How Much Is a Quarter Worth: 8 Rare Quarters Worth Money

Posted by Andrew Adamo on Apr 25th 2024

Rare Quarters Worth Money

Finding rare quarters worth money can be difficult, as you need to consider the factors that determine a quarter's value. A quarter's value depends on several factors, including age, rarity, condition, and errors. Some quarters are worth their face value, while some of the most valuable rare quarters can be worth thousands of dollars. Read on to learn more about rare quarters that are worth money.

1. 1838 to 1865 Seated Liberty Quarter, No Motto

The 1838 Liberty Seated Quarter was a silver coin the United States Mint produced from 1838 to 1891. Specifically, the “No Motto” Liberty Seated Quarter was the first variety of coins to be created and did not contain the inscription “In God We Trust” on the reverse until 1866.

The design features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a Phrygian cap on top, symbolizing freedom. The eagle on the reverse has an olive branch and arrows, representing peace and war.

The U.S. quarter dollar was designed by Christian Gobrecht, who also designed the Liberty Seated Dime and Half Dollar.

The coin was minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco. The mint mark can be found on the coin's reverse, below the eagle. This specific rare quarter’s value ranges depending on grade, with the lowest being worth $59 to the highest grades being worth up to $4,600. This is certainly pocket change worth looking for.

2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter

The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is the first year of issue for the Standing Liberty Quarter series, which is a key point that makes this rare quarter worth money. American sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil designed this quarter.

The design features Lady Liberty standing between two pillars holding a shield and an olive branch, with stars above her head and the inscription “In God, We Trust” below her feet. The reverse features an eagle in flight with the notation “United States of America” and " Quarter Dollar " denomination.

An interesting fact about the original design was that it caused controversy due to the exposure of Lady Liberty’s bare breasts, which was considered inappropriate at the time. The design was modified in 1917 to show Lady Liberty with a chainmail vest covering the chest.

The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The mint mark can be found on the obverse, to the left of Lady Liberty.

This specific Standing Liberty Quarter is extremely rare and valuable, with a poor condition and low grade starting at $5,000, to higher grades in pristine condition valuing up to $32,000.

3. 1932-D Washington Quarter

The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a U.S. coin produced by the Denver Mint and was the first year of issue for its coin series. American sculptor John Flanagan designed this quarter. If you remember from earlier in this list, the first year of issue in a series is a big contributing factor to making a rare quarter worth money.

The design features George Washington’s profile on the Obverse, with the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, with the inscription “The United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” and the denomination “Quarter Dollar.”

Due to its rarity and historical significance as the first year of issue for the Washington Quarter series, the 1932-D Washington Quarter is highly sought after by coin collectors. This silver Washington Quarter, in average condition and low grade, is worth around $105, while an uncirculated, high-grade quarter is worth about $10,000. Keep in mind that many silver dollars and quarters can fluctuate based on price based on the price of silver.

4. 1937 Washington Quarter (Double Die Error)

The 1937 Washington Quarter is a U.S. coin notable for a double die error that occurred during the minting process and is one of the most famous and sought-after error coins in U.S. numismatics.

A double die error happens when the design elements of a coin are struck more than once by a die that needs to be correctly aligned. This results in a doubling of the intended design on the coin. The error occurred during the die production used to strike the coin, and it is estimated that only a few thousand of the coins were minted before the mistake was discovered and corrected.

The error is most noticeable on the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “1937,” which appear doubled and slightly offset from each other.

The value of the 1937 Washington Quarter double die error ranges depending on grade and condition. A circulated, low-grade, average condition quarter is worth about $264, while an uncirculated, high-grade, mint condition quarter is worth around $10,359. Now this is a rare quarter worth looking out for!

5. 1943 Washington Quarter: Double Die

The 1943 Washington Quarter Double Die is called the “Doubled Die Obverse” or “DDO” variety.

This quarter results from a die error during the minting process, causing the design to appear twice on the coin. The double die effect is most visible on the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the date “1943.”

It is estimated that only around 20,000 to 50,000 of these coins were minted, making them extremely rare quarters that are worth a lot of money. In average condition, the 1943 Washington Quarter, double die, is worth $1,258. It can be worth up to $13,900 in uncirculated, mint condition.

6. 1999-S Pennsylvania Proof Silver Quarter

The 1999-S Pennsylvania Proof Silver Quarter was minted in the San Francisco Mint and is part of the 50 State Quarters Program, commemorating famous part of each each of the 50 States in the United States.

The Pennsylvania Quarter was the second coin in the series to be released and features an image of the state’s coat of arms. This is a proof coin, meaning that it was struck using a unique process that produces a highly polished, mirror-like finish.

This commemorative quarter is popular among collectors. In average, circulated condition, the proof set is worth around $.50 and up to $25 in mint condition. While not worth too much, this rare quarter is an approachable piece to add to your collection of rare quarters worth money.

7. 2000 New Hampshire State Quarter

Some rare quarters worth money are far more approachable. The 2000 New Hampshire State Quarter was minted in the Philadelphia Mint and is part of a series of coins they called the 50 State Quarters Program, commemorating each of the 50 States in the United States.

Also known as the New Hampshire Quarter, it was the ninth coin in the series to be released and features an image of the Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formation that was a famous landmark in the state.

The Old Man of the Mountain was a natural rock formation that resembled the profile of a man’s face. Unfortunately, the cliff collapsed in 2003, making this coin a memorial of the state’s lost landmark.

In circulated, average condition, this rare quarter is worth its face value of $.25 and is sold for a premium price in uncirculated, pristine condition at around $4. When considering a quarter dollar, $4 is a 1,500% increase in value!

8. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter

The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter was minted in the Denver Mint and is part of the 50 State Quarters Program. The Wisconsin Quarter was the 30th coin in the series to be released and features an image of a cow, a wheel of cheese, and a partially husked ear of corn.

The design of the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter is intended to celebrate the state’s agriculture and dairy industries, which are essential parts of the state’s economy.

One of the most famous varieties of the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter is the “Extra Leaf” variety, which features an additional leaf on the corn stalk.

The value of a 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter ranges from around $1 in average circulated condition and can be worth up to $10 in uncirculated, mint condition. The “Extra Leaf” variety can be worth significantly more. This 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter is proof that with the right conditions, any quarter can become a rare quarter worth money.

Resources for Coin Collectors

Many resources on rare quarters are available for coin collectors, including books, online forums, professional organizations, and coin dealers such as Bullion Shark. Visit the Bullion Shark today for more information and resources on numismatics and coin collecting, and finding out what other rare coins are worth money from your change!

FAQ

How much is a regular U.S. quarter worth?
- A regular U.S. quarter (issued from 1965 to the present) is worth its face value of 25 cents when used in commerce. These quarters are made primarily of copper and nickel.
What are the most valuable quarters?
- Some of the most valuable quarters are older or have errors. Key examples include:
  - 1932-D and 1932-S Washington quarters
  - 1965 quarters made of silver (due to a mint error)
  - Bicentennial quarters with a double die
  - State quarters with errors or those struck on the wrong metal
How can I tell if my quarter is made of silver?
- Quarters minted in 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. You can identify these by checking the year or by the edge of the coin, which should not show a copper layer if it's silver. After 1964, regular quarters are composed of copper and nickel and are not silver, except for some special proof sets issued by the U.S. Mint.
Are Bicentennial quarters worth anything?
- Most Bicentennial quarters (dated 1976) were produced in large quantities and are generally worth only their face value of 25 cents. However, Bicentennial quarters that are part of special silver proof sets are worth more, typically around $5 to $10 depending on their condition.
What should I look for in a collectible quarter to determine its value?
- Key factors include the quarter's date and mint mark, the overall condition (or grade), and any unique features like mint errors. Higher grades and rare errors or varieties can significantly increase a quarter's value.
How much is a quarter from the 1800s worth?
- Quarters from the 1800s can vary significantly in value, from a few dollars for common dates in poor condition to thousands for rare dates in excellent condition. For example, an 1804 Draped Bust quarter can be worth over $20,000 in fine condition.
Can modern quarters be worth more than face value?
- Yes, some modern quarters, such as those with mint errors or those struck in limited quantities for collector sets, can be worth more than face value. Examples include error quarters from the state series or the America the Beautiful series.
Where can I sell my valuable quarters?
- Valuable quarters can be sold to coin dealers, at coin shows, online auction sites, or through numismatic auctions. Ensure you are dealing with reputable sources to get a fair assessment and price for your coins.
How do I store my quarter collection to maintain value?
- Quarters should be stored in a cool, dry place. Use acid-free holders or albums to prevent damage from handling and environmental factors. Avoid PVC-based materials, as they can degrade over time and damage coins.
Are commemorative quarters worth collecting?
- Commemorative quarters, like those from the 50 State Quarters program or the America the Beautiful series, can be worth collecting for their historical and educational value. While most are worth only face value, complete sets in pristine condition or special materials (like silver proofs) can be more valuable.

Sources:

Hermon Atkins MacNeil carved a niche in College Pt. | Queens Chronicle

50 State Quarters Program | U.S. Mint

The Legacy of the Old Man of the Mountain | Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce

Categories