The 10 Most Valuable Quarters

The following coins are the most valuable issues of each major type of quarter dollar based on auction sales, which include Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Liberty Seated, Barber and Standing Liberty quarters. There are no major rarities among Washington quarters, and that series was covered in several other posts on this blog including this one.

Draped Bust Quarters

1796 NGC MS67+ * sold for $1,527,500 in 2013

This gorgeous quarter the finest example of the first quarter ever struck by the U.S. Mint and the only example at this grade out of an estimated total of 700 coins believed to exist (of which 56 to 75 are estimated to be mint state coins). This example was previously owned by legendary collector and expert Eric Newman and has the kind of toning that came from being housed in a Raymond Wayte album.

Capped Bust Quarters

1827/3/2 PCGS PF66+ CAM sold for $705,000 in 2015

This is the finest example of the rarest American quarter dollar with only 9 known examples, each of which has an established provenance. This is an overdate quarter created when dies for 1822 and 1823 quarters had the digits of their dates repunched in order to make 1827 quarters. This example was sold as part of Part I of the legendary Brent Pogue collection and was previously part of other famous collections including that of John W. Garrett. It was already considered a rarity by the time of the Civil War and has been compared to the 1804 Silver Dollar.

Liberty Seated Quarters

1823/22 PCGS PF64 sold for $396,562.50 in 2014

This is the only known Proof example ever certified by PCGS or NGC of this rare overdate of which a ere 30-40 examples are known to exist in mint state. It is another rare quarter that has been known to the numismatic community since the Civil War period. In the 1820s Proof coins were only made on demand for collectors, and no records exist of how many Proofs were made of this issue.

1839 No Drapery NGC PF65 sold for $517,500 in 2008

Believed to be the only confirmed example of this issue in Proof, this coin is a major rarity that was off the market for a decade before it sold in 2008 and before that was off the market for a half century. It is a coin that was once owned by John Jay Pittman, who acquired it in 1947 when it was part of the F.C.C. Boy Collection. The coin has great eye appeal and superb toning.

1850 NGC PF68 sold for $460,000 in 2008

This coin is by far the finest example in existence of a Proof quarter with only two to three known specimens with the others grading much lower and some doubt as to whether the third one is actually a Proof. It is another highlight of the famous John Jay Pittman collection. Walter Breen wrote in his 1977 Proof Encyclopedia that he had only seen two of these coins.

Barber Quarters

1901-S MS68 sold for $550,000 in 1990

In mint state this date is by far the rarest of the Barber Quarter series, and this MS68 is the finest known example that sold for more than any other coin of its type. However, in 1990 third party grading was not yet in widespread use, so the coin is not certified by PCGS or NGC. According to Dave Bowers, only 8 to 12 examples of this date exist in MS65 or higher.

1913-S PCGS MS68 sold for $172,500 in 2005

In addition to being one of the three key dates to this series along with 1901-s and 1896-S, this issue had a mintage of just 40,000 coins, making it the lowest mintage non-gold coin of the 20^th century. It is believed that the coin was made from just two sets of dies, which developed breaks that are evident on the coin, which is the finest example certified by either PCGS or NGC.

1896-S PCGS MS66

The third of the trio of key date barber quarters with a mintage of 188,039 coins, the 1896-S in MS65 or higher is a true rarity with no more than about 15 coins believed to exist. This example is one of three graded MS66 by PCGS with no finer coin known. At the time it was issued, collecting by mint mark was not widespread, so mint state coins were rarely saved, which is why most of the existing examples of this date are circulated. This coin is part of the D. Brent Pogue Collection and will be offered for sale again in March 2020.

Standing Liberty Quarters

1918/7-S PCGS MS64+ FH sold for $336,000 in September 2020

In high grade, this overdate is the undisputed king of the Standing Liberty quarter series, especially when it comes to examples with Full Heads. Dave Bowers notes that a dozen with FH have been certified by PCGS and NGC, and no examples exist of the coin in a higher grade than this one (although there is a second one that grades MS64+ and another five MS64 – all FH). That is likely related to the fact that the coin was virtually unknown to collectors and numismatists until 1938 when Thomas Elder offered one for sale, and by that time the chance to save any high-grade examples from change had long passed.

1927-S PCGS MS66 FH sold for $258,500 in 2014

This issue is not only one of the keys to the series, but it is also one of the weakest strikes, making top-grade examples, especially those with Full Heads very elusive with around two dozen having been graded by NGC and PCGS. The main reason for the poor strikes is that in 1917 after the coin’s design was modified to cover up Miss Liberty’s upper torso (and exposed breast), those changes impacted the way the die struck the planchet. Because of all the new details, the die became clogged with metal shavings that resulted in poor definition of details in Liberty’s head, shield, toes and elsewhere, as noted by expert J.H. Cline in 1991.

FAQ

What is the most valuable quarter?

The most valuable quarter is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter. Known for its small mintage and historical significance as one of the first quarters minted by the United States, it can fetch upwards of $100,000 in high grades.

Which state quarter is worth the most?

Among the state quarters, the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with an extra leaf variety is one of the most valuable. There are two versions: the High Leaf and the Low Leaf, each fetching between $200 to $300 in uncirculated condition.

Are any silver quarters particularly valuable?

Yes, many silver quarters hold significant value, especially key date quarters like the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters, which are highly sought after and can bring thousands of dollars in high grades.

What makes a quarter valuable?

Factors that contribute to a quarter’s value include rarity, demand, condition, and historical significance. Error coins and those with low mintage numbers also tend to be more valuable.

How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?

Look for quarters with low mintages, key dates, or errors. Check for silver content in quarters dated 1964 or earlier. Condition is also crucial; higher grade coins are typically more valuable.

Are there any rare modern quarters?

Modern rarities include error coins and certain special mint issues like the 2019-W America the Beautiful Quarters, which were made in limited quantities and distributed directly into circulation.

What is the value of a 1965 quarter?

Most 1965 quarters are made of clad and not silver, making them worth only their face value if worn. However, in uncirculated condition, they might fetch a few dollars.

Which quarters should I look for that might be valuable?

Look for pre-1965 silver quarters, key date quarters like 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters, and any quarters with visible errors or unusual features.

Are bicentennial quarters valuable?

Bicentennial quarters made in 1975 and 1976 are not particularly valuable due to their high production numbers. However, those in uncirculated condition or special silver editions might be worth slightly more than face value.

How much is a 1970 quarter worth?

A standard 1970 quarter has no special value above face value unless it’s in particularly good condition or is the rare 1970-D no 'S' proof error, which is highly valuable and sought after by collectors.