For collectors and enthusiasts, quarters aren’t just pocket change—they can be highly valuable pieces of history. Some U.S. quarters have fetched impressive prices at auctions, with a rare Bicentennial Quarter fetching nearly $20,000.
Several other quarters, rich in history and minting anomalies, are valued at over $2,000, making them highly sought after by numismatists. Let’s look into these valuable quarters, their rarity, and the factors that make them so special.
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1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, minted to commemorate 200 years of U.S. independence, stands out for its historical significance. Most Bicentennial Quarters are common, but the ones that fetch nearly $20,000 are the special mint editions struck in 40% silver. These coins, primarily intended for collectors, feature a unique design with a colonial drummer on the reverse side, encircled by 13 stars representing the original colonies. Coins struck in San Francisco but without the typical ‘S’ mint mark are particularly rare.
In pristine, uncirculated condition or with high professional grading, these quarters hold significant value. Their rarity, silver content, and historical connection make them an essential piece for collectors aiming to capture a pivotal moment in American history.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest and most coveted coins in the Washington quarter series. Minted in Denver to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday, only 436,800 were produced, making it highly desirable for collectors. Its low mintage and historical significance push its value well above $2,000 for coins in good condition, with prices climbing even higher for those in finer grades.
Collectors particularly value this quarter for its role as the first in the long-running Washington quarter series, making it a cornerstone for any collection focused on U.S. coinage.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the Denver-minted version, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is also rare and highly sought after. Minted in San Francisco, with only 408,000 coins produced, this quarter is a key date for those collecting the Washington quarter series. Coins in good condition frequently surpass $2,000 in value, with higher grades commanding even steeper prices.
As the 1932-S was part of the first year of Washington quarters, its rarity and historical context add to its desirability. For collectors looking to complete a Washington quarter collection, the 1932-S is an essential piece.
1943-S Washington Quarter
The 1943-S Washington Quarter holds a unique place in U.S. history, minted during World War II and composed of 90% silver. Coins from this year are already prized for their silver content, but the San Francisco mint produced a relatively low number, making high-grade examples rare. Well-preserved specimens of the 1943-S quarter can easily exceed $2,000 in value.
Collectors value this quarter not only for its composition but also for the historical significance tied to its production during the war effort, making it both a collectible and an investment in U.S. history.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is one of the most fascinating quarters due to its minting error. During production, a Denver mint mark (D) was mistakenly stamped over a previously marked San Francisco mint mark (S), creating a unique overmintmark error. This error significantly boosts the quarter’s value, with well-preserved coins exceeding $2,000 at auction.
Error coins like the 1950-D/S are highly collectible because they offer a glimpse into the minting process and its occasional flaws. For collectors specializing in mint errors, this quarter is an essential addition.
1964-D Quarter with Doubled Die Reverse
Minting errors can turn ordinary coins into highly valuable collectibles, and the 1964-D Washington Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse is a prime example. This error occurred when the die used to strike the coin was doubled, resulting in a clear doubling effect on the reverse, particularly in the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the eagle’s feathers. High-grade examples of this error can command prices well over $2,000.
The 1964-D is also notable as the final year that quarters were minted in 90% silver, adding further appeal to collectors and investors. This quarter represents both a minting anomaly and the end of an era in U.S. coinage.
| Quarter | Key Feature | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Special Mint) | Struck in 40% silver, no ‘S’ mint mark | Nearly $20,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Low mintage (436,800) | Over $2,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Low mintage (408,000) | Over $2,000 |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | Silver composition, WWII era | Over $2,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | Denver mint mark over San Francisco mint mark | Over $2,000 |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Washington Quarter | Doubled die error, 90% silver composition | Over $2,000 |
While quarters might seem like everyday change, some varieties hold incredible value for collectors. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, with its special mint edition and silver content, can reach nearly $20,000, while other Washington quarters from the early 20th century, particularly those with low mintages or minting errors, consistently exceed $2,000 in value. Whether they carry historical significance or feature unique minting mistakes, these quarters are highly sought after, representing both a piece of history and a valuable investment.
If you happen to have any of these quarters, it’s worth examining their condition and rarity—you might be sitting on a valuable piece of numismatic history.
FAQs
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
Its value comes from being a special edition minted in 40% silver and its rarity in pristine condition.
How rare is the 1932-D Washington Quarter?
With only 436,800 minted, it’s one of the rarest Washington quarters, especially in good condition.
Why is the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter valuable?
This quarter features a mint error where the Denver mint mark was stamped over a San Francisco mint mark.
What’s special about the 1943-S Washington Quarter?
Its silver composition and production during WWII, coupled with its rarity in high grades, make it valuable.
How much is the 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter worth?
High-grade examples with the doubled die error can exceed $2,000 due to their rarity and silver content.
