For coin collectors, a rare and valuable quarter can be the ultimate find. While most quarters are worth just 25 cents, certain editions of this iconic coin can be worth thousands — even millions — of dollars. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or just getting started, here are 10 of the most valuable U.S. quarters that collectors dream about owning.Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $201K – Plus 6 More Coins Valued Over $25K Each
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the earliest and most coveted coins in U.S. history. Only 6,000 of these coins were minted, making them extremely rare today. In excellent condition, a 1796 Draped Bust Quarter can fetch anywhere from $400,000 to over $1 million at auction. It’s a true gem for serious collectors.
2. 1823 Capped Bust Quarter
Another standout from the early days of U.S. coinage, the 1823 Capped Bust Quarter is one of the most valuable in the series. A rare variety with a slight overdate (the “3” in the year is double struck), these quarters can be worth up to $400,000 or more. This coin is prized not only for its rarity but also for its historical significance.5 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Valued at $2.5 Million – Could They Still Be in Circulation?
3. 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is part of the first year the Washington quarter series was minted. The 1932-S is the rarest of the early Washington quarters, with only 408,000 coins produced. Depending on its condition, this coin can be valued at anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Coins in exceptional condition can fetch even higher prices.
4. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a beautiful and highly sought-after coin from the early 20th century. The design shows Lady Liberty holding a shield and a laurel branch, and the coin is a favorite among collectors. Only 52,000 were minted, and a well-preserved example can be worth upwards of $500,000. This coin is often one of the top dreams for collectors of U.S. quarters.
5. 1804 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1804 Capped Bust Quarter is another prized coin from the early 19th century. With a mintage of only 2,000 to 3,000 coins, this quarter is rare and valuable. Depending on its condition, an 1804 Capped Bust Quarter can sell for $50,000 or more. Well-preserved examples can fetch even higher prices.
6. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Accented Hair)
Although not technically a quarter, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with the “Accented Hair” variety is often included in discussions about valuable U.S. coins due to its similar design and collector interest. This coin features a subtle difference in the hairstyle of JFK, which makes it extremely rare. Some examples of this coin have sold for over $100,000, making it a must-have for many collectors.
7. 1942/1 Mercury Dime (Overdate)
Another highly sought-after coin from the mid-20th century, the 1942/1 Mercury Dime is an overdate coin with the “1” from the previous year visible under the “2” in the date. These dimes are valued at around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on condition. The overdate error makes this coin one of the most valuable of its kind.
8. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Although it’s a nickel, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is an extremely valuable error coin that many quarter collectors also dream about. The error occurs when one of the buffalo’s legs was unintentionally polished off, creating a three-legged version of the coin. This nickel can be worth up to $100,000 in the right condition, making it a valuable find for collectors.
9. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 copper penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Due to wartime metal shortages, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel, but a small number were accidentally struck in copper. These rare pennies can fetch prices of $200,000 or more in good condition. The rarity and the story behind the coin make it a highly sought-after prize.
10. 1999 Delaware Quarter (Spitting Horse)
This modern coin has a unique error that makes it highly desirable: the “Spitting Horse” error. On some 1999 Delaware quarters, a small die crack near the horse’s mouth gives the appearance of the horse “spitting.” While this coin isn’t as old as others on this list, its rarity and the popularity of modern error coins have driven its value up to as much as $25,000 in perfect condition.
How to Spot These Rare Coins
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these valuable quarters, you’ll want to make sure you know how to spot it. Here’s what to look for:
- Look for Errors: Overdates, minting mistakes, and die cracks can all add significant value to a coin. Pay close attention to the date, mintmark, and design details.
- Check the Condition: Coins in mint or near-mint condition are always worth more. Look for well-preserved examples with little to no wear.
- Know the Mintage: Rare quarters, especially those with low mintage numbers, are often the most valuable. Do your research on mintage figures to determine how rare a coin might be.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a collection of quarters, it’s worth taking the time to research their value. While most quarters are worth only a quarter, certain rare coins can be worth thousands — or even millions — of dollars. From the earliest U.S. quarters like the 1796 Draped Bust to error coins like the 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse,” these valuable quarters are highly coveted by collectors, and finding one could be the discovery of a lifetime. Keep your eyes peeled, because you never know when a treasure might be hiding in your pocket change!