When Hunt Begins: 100 Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation

When Hunt Begins: 100 Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation

Nowadays, there exist thousands of various coins that might captivate collectors all around the globe, and American quarters represent one of the most intriguing parts of the whole numismatic sphere. Their long and rich history, as well as noteworthy designs, refer to the hardships of the bygone days. But which options should we pay special attention to? What if an exceptionally prized opportunity is to be missed?

Nowadays, there exist thousands of various coins that might captivate collectors all around the globe, and American quarters represent one of the most intriguing parts of the whole numismatic sphere. Their long and rich history, as well as noteworthy designs, refer to the hardships of the bygone days. But which options should we pay special attention to? What if an exceptionally prized opportunity is to be missed? 

Fear not, for we are here to explore some of the significant instances that might be successfully incorporated into any collection, be it of historical interest or aesthetic one. What is the most valuable quarter? How to check coin value so as not to fall flat in the end? Let us see.

An image of a coin collector sitting at a desk with a pile of assorted coins spread out in front of them

So, What Makes a Quarter Valuable? 

Not every quarter is made similarly. Some elements can transform an average coin into a treasure, even though the majority are just worth their face value of 25 cents. Here are the main factors that may turn an ordinary piece into the most expensive quarter:

  1. Rarity

The rarer a coin is, the more valuable it tends to be. In fact, collectors are usually interested in coins with limited mintage or those that were produced for a brief period of time. For instance, limited-edition designs or certain early 20th-century quarters can fetch greater prices because of their scarcity (not their design in the first place).

  1. Mint Errors 


As a result of minting errors, a quarter's worth might rise dramatically. Like in any other numismatic case, coins struck on the incorrect planchet, off-center strikes, and double dies (instances in which portions of the design seem duplicated) represent the most common examples. Due to these deviations, the coin becomes a rare find to be obtained.

  1. Condition (Grade) 

The worth of a quarter increases with its quality, that is the rule. So as to grade a coin, most authorized services rely on the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale which ranges from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70). Compared to a regularly circulated quarter, a well-preserved one with clear details and no wear can command a significantly higher price.

  1. Unique Designs 

One may believe that unique design is a determinant, and it is partially true (examples are those in the State Quarters or America the Beautiful series). Nevertheless, a single coin may not be as valuable as a complete set.

  1. Precious Metals Content 

Although copper-nickel alloys make up the majority of modern quarters, older quarters (minted prior to 1965) contain 90% silver. These coins' content alone has the potential to substantially boost their value. 

Related article: What Makes a 1921 Silver Dollar Rare?

What Are the Most Valuable Quarters? Top 100

Since 1796, quarters have been a common feature of American currency, and their values fluctuate according to a number of factors presented above. But what are the most expensive quarters in the world? Explore below.


Rank

Year/Mint Mark

Key Features

Estimated Value

1

1796 Draped Bust

First U.S. quarter, extremely rare

$50,000+

2

1804 Draped Bust

Very low mintage

$40,000 - $60,000

3

1823/2 Capped Bust

Overdate error

$30,000 - $50,000

4

1853 Arrows and Rays

Distinctive design, transitional type

$200 - $1,000

5

1870-CC Seated Liberty

Rare Carson City mint quarter

$8,000 - $15,000

6

1896-S Barber

Key date, low mintage

$7,000 - $20,000

7

1901-S Barber

Very low mintage

$6,000 - $16,000

8

1913-S Barber

Semi-key date

$3,000 - $10,000

9

1916 Standing Liberty

First year of issue, low mintage

$4,000 - $10,000

10

1932-D Washington

Low mintage, key date

$2,000 - $10,000

11

1932-S Washington

Low mintage, key date

$1,500 - $8,000

12

1943-P Washington

Doubled die obverse error

$500 - $3,000

13

1964-D Washington

Final 90% silver quarter

$15 - $35

14

1970-S Proof

Struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter

$5,000 - $10,000

15

1999-P Delaware

“Spitting Horse” die crack

$200 - $500

16

2004-D Wisconsin

Extra leaf varieties (high and low)

$300 - $1,200

17

2005-P Minnesota

Doubled die (extra tree)

$150 - $800

18

2019-W Lowell

First-ever West Point mint quarter

$15 - $150

19

2020-W Salt River Bay

Low mintage West Point mint quarter

$15 - $150

20

2023-P Bessie Coleman

Early release in American Women series

$1 - $5

21

1892 Barber

First year of Barber quarters

$50 - $200

22

1917 Standing Liberty

Type 1, no stars below eagle

$50 - $300

23

1927-S Standing Liberty

Low mintage

$500 - $5,000

24

1955-D Washington

Doubled die obverse

$200 - $1,000

25

1965 Washington

Transitional error on 90% silver planchet

$7,000 - $10,000

26

2000-P Virginia

Die clash error

$25 - $100

27

2001-P Kentucky

Die crack (thoroughbred’s neck)

$20 - $75

28

2009-D District of Columbia

Doubled die reverse

$30 - $100

29

1936-D Washington

Semi-key date

$50 - $300

30

1937-S Washington

Low mintage

$75 - $500

31

1996-W Washington

Special issue, West Point Mint

$30 - $100

32

1983-P Washington

No mint set issued, high-grade demand

$30 - $75

33

1940-D Washington

Semi-key date

$30 - $150

34

1945-S Washington

Micro “S” mintmark variety

$30 - $150

35

1999-P Georgia

Die chip on the peach

$20 - $100

36

2003-P Maine

Common State Quarter, circulated

$0.25 - $3

37

2008-D Alaska

Extra claw variety

$20 - $75

38

2020-W Marsh-Billings

Low mintage West Point quarter

$15 - $150

39

2023-P Edith Kanaka‘ole

Collector interest in early issue

$1 - $5

40

2004-P Texas

Die crack on a star

$10 - $50

41

1934-P Washington

“Light Motto” (weak “In God We Trust”)

$50 - $200

42

1893-S Barber

Early Barber series, semi-key date

$400 - $3,000

43

1866-S Seated Liberty

Motto added, low mintage

$500 - $2,000

44

2022-P Maya Angelou

First American Women Quarter, the collector demand

$1 - $5

45

2005-D Kansas

“In God We Rust” grease-filled die error

$50 - $150

46

2006-P Colorado

Die crack through the mountain

$20 - $75

47

2015-S Kisatchie Proof

America the Beautiful proof issue

$5 - $30

48

2016-W Cumberland Gap

Low mintage experimental strike

$50 - $100

49

2009-P Guam

Doubled die obverse

$30 - $150

50

1807 Draped Bust

Scarce date, early U.S. quarter

$5,000 - $20,000

51

1950-D Washington

Over-mintmark (D/S) variety

$150 - $800

52

2001-D New York

Die clash error

$20 - $100

53

2020-W Tallgrass Prairie

Low mintage, West Point Mint

$15 - $150

54

1976-S Bicentennial Silver Proof

Special 40% silver proof issue

$10 - $50

55

1954-S Washington

Semi-key date

$20 - $100

56

1805 Draped Bust

Rare date, collector favorite

$5,000 - $15,000

57

1968-S Proof

Doubled die reverse

$500 - $1,500

58

1849-O Seated Liberty

New Orleans Mint, low mintage

$3,000 - $10,000

59

1897-O Barber

Scarce New Orleans Mint example

$200 - $1,000

60

1914 Barber

Scarce date

$100 - $500

61

1939-S Washington

Low mintage

$50 - $300

62

1934-D Washington

Strong “In God We Trust” variety

$50 - $500

63

2011-P Vicksburg

America the Beautiful, doubled die

$30 - $150

64

2021-W Tuskegee Airmen

Last West Point Mint quarter

$15 - $100

65

1858 Seated Liberty

Transitional variety, high grade

$200 - $1,500

66

1982-P Washington

No mint set issued, scarce high-grade

$25 - $200

67

2000-D Maryland

Die crack through the dome of the capitol

$10 - $50

68

2007-P Wyoming

Extra saddle horn die variety

$25 - $75

69

1861 Seated Liberty

Civil War-era quarter, collector demand

$150 - $1,000

70

1838 Capped Bust

Scarce final year for design

$2,000 - $10,000

71

2002-P Ohio

Die chip near astronaut’s helmet

$10 - $50

72

1853 Seated Liberty

With arrows design

$200 - $1,000

73

2018-P Apostle Islands

Minor doubled die reverse

$20 - $100

74

1917-D Type 1

Standing Liberty, strong design appeal

$200 - $2,000

75

1924-S Standing Liberty

Semi-key date

$100 - $800

76

2022-P Nina Otero-Warren

Low mintage early issue

$1 - $5

77

1999-P New Jersey

Die crack through Washington’s face

$10 - $75

78

2004-P Florida

Die clash error

$10 - $50

79

1999-P Connecticut

Minor doubled tree trunk

$20 - $75

80

2023-P Eleanor Roosevelt

Recent issue in the American Women series

$1 - $5

81

1999-D Georgia

Die crack on the obverse, popular State Quarter

$10 - $50

82

2002-D Indiana

Die chip on the racecar wheel

$10 - $40

83

1862 Seated Liberty

Civil War-era quarter, high demand

$100 - $800

84

1952-S Washington

Low mintage, semi-key date

$30 - $150

85

1827 Capped Bust

Extremely scarce, proof-only issue

$25,000 - $40,000

86

1873 Seated Liberty (Closed 3)

Key variety, collector favorite

$3,000 - $12,000

87

2000-P South Carolina

Die clash error

$20 - $75

88

2020-W Weir Farm

Low mintage, West Point Mint

$15 - $150

89

2021-P Washington Crossing the Delaware

Popular modern design

$1 - $5

90

1962-D Washington

Common silver quarter in high-grade

$10 - $50

91

1854 Seated Liberty (With Arrows)

Design update, collectible issue

$150 - $800

92

1908-O Barber

Scarce New Orleans Mint example

$200 - $1,000

93

1984-P Washington

Doubled die reverse

$100 - $400

94

1942-D Washington

Semi-key date, high-grade demand

$25 - $150

95

1926-D Standing Liberty

Semi-key date, low mintage

$100 - $1,000

96

1801 Draped Bust

Very scarce early quarter, high demand

$10,000 - $50,000

97

2014-P Great Sand Dunes

Minor doubled die variety

$20 - $75

98

1941-S Washington

Scarce wartime quarter, semi-key

$25 - $150

99

1834 Capped Bust

Early quarter, collector interest

$2,000 - $8,000

100

2022-D Wilma Mankiller

American Women series, collector demand

$1 - $5


These were some of the most worthy instances. For more detailed information, please refer to reputable resources like Coin ID Scanner, as it incorporates extensive databases, insights from professional coin numismatists, and more. Try now to manage your collection with ease.

Top 10 Most Valuable Quarters to Look For Defined

1796 Draped Bust Quarter: There are few remaining examples of the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, i.e., the first US quarter ever struck. This piece depicts Lady Liberty draped in a flowing gown. The reverse, though, features an eagle with a shield. Thanks to its unusual early design and rarity, it is highly sought after by collectors.

1804 Draped Bust Quarter: The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter, like the 1796 version, has a big, graceful image of Liberty on the front and a shielded eagle perched on the back. This coin is known for its distinct characteristics and is uncommon because of its limited production.

A detailed image of the 1804 Draped Bust quarter, showing the intricate design with the profile of Liberty on the obverse and the eagle on the reverse.

1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter: The overdate error in the 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter, where a "2" appears beneath the "3" in the year, is also remarkable. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield, while the obverse depicts Liberty wearing a cap.

1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter: The reverse of the 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter has a brash, majestic eagle, while the front features a seated Liberty with a shield and wreath. It is unique due to the Carson City mintmark, which is unusual for coins in the US.

1896-S Barber Quarter: Charles Barber's iconic design is featured in the 1896-S Barber Quarter, which depicts Liberty with a headband on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The coin, which is extremely valuable due to its scarcity, was minted in San Francisco, as indicated by the "S" mintmark.

An image of the 1896 Barber quarter, showcasing the classic design with Liberty’s head on the obverse and the eagle on the reverse

1916 Standing Liberty Quarter: The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter depicts Liberty standing with an olive branch and shield. Many collectors appreciate its audacious design, which features an eagle in flight on the reverse.

1932-D Washington Quarter: The first year of the Washington Quarter series, this coin features a profile of George Washington. This coin is particularly sought-after because of the "D" mintmark on the back. 

1943-P Washington Quarter: On the obverse of the 1943-P Washington quarter, there is a double die error that is most obvious on the word "Liberty" and the date. Although the coin's design is identical to that of a normal Washington quarter, its mistake lends it a distinctive charm.

A detailed image of the 1943 Washington quarter with the portrait of George Washington on the obverse and the eagle with a banner on the reverse

2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter: On the back of the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter, one may note a picture of a cow and a corn stalk. The mistake variation, on its part, has an extra leaf on the corn stalk. 

1796 Draped Bust Quarter: With fine details on both the obverse and reverse, the premium 1796 Draped Bust Quarter displays a crisp, distinct image of Liberty draped in a gown. It is a remarkable specimen of early American coinage with well-preserved features visible.

*For values, consult our table presented above. 

Examine your pocket change first if you are serious about finding these coins, and do not forget to look at your bank's rolls of quarters. Who knows? You might already be holding the next big coin just waiting to be found!


Sources: 

  1. https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coins-and-medals/circulating-coins/quarter?srsltid=AfmBOorZPK0TG9-l1_0yd5iZIaO3kzd4SP_v-Q7X3WdMjmnn3j3_KOEO 

  2. https://www.govmint.com/us-coins/other-us-coins/quarter?srsltid=AfmBOoo2kyMi0BVeYokPSCfQCtjXGhVRXK3gRSRgy2hYlwsH1FK4oHYA

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