Rare Quarters to Look For

If you’re a coin collector or simply someone who wants to spot opportunities in your pocket change, identifying rare quarters is a worthwhile endeavor. While quarters are common and used frequently in daily transactions, certain ones stand out, not just for their age but for unique features that appeal to numismatists. Here we delve into some of the most valuable quarters that might just turn up in your everyday sorting.

The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters

One of the most renowned among rare quarters are the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters. Minted during the Great Depression, both mints combined only produced about 436,800 of these coins. The Denver (D) mint produced approximately 436,800 while the San Francisco (S) mint struck around 408,000. Particularly, the 1932-D is valued more due to its lower circulation figures. Collectors value these coins as uncirculated specimens due to their rarity.

The 1950-D Over S Mint Mark Washington Quarter

This quarter is a product of a mint error, which makes it particularly intriguing for collectors. The Denver mint used a leftover die that was originally intended for the San Francisco mint. The result was a distinctive “D” over “S” mint mark. These coins are highly sought after in uncirculated condition. The crispness of the over-strike adds to their collector appeal.

1964 Quarters with Errors

The year 1964 marked the end of an era for silver quarters. That year, quarters were struck with 90% silver content before transitioning to the copper-nickel clad composition in 1965. Some 1964 quarters possess mint errors, such as doubled dies or transitional errors where the wrong planchet was used. These anomalies make them highly desirable in any coin collection, especially when found in pristine condition.

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter

1976 was a special year for U.S. currency, with designs recognizing America’s Bicentennial. The quarters from this year featured a unique drummer boy design. While millions were minted, the value lies in proof specimens and ones with errors. Collectors focus on the types that boast clear strikes, lack post-mint imperfections, or showcase unique minting errors.

The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter

The America the Beautiful Quarters Program rolled out with fanfare, but the Delaware State Quarter from 1999 became famous for a peculiar die error. Known as the spitting horse quarter, a die break creates the illusion of Caesar Rodney’s horse spitting. These quarters bring a premium in higher grades because the variety attracts collectors who appreciate quirks in their collection.

The 2005 Kansas In God We Rust Quarters

Another interesting error comes from the Kansas state quarter which was part of the 50 State Quarters program. A grease-filled die resulting in some coins missing the T in TRUST in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, rendering it IN GOD WE RUST. This error captivates collectors who specialize in state quarter anomalies, making them notable despite a high initial mintage.

Proof Quarters and Silver Varieties

• The most pristine examples of quarters often come from proof sets. These coins aren’t meant for circulation. Modern proof quarters are highly polished and struck with higher pressure, producing a mirror-like finish. The aesthetic quality distinguishes them from general circulation strikes, making them highly collectible if well preserved.
• Similarly, silver proof quarters minted since 1992 offer numismatists a modern silver variant. Having these in original packaging or full sets generally increases their numismatic worth as they offer a tangible link to the historical silver standard era.

Collectors are keeping their eyes peeled even on regular quarters for errors and varieties. The hunt for rare coins continues to attract hobbyists and treasure seekers alike. The joy is both in the discovery and the stories these coins tell.