Did you know that some U.S. quarters are worth much more than their face value of 25 cents? While most people see quarters as simple pocket change, certain rare ones can be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Whether you’re a coin collector or just curious about what might be hiding in your spare change, this guide will show you the top 10 most valuable U.S. quarters and why they’re worth so much. Let’s take a closer look!
Top 10 Most Valuable U.S. Quarters
Here are the 10 U.S. quarters that collectors prize for their rarity, unique features, and historical importance.
| Rank | Quarter | Value (Up to) | Year | Mint Mark | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | $1.74 million | 1796 | None (Philadelphia) | First U.S. quarter, extremely rare, only 6,146 produced |
| 2 | 1804 Draped Bust Quarter | $345,000 | 1804 | None (Philadelphia) | Rare early quarter, very few surviving specimens |
| 3 | 1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | $336,000 | 1873 | CC (Carson City) | Rare Carson City mint, arrows on sides of date |
| 4 | 1901-S Barber Quarter | $550,000 | 1901 | S (San Francisco) | One of the rarest Barber quarters, low mintage of just 72,664 |
| 5 | 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | $100,000 | 1916 | None (Philadelphia) | Short minting period, unique design |
| 6 | 1932-D Washington Quarter | $25,000 | 1932 | D (Denver) | First Washington quarter, low mintage |
| 7 | 1932-S Washington Quarter | $20,000 | 1932 | S (San Francisco) | Rare inaugural year quarter, limited production |
| 8 | 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter (Overdate) | $250,000 | 1823 | None (Philadelphia) | Overdate variety (2 stamped over 3), only 30 known examples |
| 9 | 1965 MS67+ Washington Quarter | $12,000 | 1965 | None (Philadelphia) | First clad quarter (non-silver), rare in high-grade condition |
| 10 | 1971-S Proof Washington Quarter | $3,500 | 1971 | S (San Francisco) | Deep cameo appearance, rare proof coin |
What Makes These Quarters Valuable?
Several factors make these quarters so valuable:
Rarity
Coins that were produced in small numbers or have few surviving examples become more valuable over time. For example, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter was the first U.S. quarter ever made, and only 6,146 were produced, making it extremely rare.
Mint Marks
Coins from certain mints, like the “CC” from Carson City or “S” from San Francisco, are often rarer because fewer were produced. For instance, the 1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter is one of the rarest due to its limited production at the Carson City mint.
Errors and Overdates
Coins with errors or unique details like overdates are highly sought after by collectors. The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter, for example, has an overdate (where the number 2 is stamped over the 3), making it very rare and valuable.
Historical Importance
Certain quarters reflect significant changes in U.S. history or coin design, such as the 1932-D Washington Quarter, which was the first Washington quarter ever made. Quarters like these become important collectibles over time.
Why You Should Check Your Quarters
Even though many of these rare quarters are hard to find, you might still stumble upon valuable ones in circulation or old coin collections. Quarters with unusual mint marks, errors, or from key years might be worth far more than their face value. For instance, the first Washington quarter from 1932 can be worth thousands if it has a “D” or “S” mint mark. So, the next time you receive change or sort through an old coin collection, take a closer look—you might just find a hidden treasure.
Conclusion
Collecting U.S. quarters isn’t just an interesting hobby; it can also be very rewarding financially. Some quarters, like the 1796 Draped Bust or the 1901-S Barber, are worth small fortunes thanks to their rarity and historical significance. As coin values continue to rise, it’s worth checking your change or old collections for these valuable coins. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner, understanding which quarters are rare and why can help you discover hidden treasures that could be worth a lot of money.
FAQ’s
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Check for factors like the coin’s mint year, mint mark (D, S, CC, or no mark), and any unusual features like errors or overdates. Coins in good condition are generally worth more.
Can I still find valuable quarters in circulation?
Yes, though rare, some valuable quarters like older Washington quarters or error coins can still be found in circulation or old coin collections.
What should I do if I find a rare quarter?
If you think you’ve found a valuable quarter, have it appraised by a professional coin dealer or grading service to determine its exact worth before selling or trading it.