Quarters That Are Worth Money: A Guide to Valuable U.S. Quarters

Many people overlook the change in their pockets, not realizing that some coins carry significant value. Quarters, a staple of U.S. currency, have hidden gems that collectors seek. Here’s a look into the quarters that are not just worth 25 cents but significantly more due to rarity, errors, or historical significance.

Key Historical Quarters

The first U.S. quarters were struck in 1796. These early coins, especially those minted before 1831, can have substantial value. Early quarters are scarce since mintages were low.

The 1796 Draped Bust quarter is a notable example. It was produced in limited quantities, making it a prize for collectors. These quarters can be worth thousands, especially in good condition. The rarity of these early coins primarily drives their value.

The Development of the Washington Quarter

In 1932, the U.S. Mint began producing Washington quarters to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birth anniversary. The initial design was supposed to be a one-year commemorative strike. However, it became a standard design for U.S. quarters.

The most sought-after among these are the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters. Both have low mintage numbers— only 436,800 for the Denver Mint (D) and 408,000 for the San Francisco Mint (S). These quarters in good condition can reach prices much higher than face value.

Key Date Quarters

• 1964 and Early Silver Content: Quarters that were minted in 1964 or earlier contain 90% silver. The intrinsic value due to silver content often exceeds the face value. So, these pre-1965 quarters are worth more than 25 cents.
• 1932-D and 1932-S: As mentioned, they have the lowest mintage in Washington quarters, making them particularly valuable.
• 1976 Bicentennial Quarters: Designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of U.S. independence, circulated versions of these 1776-1976 quarters aren’t particularly rare. But special silver sets were sold at a premium.

Error Quarters

Error coins are particularly exciting for collectors. These often occur due to manufacturing mistakes at the mint. Such errors can make coins rare or unique.

• 1955 Doubled Die Obverse: This quarter shows signs of doubling on the obverse, making it a target for error collectors.
• 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters: A variation exists where corn leaves seem to show an extra high or low leaf. These wheat errors are quite collectible.
• 1965 and Other Clad Errors: Transitional errors from the time quarters stopped using silver but mistakenly retained silver planchets. These silver-clad hybrids can fetch significant sums.

Most error quarters require an expert to identify and authenticate due to the complexity and subtlety of identification.

State Quarters and the 50 States Series

The State Quarters Program ran from 1999 to 2008, releasing quarters that featured designs from each U.S. state. This program reinvigorated interest in coin collecting.

While most state quarters hold value for completeness, some variants and errors arose, particularly if designs were misstruck or mismatched. The Delaware “Spitting Horse” error is an example. Coins with unique features or limited issues gain value over standard coins.

Key Collector Tips

• Recognize Early Mint Marks: Older quarters will have mint marks delineating where they were minted. Understanding and recognizing these can aid in determining a coin’s potential value.
• Condition Matters: The condition of a coin is paramount in determining its value. Well-preserved coins with little wear fetch a higher price.
• Seek Expert Evaluation: For rare quarters, consider contacting a certified numismatist or a valuation service for appraisal.
• Stay Informed About Market Trends: Coin values can fluctuate based on market demand, metal prices, and new discoveries.

Quarters that are worth more than face value often have rarity or historical significance. From early American mintages to modern errors, each segment of quarter production holds potential treasures for collectors and casual finders alike. Keep an eye on the change you collect; you might have a piece of history or rare error in your hands that’s worth far more than its 25-cent face value.