Only 6,146 coins were minted, making this coin incredibly hard to find today.
In mint condition, this quarter can fetch up to $1.5 million. Even in lower grades, these coins are valued in the tens of thousands of dollars.
2. 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Minted in Carson City, Nevada, the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter is a rare and valuable coin because of its low mintage of just 8,340 coins. Coins from the Carson City Mint are highly sought after by collectors, and this particular quarter can be worth $150,000 or more, especially in uncirculated condition.
3. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is highly valuable due to its low mintage of 52,000 coins, making it one of the scarcest quarters from the early 20th century. If you have a 1916 Standing Liberty in near-mint condition, its value could be upwards of $25,000, with uncirculated coins reaching even higher prices.
4. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a key date for Washington quarters, as it was the first year of production and the Denver Mint only struck 436,800 coins. If you have a 1932-D in pristine condition, it could be worth up to $20,000, making it one of the most valuable quarters in the series.
5. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is another key date coin with a limited mintage of 408,000 coins. This coin can reach values of $10,000 or more, especially in high-grade condition.
6. 1823/2 Overdate Capped Bust Quarter
This quarter features a rare overdate error, where the 1822 date was mistakenly punched over with 1823, creating a unique variety. Only a handful of these coins exist today, and they can be valued at $100,000 or more if found in good condition.
7. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Another valuable coin from the Carson City Mint, the 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter had a limited mintage of 10,890 coins. Quarters from this series are extremely rare, with uncirculated versions commanding prices as high as $110,000.
8. 1965 Washington Quarter (Silver Planchet Error)
Most 1965 quarters were minted in copper-nickel, but a small number were mistakenly struck on silver planchets, intended for pre-1965 quarters. This minting error makes the 1965 quarter exceptionally valuable. In high-grade condition, these error coins can fetch over $7,000 at auction.
Valuable Quarters and Their Estimated Values
| Quarter | Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | First U.S. quarter | Up to $1.5 million |
| 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | 1870 | Carson City Mint, low mintage | Up to $150,000 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | Low mintage of 52,000 | Up to $25,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Denver Mint, limited mintage | Up to $20,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | San Francisco Mint, low mintage | Up to $10,000 |
| 1823/2 Overdate Capped Bust Quarter | 1823 | Overdate error | Up to $100,000 |
| 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | 1871 | Carson City Mint, low mintage | Up to $110,000 |
| 1965 Washington Quarter (Silver Error) | 1965 | Struck on silver planchet by mistake | Up to $7,000 |
Why Are These Quarters So Valuable?
There are several reasons these quarters are so valuable, including:
- Low Mintage: Coins produced in low quantities are typically more valuable because fewer exist, increasing their rarity.
- Minting Errors: Coins with errors, such as overdates or being struck on the wrong planchet, are unique and highly prized by collectors.
- Historical Significance: Many of these quarters represent key periods in U.S. history, adding to their appeal.
- Condition: Coins that have been well-preserved in uncirculated condition are much more valuable than heavily circulated examples.
Check your coin collection carefully—you might have one of these valuable quarters hiding in plain sight!
FAQs
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Look for key dates, mint marks, and any minting errors on your quarter. You can also have it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC to assess its value.
What makes a quarter valuable?
Factors such as rarity, minting errors, condition, and historical significance all contribute to a quarter’s value.
Where can I sell a valuable quarter?
You can sell valuable quarters at coin shows, through online auction platforms like eBay, or to reputable coin dealers.
Should I get my quarter graded?
Yes, if you believe your quarter may be valuable, getting it professionally graded can confirm its authenticity and potentially increase its value.
Are all old quarters valuable?
Not all old quarters are valuable. The coin’s rarity, condition, and unique features like minting errors play a significant role in determining its worth.