Finding a rare and valuable quarter in your everyday change might seem like winning the lottery—but it happens more often than you might think. While most quarters are only worth 25 cents, certain rare quarters can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Knowing what to look for could turn a routine coin check into a major payday!
Here are 6 of the most valuable quarters that could still be circulating today:
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $5,000–$25,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: 1932 was the first year the Washington quarter was issued. The Denver Mint (“D” mintmark) produced very few quarters—only about 436,800—making this one of the rarest Washington quarters.
- How to Spot It: Look for a small “D” mintmark on the back, below the eagle.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $4,000–$20,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Like its Denver cousin, the San Francisco Mint (“S” mintmark) produced a low number of quarters—only about 408,000.
- How to Spot It: Check for an “S” mintmark under the eagle on the reverse side.
3. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
- Estimated Value: $200–$1,500+
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare error occurred when extra leaves were mistakenly engraved near the corn stalk on some 2004-D Wisconsin quarters. There are two known varieties: “Extra Leaf High” and “Extra Leaf Low.”
- How to Spot It: Inspect the corn on the reverse side closely; extra leaves will be obvious once spotted.
4. 1965 Washington Quarter (Silver Error)
- Estimated Value: $7,000–$15,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: In 1965, quarters switched from 90% silver to a copper-nickel blend. However, a few silver planchets (coin blanks) were mistakenly used, creating extremely rare 1965 silver quarters.
- How to Spot It: Weigh the coin! A normal clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams, but a silver quarter weighs about 6.25 grams.
5. 1982 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark Error)
- Estimated Value: $200–$1,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Some 1982 quarters from the Philadelphia Mint were accidentally struck without a mint mark, making them a rare collector’s item.
- How to Spot It: Look at the obverse (heads side). If you find a 1982 quarter with no mint mark, it could be valuable.
6. 1970-S Washington Quarter (Proof Error on Canadian Coin)
- Estimated Value: $5,000–$35,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: A few proof quarters minted in San Francisco were accidentally struck on Canadian coin blanks. These errors are extremely rare and highly sought after.
- How to Spot It: These quarters have unusual weight and surface details. They must be professionally authenticated for full value.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if a quarter is valuable?
Look for unusual features like missing mint marks, doubled images, odd weights, or notable errors. Also, check the date—certain years are much rarer.
2. Are older quarters always worth more?
Not necessarily. Some older quarters are common, while certain modern quarters with errors can be very valuable.
3. Should I clean a potentially valuable quarter?
No! Cleaning a coin can significantly lower its value. Leave it as-is and have it professionally appraised if you suspect it’s valuable.
4. Where is the mint mark on a quarter located?
On most Washington quarters, the mint mark is found on the front (obverse) to the right of Washington’s ponytail. On older coins, it’s below the eagle on the back.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing to think that a simple quarter in your pocket could be worth thousands of dollars. By keeping an eye out for rare dates, errors, and mintmarks, you could turn everyday change into a major find. So next time you empty your pockets or dig through a coin jar—take a closer look. Treasure might be hiding in plain sight!