If you’re a coin collector or simply curious about valuable U.S. quarters, you might be holding more than just 25 cents in your pocket.
Certain quarters, especially those with rare mint marks, errors, or historical significance, can fetch thousands to even millions of dollars in auctions.
Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 most valuable U.S. quarters that collectors are seeking in 2024.
10 Most Valuable U.S. Quarters You Should Look Out For
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- Value: Up to $1.74 million
- Key Features: The first U.S. quarter ever minted, with only 6,146 produced. It features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Its extreme rarity makes it one of the most expensive coins in U.S. history.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Why It’s Valuable: The scarcity of surviving specimens and its historical importance as the inaugural U.S. quarter greatly boost its value.
2. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter
- Value: Up to $345,000
- Key Features: Like the 1796 version, this coin features Lady Liberty, but with slight design modifications. It’s another early U.S. quarter minted in limited quantities.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Why It’s Valuable: The combination of age, historical significance, and rarity makes this one of the most sought-after quarters by collectors.
3. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter With Arrows
- Value: Up to $336,000
- Key Features: The arrows on either side of the date indicate a change in the weight of the coin. Produced in Carson City, this coin is rare because only a few were minted.
- Mint Mark: CC (Carson City)
- Why It’s Valuable: The Carson City mint produced very few of these coins, and its historical significance combined with its limited mint run makes it extremely valuable.
4. 1901-S Barber Quarter
- Value: Up to $550,000
- Key Features: Part of the Barber coinage series, the 1901-S is one of the rarest and most valuable. Only 72,664 were minted.
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Why It’s Valuable: Its low mintage and excellent condition in the surviving examples have made this quarter a highly prized collector’s item.
5. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
- Value: Up to $100,000
- Key Features: Featuring Lady Liberty standing on the obverse, this quarter was minted for only one year before a design change.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Why It’s Valuable: The short minting period and the Full Head (FH) designation of the Liberty figure are critical in determining its value.
6. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Value: Up to $25,000
- Key Features: The first year of the Washington quarter series, the 1932-D has a very low mintage.
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Why It’s Valuable: The low production numbers and its historical significance as the first Washington quarter make it highly sought after.
7. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Value: Up to $20,000
- Key Features: Similar to the 1932-D, this quarter was minted in San Francisco in the same inaugural year for the Washington quarter series.
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Why It’s Valuable: Scarcity and condition drive the value of this coin, much like the Denver version.
8. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter (Overdate)
- Value: Up to $250,000
- Key Features: This coin is an overdate, meaning the year “2” was stamped over “3,” making it a unique collector’s item.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Why It’s Valuable: Only 30 known examples exist, with many damaged, making this a prized possession for collectors.
9. 1965 MS67+ Washington Quarter
- Value: Up to $12,000
- Key Features: The first year of the clad composition for Washington quarters, replacing the 90% silver versions.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Why It’s Valuable: Though it’s a modern coin, its high grade and condition (MS67+) make it rare and valuable.
10. 1971-S Proof Washington Quarter
- Value: Up to $3,500
- Key Features: Issued as a proof coin, it features the “S” mint mark for San Francisco and has a deep cameo appearance in high-grade conditions.
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Why It’s Valuable: These proof coins were minted in small quantities and are rare in pristine conditions.
| Rank | Quarter | Value | Year | Mint Mark | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | $1.74 million | 1796 | None | First U.S. quarter, rare |
| 2 | 1804 Draped Bust Quarter | $345,000 | 1804 | None | Early U.S. coin |
| 3 | 1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | $336,000 | 1873 | CC | Arrows indicate weight change |
| 4 | 1901-S Barber Quarter | $550,000 | 1901 | S | Low mintage |
| 5 | 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | $100,000 | 1916 | None | Short minting period |
| 6 | 1932-D Washington Quarter | $25,000 | 1932 | D | Low mintage |
| 7 | 1932-S Washington Quarter | $20,000 | 1932 | S | Scarcity |
| 8 | 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter (Overdate) | $250,000 | 1823 | None | Overdate variety |
| 9 | 1965 MS67+ Washington Quarter | $12,000 | 1965 | None | First clad quarter |
| 10 | 1971-S Proof Washington Quarter | $3,500 | 1971 | S | Proof coin, Deep Cameo condition |
Conclusion
Collecting U.S. quarters is not only a fascinating hobby but can also be financially rewarding. Whether you’re sifting through your pocket change or visiting a coin dealer, keep an eye out for these valuable quarters.
Understanding the history, mint marks, and rarity of these coins can make all the difference in spotting a quarter worth thousands of dollars.
FAQs
1. What makes a U.S. quarter valuable?
The value of a quarter depends on its rarity, mint mark, historical significance, condition, and any errors present.
2. Are all old U.S. quarters valuable?
Not all old quarters are valuable. Quarters before 1965 contain silver, making them worth more than face value, but rarity and condition play significant roles in determining their value.
3. How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, and condition of your quarter. Look for key dates like 1796, 1804, and 1932, or quarters with rare mint marks such as “S” for San Francisco or “CC” for Carson City.
4. What are mint marks and why do they matter?
Mint marks denote where the coin was produced. Coins from specific mints, such as Carson City, are rarer and often more valuable due to lower production numbers.
5. Where can I sell valuable quarters?
You can sell valuable quarters through auction houses, coin dealers, or online platforms that specialize in numismatics.
References
- The Spruce Crafts, “Top 15 Most Valuable Quarters”
- LoveToKnow, “10 Most Valuable US Quarters”
- Bullion Shark, “10 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money”
- CollectPure, “Top 10 Rare Quarters Worth Money in 2024”
