Quarters are one of the most common coins in your pocket, but did you know some rare quarters can be worth thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars? While most quarters are just worth 25 cents, a few special ones are highly sought after by collectors. These rare quarters can be worth as much as $365,000 at auction! Let’s take a look at some of these valuable coins and learn how you can spot them in your own collection.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the earliest U.S. coins, and it’s very rare. Only about 6,000 of these quarters were made, making them incredibly valuable. If you find one in good condition, it could be worth up to $365,000! This coin is highly prized by collectors due to its age and rarity.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Another rare quarter is the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. It is highly valued because of its low mintage of only 52,000 coins. Many of these quarters were worn down over time, so finding one in near-perfect condition can fetch a significant price. A 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter in good condition might be worth $25,000 or more!
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is another coin that collectors are eager to find. It was minted during the Great Depression, and only a limited number were made. The “D” mintmark means it was made in Denver, and collectors are especially interested in ones that are in uncirculated condition. If you have one of these quarters in excellent shape, it could be worth up to $30,000.
1943 Washington Quarter (Doubled Die)
The 1943 Washington Quarter features a “doubled die” error. This happens when the design is struck twice, causing some details to appear doubled, such as the words “In God We Trust.” These doubled die errors make the coin more valuable, and a 1943 Washington Quarter in good condition can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000.
1950-D Washington Quarter (High Grade)
The 1950-D Washington Quarter from Denver is not rare by itself, but if it is in perfect, mint condition with no wear, it can be worth a lot. Collectors pay high prices for coins that still have their original luster, and this quarter can sell for between $300 and $7,500, depending on its condition.
1970-S Washington Quarter (Proof)
The 1970-S Washington Quarter is special because it has a minting error where part of the design was doubled. This “proof” coin was made for collectors, but the doubled design makes it even more valuable. If you find a 1970-S proof quarter with this error, it could be worth between $1,000 and $10,000.
1999 Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse)
One of the most famous modern errors is the 1999 Delaware State Quarter with a “spitting horse.” The coin has a die crack that makes it look like the horse is spitting. This error is highly collectible, and the coin can be worth anywhere from $100 to $2,000 depending on its condition.
Table of Rare Quarters
| Coin Name | Mint Location | Year | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust | Philadelphia | 1796 | $50,000 – $365,000 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty | Philadelphia | 1916 | $3,000 – $25,000 |
| 1932-D Washington | Denver | 1932 | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| 1943 Washington Doubled Die | Various | 1943 | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| 1950-D Washington High Grade | Denver | 1950 | $300 – $7,500 |
| 1970-S Proof | San Francisco | 1970 | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse | Philadelphia | 1999 | $100 – $2,000 |
Conclusion
While most quarters are worth only 25 cents, some rare ones can bring in a lot of money. If you find one of the quarters listed above, you might have a treasure on your hands. Many of these coins are still out there, so it’s always a good idea to check your old coin collection. Who knows—you might just be sitting on a goldmine!
FAQ’s
How can I tell if my quarter is rare and valuable?
Look for quarters with minting errors, low mintage, or special features like doubled die or unique designs. Quarters from specific years like 1796, 1916, or 1932-D are particularly valuable. Also, check the condition of the coin—unworn or mint-condition coins are worth more.
What is the most expensive quarter ever sold?
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the most expensive quarters, with some in excellent condition fetching up to $365,000. Its rarity and historical value make it highly sought after by collectors.
Are there rare quarters still in circulation today?
Yes! Many rare quarters, including the 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” and the 1943 Washington “Doubled Die,” are still circulating. If you find one in good condition, it could be worth much more than its face value.