Quarters have been a staple of American currency since their introduction in 1796. While most quarters are worth just 25 cents, some rare American quarters in circulation can be worth significantly more due to their scarcity, minting errors, or historical significance. Collectors and coin enthusiasts actively seek these valuable coins, and you might just have one in your pocket without even realizing it.
Understanding which quarters are valuable and why they hold worth can help collectors and casual change-hunters alike. Whether it is a low-mintage coin, an error quarter, or one with a high silver content, these coins are considered treasures by numismatists. Below is a list of the nine most valuable American quarters still in circulation today.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most coveted quarters among collectors. It was minted in Denver and had a limited production run of only 436,800 coins. Due to its rarity, its value can range from several hundred dollars to over $10,000, depending on its condition. Higher-graded, uncirculated coins are especially sought after, and their price continues to rise due to increasing demand from collectors.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is highly sought after due to its low mintage of only 408,000. If you find one in excellent condition, it could be worth thousands of dollars, with mint-state versions selling for $5,000 or more. Even well-worn versions of this quarter still hold significant value, often selling for hundreds of dollars.
3. 1943-S Washington Silver Quarter
This quarter, made during World War II, contains 90% silver. During this period, silver quarters were widely circulated, but many were melted down for their silver content over time, making high-quality examples rare today. Due to the high silver content and the fact that fewer were minted, these coins can fetch between $50 and $500, depending on their condition. Quarters in uncirculated condition with full mint luster are the most valuable.
4. 1950-D Washington Quarter
While not as rare as some older quarters, the 1950-D Washington Quarter has become valuable over time. Collectors prize it for its scarcity in higher grades, with uncirculated examples reaching prices upwards of $1,000. Its desirability stems from its limited availability in pristine condition, as many were used in everyday transactions.
5. 1964-D Washington Quarter
This was the last quarter made from 90% silver before the U.S. Mint transitioned to copper-nickel clad coins. Silver prices have increased its value, with well-preserved versions selling for between $7 and $200, depending on condition and grading. Many collectors hold onto these coins due to their silver content, making them harder to find in circulation.
6. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter with a Small Date Overstrike
One of the more unusual entries on this list, the 1970-S quarter is a proof coin that features a small date overstrike from a Canadian quarter. These rare errors have been auctioned for over $35,000, making them one of the most valuable quarters ever found in circulation. While proof coins are not intended for general use, some have entered circulation, making them a rare but exciting find for collectors.
7. 1983-P Washington Quarter
The 1983-P Washington Quarter is valuable due to a lack of high-quality coins from that year. Since no official mint sets were released in 1983, uncirculated versions are difficult to find and can be worth up to $800 or more. Circulated examples in excellent condition can also fetch a premium, as demand continues to rise among collectors.
8. 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter
Errors can make coins significantly more valuable, and the 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter is a prime example. This error occurs when the coin is struck without the retaining collar, causing it to expand beyond its normal shape. These error quarters can be worth anywhere from $100 to $1,000. The broader the strike and the more defined the error, the more valuable the coin becomes.
9. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter features an error where an extra leaf appears on the ear of corn on the reverse side. There are two versions: the “Extra Leaf High” and “Extra Leaf Low.” Depending on the variety and condition, these coins can fetch between $200 and $1,500. Collectors prize these errors due to their distinct design anomaly and their relatively low population in circulation.
How to Identify Valuable Quarters
If you’re hoping to find one of these valuable quarters, it’s important to know what to look for. Checking the date, mintmark, and overall condition of your quarters can help determine if they hold any additional value. Using a magnifying glass or a coin grading reference guide can assist in spotting minting errors and unique features that may increase a coin’s worth.
Coin grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), offer professional assessments and certifications, which can increase the resale value of rare quarters. These services also provide a reliable method of authentication, ensuring that collectors are getting genuine valuable coins.
Conclusion
Finding a rare and valuable quarter in circulation is like striking gold. If you come across one of these quarters, it may be worth much more than its face value. Whether you are a casual collector or a serious numismatist, checking your spare change could be well worth the effort. As silver prices rise and the popularity of coin collecting continues to grow, these quarters will only become more desirable.
For more information on coin values and collecting, visit PCGS or NGC for up-to-date market trends and coin grading information. Happy hunting!
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