Most of us think of quarters as nothing more than pocket change. However, there are some rare quarters out there worth more than you could ever imagine. A particular Bicentennial Quarter recently sold for nearly $201,000, and many others are valued at over $25,000. This article will look into these valuable coins and highlight seven quarters that could turn your spare change into serious cash.
Bicentennial
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was released to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary of independence. While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth no more than 25 cents, a rare variant struck with 40% silver content recently fetched almost $201,000. This quarter was produced as part of a special mint set for collectors and has increased in value due to its pristine condition, historical significance, and rarity.
Certified by professional grading services, this particular quarter stood out for its perfect preservation and its historical link to the nation’s bicentennial. The 40% silver content, a departure from typical copper-nickel compositions, also adds to its allure. If you’ve got one of these in high-grade condition, it could be worth a life-changing amount of money.
1932-S Washington
Next up is the 1932-S Washington Quarter. Minted in San Francisco, only 408,000 were made, making it one of the rarest Washington quarters ever produced. If you find one in pristine condition, it can easily sell for over $25,000. The “S” mint mark adds a layer of exclusivity to this already rare coin, and it’s highly sought after by collectors looking to complete their Washington quarter series.
1943 Copper
The 1943 Copper Quarter is a true anomaly in the world of coin collecting. In 1943, quarters were supposed to be struck in silver, but a few were mistakenly made in copper. This rare minting error makes these coins highly valuable, and a well-preserved example can sell for more than $25,000. Its unique history and the mistake in its production have made it a numismatic treasure for collectors.
1950-D/S Overmintmark
Another fascinating coin is the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter. This coin features an error where a “D” mint mark, representing the Denver Mint, was punched over an “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint. This error makes the coin particularly rare and valuable. High-grade examples can exceed $25,000 due to their uniqueness and the historical curiosity they represent.
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse
The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter is notable for a visible doubling on the reverse side of the coin, specifically on the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This doubling resulted from a misalignment during the minting process, and quarters with this error are highly prized by collectors. In top condition, this quarter can easily command prices over $25,000. Its distinct error and scarcity have cemented its status as a valuable collectible.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter is another coin with a subtle but significant variation. It features a smaller date font compared to the standard large date font used that year. This small detail significantly increases the coin’s value, particularly in mint condition. Examples of this quarter have sold for over $25,000, making it a must-have for serious collectors.
1983-P Washington
Finally, the 1983-P Washington Quarter rounds out our list. While not as old as some of the other coins mentioned, it is extremely rare in uncirculated condition. Most quarters from 1983 were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples exceedingly hard to find. If you happen to have a mint state 1983-P quarter, you could be sitting on a coin worth over $25,000.
The rarity of high-grade versions of this relatively modern coin demonstrates that even recent coins can be worth a fortune if they’re in perfect condition.
| Quarter | Key Feature | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (1976) | 40% silver composition | Nearly $201,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Low mintage (408,000 produced) | Over $25,000 |
| 1943 Copper Quarter | Minting error (copper instead of silver) | Over $25,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | “D” mint mark punched over “S” | Over $25,000 |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter | Doubling on reverse text | Over $25,000 |
| 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter | Small date font variation | Over $25,000 |
| 1983-P Washington Quarter | Rare in uncirculated condition | Over $25,000 |
As you can see, there’s a lot of potential value hidden in these rare quarters. Whether it’s a mint error or a subtle variation, these coins are worth much more than their face value.
If you have a coin collection or just a jar of loose change, it might be worth taking a closer look. You never know when one of these valuable treasures might be hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter worth so much?
Its silver composition and perfect condition made it highly valuable.
How many 1932-S Washington Quarters were made?
Only 408,000 were minted, making it rare and valuable.
What’s the story behind the 1943 Copper Quarter?
It’s a rare error coin, mistakenly made from copper instead of silver.
Why is the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter valuable?
A minting error placed a “D” over an “S” mint mark, making it rare.
Why is the 1983-P Washington Quarter valuable?
It’s rare in high-grade condition due to heavy circulation in 1983.
