Think quarters are just loose change? Think again. Some quarters in circulation today are worth far more than 25 cents—some are even worth thousands. These rare coins often go unnoticed, hiding in drawers, piggy banks, or your car’s cup holder.
If you’ve ever glanced at your spare change and wondered if any of it could be valuable, now’s the time to find out. Let’s dive into six rare quarters that could be in your pocket right now—and what makes them worth serious money.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
Estimated Value: $100 to over $5,000
This was one of the first Washington quarters ever made. But in 1932, the Denver Mint only produced around 436,800 of them—a low number compared to other years. If you find a 1932 quarter with a “D” mint mark on the back (just below the eagle), hang on to it! In good condition, it could be worth a small fortune.
2. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
Estimated Value: $100 to $1,000+
The Wisconsin state quarter has a famous variety featuring an extra leaf on the corn stalk—either high or low. This wasn’t part of the original design and is believed to be a minting error. Look closely at the corn on the reverse side. If you see an extra leaf, you might be looking at a valuable coin.
3. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (Struck on a 1941 Canadian Coin)
Estimated Value: $5,000 to $35,000+
Now this one is wild. Some 1970-S quarters were accidentally struck over 1941 Canadian quarters. You’ll need a magnifying glass to spot the details underneath the U.S. design. These error coins are extremely rare and valuable—especially in uncirculated condition.
4. 1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
Estimated Value: $20 to $200
One of the first quarters released in the U.S. State Quarters Program, this Delaware coin has a small die crack that looks like the horse is spitting. It’s not as rare as some other errors, but collectors love quirky coins like this, and it can still sell for more than face value.
5. 1983 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark)
Estimated Value: $15 to $500+
The 1983 quarter from the Philadelphia Mint often lacks a mint mark—but what really makes it special is if it’s in perfect condition. Due to a coin shortage in the early ‘80s, very few uncirculated coins were saved. If yours is crisp with no wear, it could be worth hundreds.
6. 1965 Washington Quarter (Silver Error)
Estimated Value: $2,500 to $7,000+
In 1965, the U.S. stopped making quarters with silver and switched to a copper-nickel blend. But a few 1965 quarters were accidentally struck on leftover 90% silver planchets from the previous year. These silver errors are super rare. A quick test: if your 1965 quarter has a solid silver edge instead of the usual copper stripe, get it checked!
How to Check If You Have a Rare Quarter
- Mint Marks: Look for small letters like “D” or “S” below the eagle (pre-1999) or on the front (1999 and after).
- Edges: Valuable silver coins often have solid silver edges instead of the copper core.
- Condition: Coins with no scratches or wear (called “Mint State”) are worth much more.
- Errors & Oddities: Any coin that looks a bit strange—extra lines, doubling, missing elements—might be worth a closer look.
Don’t Clean Them!
If you find a coin that seems rare or unusual, don’t clean it—cleaning lowers its value. Handle it gently by the edges and keep it in a protective case. For serious finds, get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Start by checking the date and mint mark. Look for known rare years like 1932, 1965, or special state quarters with errors. Use a magnifying glass to spot fine details like die cracks or doubling. If something looks off, it might be worth more than you think.
2. Where is the mint mark on a quarter?
On quarters made before 1999, the mint mark is on the back, just below the eagle. For state quarters and later designs, it’s on the front, near Washington’s ponytail. “P” stands for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco.
3. What’s the best way to get a coin appraised?
Avoid cleaning the coin. Handle it carefully and place it in a protective sleeve. Then, take it to a professional coin dealer or submit it to a grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) for evaluation.
4. Can I still find rare quarters in everyday change?
Yes! Rare quarters are still out there. Since billions of coins are in circulation, it’s possible to find valuable pieces in pocket change, vending machines, coin jars, or even as cashier change. Always check your coins before spending or rolling them up.
Final Thoughts
Most people overlook quarters, but some are worth far more than their face value. Whether it’s a historical error or a minting mistake, valuable coins are still floating around today. So before you spend that quarter on a snack, take a moment to flip it over—it just might change your luck.