Quarters Worth Coins have been around for thousands of years, but one of the most famous and long-lasting coins in the United States is the quarter. The quarter has been part of American currency since the late 1700s. Although it is commonly used for daily transactions, did you know that some quarters are worth far more than their face value? Whether you are a beginner in coin collecting or just curious about the value of quarters, understanding which ones are valuable can be both exciting and profitable.
In this article, we’ll look at the 25 most valuable quarters, their history, and why certain quarters are worth so much. Some of these coins are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars due to their rarity, historical significance, and unique features. If you’re interested in coin collecting or simply want to learn about the hidden treasures in your pocket, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need.
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarters Worth
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter is considered the king of historical coins. As the very first quarter ever minted by the US Mint, this coin is rare and highly prized by collectors. With a low mintage of only 6,146 coins, it is considered a cornerstone of American coinage. The rarity and historical significance of this coin make it one of the most valuable quarters today.
- Value: $1,500,000
2. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarters Worth
The 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter is known for its overdate variety. This means the year 1823 was struck over 1822, which happened when the US Mint reused old dies. This overdate error makes this coin distinct and highly collectible. Only a few of these coins exist in good condition, driving up its value.
- Value: $500,000+
3. 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarters Worth
The 1870-CC Seated Liberty quarter is another rare coin. Minted in Carson City, which had a limited number of coins produced, this quarter’s rarity and connection to the Old West make it a highly sought-after piece for collectors. Only 8,340 of these coins were made, and very few have survived in good condition.
- Value: $475,000+
4. 1804 Draped Bust Quarters Worth
The 1804 Draped Bust quarter is another important coin from the early years of the US Mint. Known for its limited production, this coin is rare and valuable to advanced collectors. Fewer examples exist compared to other quarters from the same era, increasing its desirability and value.
- Value: $345,000+
5. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters Worth
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter was minted in very low quantities, with only 52,000 produced. Due to its low mintage and quick design changes, this coin is considered extremely rare. Well-preserved examples of this coin are in high demand, making it one of the most valuable quarters.
- Value: $250,000+
6. 1807 Draped Bust Quarters Worth
The 1807 Draped Bust quarter is the last coin in the Draped Bust series. As the final year of this design, it holds historical significance. The low mintage and scarcity of surviving coins make it a rare find for collectors. Like other rare quarters, the condition of the coin plays a big role in its value.
- Value: $200,000+
7. 1827 Capped Bust Quarters Worth
The 1827 Capped Bust quarter is one of the rarest coins from the Capped Bust series. Due to its very low mintage, only a few hundred examples were struck, and even fewer have survived in good condition. This makes it a key piece in US coin collecting history.
- Value: $180,000+
8. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarters Worth
The 1927-S Standing Liberty quarter is another valuable coin from the Standing Liberty series. With only 396,000 coins minted, and few surviving in uncirculated condition, this quarter is highly prized by collectors.
- Value: $175,000+
9. 1871-CC Seated Liberty Quarters Worth
Another Carson City coin, the 1871-CC Seated Liberty quarter, is rare due to its low mintage of only 10,890 coins. Carson City quarters are known for their value and historical importance, and this coin is a prime example of that.
- Value: $150,000+
10. 1901-S Barber Quarters Worth
The 1901-S Barber quarter is one of the rarest coins in the Barber quarter series. Only 72,664 coins were minted, and finding one in good condition is difficult. Its rarity and demand among collectors make it a highly valuable coin.
- Value: $140,000+
11. 1873-CC No Arrows Quarter
The 1873-CC No Arrows quarter is unique because it lacks the arrows beside the date, which usually indicate a change in weight standards. The absence of the arrows makes this coin especially rare, and it is highly sought after by collectors.
- Value: $135,000+
12. 1932-D Washington Quarters Worth
The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the key dates in the Washington quarter series. With a low mintage of only 436,800 coins, well-preserved examples are rare, making this quarter a centerpiece for many collectors.
- Value: $110,000+
13. 1842 Small Date Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1842 Small Date Seated Liberty quarter is valuable due to its low mintage and distinct small date design. This quarter is rare and highly sought after, especially in higher grades, where few examples have survived.
- Value: $90,000+
14. 1896-S Barber Quarters Worth
With a mintage of only 188,039, the 1896-S Barber quarter is another rare and valuable coin. Its scarcity in higher grades and demand among collectors makes it an essential piece for those interested in completing a Barber series collection.
- Value: $80,000+
15. 1839 Proof Capped Bust Quarters Worth
The 1839 Proof Capped Bust quarter is a proof coin, which makes it extremely rare. Only a limited number were struck, and most of these coins are held in private collections, further increasing their value.
- Value: $75,000+
16. 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarters Worth
The 1918/7-S Standing Liberty quarter is one of the most famous overdate error coins in US coinage. The year 1918 was struck over 1917, creating a visible error. These coins are rare, and collectors highly prize them.
- Value: $70,000+
17. 1825/4/2 Capped Bust Quartes Worth
Another overdate error, the 1825/4/2 Capped Bust quarter features the year 1825 struck over both 1824 and 1822. This mistake adds to the coin’s rarity and value, making it a prized possession for collectors.
- Value: $60,000+
18. 1860-S Seated Liberty Quarters Worth
Only 56,000 of the 1860-S Seated Liberty quarters were minted, and very few survived in higher grades. This rarity makes it a valuable coin, especially for collectors who focus on West Coast coins.
- Value: $55,000+
19. 1897-S Barber Quarters Worth
With a mintage of 542,229, the 1897-S Barber quarter is a key date for collectors. Although it is not as rare as some of the other quarters on this list, its scarcity in mint condition makes it valuable.
- Value: $50,000+
20. 1805 Draped Bust Quarters Worth
The 1805 Draped Bust quarter is a sought-after coin due to its age and historical significance. Its low mintage and difficulty in finding examples in good condition make it a prized piece for collectors.
- Value: $45,000+
21. 1853 Arrows and Rays Seated Liberty Quarters Worth
The 1853 Arrows and Rays Seated Liberty quarter is notable for its unique design elements. These elements were added to indicate a reduction in weight and make the coin stand out from others. Its brief production run makes it a rare and collectible coin.
- Value: $40,000+
22. 1866-S No Motto Seated Liberty Quartes Worth
The 1866-S No Motto Seated Liberty quarter is rare because it lacks the “In God We Trust” motto that was added to later coins. The absence of the motto makes this quarter distinct and more valuable.
- Value: $35,000+
23. 1806 Draped Bust Quarters Worth
Like other early Draped Bust quarters, the 1806 Draped Bust quarter is valuable due to its age and scarcity. Well-preserved examples are rare, making this coin highly collectible.
- Value: $30,000+
24. 1932-S Washington Quarters Worth
The 1932-S Washington quarter had a low mintage of only 408,000 coins, making it another key date in the Washington quarter series. Like the 1932-D, well-preserved examples are rare, increasing its value.
- Value: $25,000+
25. 1849-O Seated Liberty Quarters Worth
The 1849-O Seated Liberty quarter was the first quarter minted at the New Orleans Mint. Only 16,000 of these coins were made, and few have survived in good condition, making it a rare find for collectors.
- Value: $22,000+
Understanding What Makes Quarters Valuable
The value of a quarter can depend on several factors, including its rarity, condition, and the demand from collectors. Coins from specific years, mint marks, or those with minting errors tend to be worth much more than the typical 25-cent piece. Whether it’s a rare early quarter or a high-grade specimen, collectors are always on the lookout for coins that stand out from the rest.
A coin’s condition plays a big role in how much it is worth. Mint condition coins, which have never been used, are typically more valuable. In addition, coins that are well-preserved and free from damage tend to command higher prices. Rarity is also a major factor – the fewer coins that were minted or the fewer that have survived over time, the more valuable they become.
If you think you have a valuable quarter, it’s important to have it appraised by an expert. Professional coin graders can help you determine its true value, and they can also tell you if the coin has any minting errors that might increase its worth.
Whether you’re a collector or just someone with an interest in coins, learning about valuable quarters can be both fun and rewarding. By understanding the factors that contribute to a coin’s value, you can better appreciate the treasures that might be hiding in your pocket.
FAQs
1. What makes a quarter valuable?
A quarter’s value depends on several factors, including its rarity, age, minting errors, historical significance, and condition. The more rare or well-preserved a quarter is, the more valuable it becomes. For example, a quarter from a limited mintage or one with printing mistakes can be worth much more than its face value.
2. What is the most valuable quarter?
The most valuable quarter is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, which can be worth around $1.5 million. This is the first quarter minted in the United States, and only a small number were produced, making it highly sought after by collectors.
3. Why do certain quarters have errors?
Minting errors occur when mistakes are made during the production process. These errors can be caused by worn-out dies, misalignment, or overdates (where one year is struck over another). These errors make the coins unique, and collectors often pay a premium for them.