Among U.S. coins, quarters hold a special place, not just for their historical significance but also for their surprising value. Some quarters, particularly those with minting errors or low mintage, have become highly sought-after by collectors, commanding astonishing prices.
Leading the way is a Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $388,888, along with six other quarters that each exceed $88,888 in value. Let’s cut into the fascinating stories behind these valuable pieces of American coinage.
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$388,888 Bicentennial Quarter
At the top of the list is a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter that has reached nearly $388,888 in value due to a rare minting error. This coin, featuring a double die obverse and an off-center strike, has become one of the most valuable quarters ever. The standard Bicentennial design, showcasing a colonial drummer on the reverse and the dual dates “1776–1976,” is already iconic. However, this specific quarter’s dramatic minting flaw catapults its value. Collectors prize it for its uniqueness, historical significance, and the story it tells of an American milestone.
High-grade examples of error coins like this are exceedingly rare, and their value reflects both their scarcity and their appeal to collectors who specialize in minting mistakes.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
Valued at over $88,888, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holds a significant place in U.S. coinage history as the first quarter ever minted. Its small mintage, combined with its role as the inaugural quarter denomination, makes it one of the most coveted coins among numismatists. Collectors prize this coin not only for its rarity but for its beautiful design, which features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse.
Finding a 1796 Draped Bust Quarter in high-grade condition is a true treasure, and well-preserved specimens can fetch prices well into six figures. It’s a cornerstone piece for serious collectors and represents a glimpse into the early days of the U.S. Mint.
1804 Draped Bust Quarter
Known as the “King of Quarters,” the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is another incredibly valuable coin, with examples valued well over $88,888. Its production numbers were extremely limited, and today, it remains one of the most sought-after quarters by collectors. The coin’s mystique lies not just in its rarity but in the stories surrounding its place in early American history.
High-grade examples of the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter are few and far between, and their value continues to rise due to their scarcity and the desirability of early U.S. coinage.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is a fascinating coin that features an overdate error, where the number 3 in the date was stamped over a 2. This minting error was overlooked during its production but has since become a numismatic treasure. The rarity of this overdate quarter has pushed its value well beyond $88,888, making it a highlight for collectors who specialize in minting mistakes.
Error coins like the 1823/2 are highly desirable due to their historical quirks and rarity, and this quarter remains one of the most intriguing pieces in U.S. numismatic history.
1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
Minted at the famous Carson City Mint during the Wild West era, the 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter is valued at over $88,888. With its low mintage and ties to the fabled Carson City Mint, this coin holds significant historical value. The Carson City Mint was known for producing limited numbers of coins during a tumultuous period of U.S. history, and its coins are now highly collectible.
Collectors treasure the 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter for its rarity and the historical stories it represents from the days of the Wild West.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
With a mintage of just 52,000, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. quarters, with high-grade examples easily exceeding $88,888. This quarter marks the beginning of the Standing Liberty series, and its design—featuring a striking image of Lady Liberty in a flowing gown—was short-lived, making early examples particularly prized.
The rarity of the 1916 edition, combined with its historical significance as the first year of a new design, makes this quarter a key piece for any serious numismatic collection.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Rounding out the list is the 1932-D Washington Quarter, a key date in the Washington quarter series. With a mintage of only 436,800, this coin is one of the scarcest in the series. Its value exceeds $88,888 for high-grade specimens, especially those that remain in mint condition. This quarter was part of the first production run of Washington quarters, minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
Collectors value the 1932-D Washington Quarter not only for its rarity but also for its significance in U.S. coinage history.
| Quarter | Key Feature | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Double die obverse, off-center strike | Nearly $388,888 |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | First U.S. quarter, low mintage | Over $88,888 |
| 1804 Draped Bust Quarter | Limited production, rarity | Over $88,888 |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | Overdate error (3 over 2) | Over $88,888 |
| 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter | Carson City Mint, low mintage | Over $88,888 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | First-year issue, limited mintage | Over $88,888 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Low mintage (436,800), first Washington quarter | Over $88,888 |
Quarters may seem like small change, but certain rare varieties have skyrocketed in value, making them prized collectibles. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, with its unique misprint, leads the way with a value nearing $388,888, while historical gems like the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter and the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter fetch prices well over $88,888. These coins, whether due to minting errors or their role in American history, represent significant financial investments and are treasured pieces of U.S. numismatics.
If you have a collection of old quarters, it’s worth taking a closer look—there may be a valuable piece hiding among your coins.
FAQs
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
Its value comes from a rare misprint, including a double die obverse and off-center strike.
How much is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter worth?
High-grade examples often exceed $88,888 due to its rarity and historical significance.
Why is the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter called the “King of Quarters”?
Its limited production and scarcity have earned it the title, with values exceeding $88,888.
What is special about the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter?
It features an overdate error, where the “3” is struck over a “2.”
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter valuable?
Its low mintage and status as one of the first Washington quarters make it a key collectible worth over $88,888.
