While quarters may seem like everyday pocket change, some have extraordinary value due to their rarity, errors, and historical significance.
Whether you are a budding coin collector or have stumbled upon old coins, you might be sitting on a small fortune. Here’s a rundown of the top 5 rare US quarters from the 20th century that are worth thousands of dollars.
Rare US Quarters Worth Thousands of Dollars
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable quarters, with only 436,800 minted. This quarter was introduced as part of a special commemoration for George Washington’s 200th birthday. Quarters from the Denver Mint are particularly valuable due to their low mintage.
- Value: Depending on the condition, these coins can be worth anywhere from $100 to $143,750. Uncirculated coins in pristine condition fetch the highest prices.
2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is another rare and sought-after coin. This was the first year of the Standing Liberty series, and its production was limited to just 52,000 coins. The design of Liberty, featuring a bare breast, was considered controversial at the time and was soon modified.
- Value: In good condition, this quarter can be worth up to $25,000, and in mint condition, it could command even higher prices.
3. 1950-D Washington Quarter (Overlapping Mint Mark)
The 1950-D Washington Quarter is known for its rare minting error, where the D mint mark was struck over an S mint mark. This overlap error makes it highly valuable to collectors.
- Value: Coins in uncirculated condition can be worth up to $29,375, while circulated coins still fetch between $68 to $500, depending on their condition.
4. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter
The 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter is unique not only for its proof finish but also for its unusual minting history. Some of these quarters were mistakenly struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter, making them an anomaly in U.S. coinage.
- Value: These rare proof quarters can fetch as much as $35,000, particularly if the error involving the Canadian quarter is present.
5. 1943 Washington Quarter (Double Die Error)
Minting errors drive the value of the 1943 Washington Quarter, specifically the double die error that affected both the obverse and reverse sides of the coin. These errors cause the date and inscriptions to appear doubled, making them highly collectible.
- Value: Depending on the error’s visibility and the coin’s overall condition, these quarters can be worth between $142 and $17,400.
| Year | Mint Mark/Type | Value Range | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | Washington Quarter | $100 to $143,750 | Low mintage (436,800) |
| 1916 | Standing Liberty Quarter | Up to $25,000 | First year of issue, low mintage (52,000) |
| 1950-D | Washington Quarter (D/S Error) | $68 to $29,375 | D over S mint mark error |
| 1943 | Washington Quarter | $142 to $17,400 | Double die mint error |
| 1970-S | Proof Washington Quarter | Up to $35,000 | Struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter (error) |
How to Identify Rare and Valuable Quarters
Finding a rare quarter can be a thrilling experience, but it’s essential to know what to look for:
- Date: Most valuable quarters are from specific years with limited production or significant errors. Quarters minted before 1964 are often made of 90% silver, adding to their value.
- Mint Marks: The mint mark can greatly affect a quarter’s value. Coins with an “S” (San Francisco), “D” (Denver), or no mint mark at all (Philadelphia) are worth examining closely.
- Errors: Minting errors such as double dies, overdate errors, or coins struck on the wrong planchet are rare and highly valuable.
While most quarters in circulation are only worth their face value, these five rare US quarters are worth thousands of dollars due to their unique characteristics, low mintages, or significant minting errors. Collectors continue to seek these coins, and their value is only expected to rise over time.
If you come across a quarter that matches any of the descriptions above, it could be well worth having it appraised and graded by a professional.
So, next time you’re sorting through your change, take a second look—you might just find a hidden treasure worth thousands of dollars!