Coin collecting isn’t just about appreciating history or admiring the intricate designs on coins—it’s also about the excitement of uncovering a piece of currency that’s worth far more than its face value. Among these valuable finds, the Bicentennial Quarter holds a special place, with certain rare editions fetching nearly $20,000 at auctions.
And this isn’t the only quarter commanding high prices; several others are valued over $2,000, making them highly coveted by collectors. Let’s look into the world of these valuable quarters, cutting into their history, rarity, and what makes them stand out.
Bicentennial
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter commemorates the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. While millions of these quarters were produced, the ones that attract significant interest are the special mint editions struck in 40% silver, primarily made for collectors. These special editions feature a colonial drummer on the reverse, encircled by 13 stars. A pristine, uncirculated coin—especially those struck in San Francisco with no visible ‘S’ mint mark—can fetch prices nearing $20,000. The combination of rarity, historical value, and pristine condition makes these quarters highly prized in the world of coin collecting.
1932-D Washington
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the Washington quarter series. Minted in Denver, this coin had a low mintage of only 436,800. It holds historical significance as it was the first year of the Washington quarter, which was introduced to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. A well-preserved version of this coin can easily exceed $2,000, and those in higher grades can command much higher prices, making it a cornerstone piece for any Washington quarter collector.
1932-S Washington
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is another highly valued piece with a mintage of just 408,000. This quarter is essential for collectors looking to complete their Washington quarter collections. Its rarity and the high demand for key-date coins push its value beyond $2,000, with uncirculated or high-grade examples selling for much more. Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S quarter represents an important chapter in the Washington quarter series, further adding to its allure.
1943-S Washington
The 1943-S Washington Quarter, minted in San Francisco during World War II, is a valuable piece due to its silver composition and historical context. Although it was minted in greater numbers than the 1932 quarters, high-grade examples are rare, particularly because of wear and tear over the years. Quarters from this period are especially sought after in mint condition, with values exceeding $2,000 for high-grade coins. Collectors value these quarters both for their historical significance and their silver content, making them a popular choice for investors as well.
1950-D/S Overmintmark
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a fascinating coin with a minting error that has made it highly sought after. This error occurred when the Denver mint mark (D) was stamped over the San Francisco mint mark (S), creating a unique and visible overlap. Coins with this error are rare, especially in high-grade conditions, and their value can easily exceed $2,000. As with other minting errors, these coins are of particular interest to collectors who appreciate the quirks and mistakes of the minting process, making this quarter a prized piece in any collection.
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse
The 1964-D Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse is another valuable find due to a minting error. In this case, the die used to stamp the coin was doubled, creating noticeable doubling in the inscriptions and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. Specifically, the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears doubled, adding significant value to the coin. High-grade examples of this quarter are rare and can fetch prices well over $2,000. The doubling error makes this coin a favorite among error-coin collectors, who seek out these imperfections for their rarity and uniqueness.
| Coin Type | Rarity Factor | Estimated Value | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Special 40% Silver Edition | Up to $20,000 | No ‘S’ mint mark, silver content |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Low Mintage (436,800 coins) | Over $2,000 | First Washington Quarter |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Low Mintage (408,000 coins) | Over $2,000 | Key Date in Washington series |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | Historical WWII Era, Silver | Over $2,000 | Minted during World War II |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | Minting Error (D over S) | Over $2,000 | Rare mintmark error |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse | Minting Error, Doubled Inscription | Over $2,000 | Doubling on “E PLURIBUS UNUM” |
These six quarters illustrate the rich and often surprising value found in American coinage. From minting errors to key dates and special silver editions, each of these quarters represents not just a piece of history but also a potential financial windfall for lucky collectors. Whether you’re drawn to their historical significance, their rarity, or their investment potential, these quarters showcase why coin collecting remains a captivating and rewarding pursuit.
FAQs
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth up to $20,000?
Special mint editions struck in 40% silver, especially those without an ‘S’ mint mark, can reach this value.
What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter so valuable?
Its low mintage of 436,800 coins makes it rare and highly sought after by collectors.
How rare is the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter?
The error of a D mint mark over an S mint mark makes it a valuable and rare find.
What is the significance of the 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter?
This coin features a minting error that doubled the inscription and eagle’s feathers on the reverse, making it a collector’s gem.
How can I identify a valuable Washington Quarter?
Look for key dates, minting errors, and high-grade conditions, particularly with low-mintage coins.
