Did you know that some quarters in circulation today are worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars? While most quarters are only worth their face value, a few rare and highly sought-after ones have skyrocketed in price due to minting errors, unique features, or historical significance. If you have some old quarters lying around, now is the time to check—one of them might be worth a shocking amount!
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable quarters in American history. This quarter was part of the first year of the Washington quarter series, and only 436,800 were minted in Denver—making it highly collectible. In excellent condition, this quarter has sold for over $100,000 at auction! If you come across a 1932-D quarter, check its condition and get it appraised—you might be holding a small fortune.
2. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
A modern quarter with a major minting error, the 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter is one of the most famous error coins ever found. Some of these quarters were struck with an extra leaf on the ear of corn in the design, either a low leaf or a high leaf variation. This mistake makes them extremely valuable, with some selling for over $6,000! If you have a Wisconsin state quarter, inspect the corn closely—you might have a hidden gem in your collection.
3. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (Overstruck on a Canadian Quarter)
One of the most unusual and rarest quarter errors is the 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter, which was mistakenly overstruck on a 1941 Canadian quarter. This rare error was discovered by collectors, and only a few are known to exist. Because of its unique nature, one of these error coins sold for over $35,000! If you have a 1970-S proof quarter, look closely at the surface—you might see faint traces of the Canadian coin beneath it.
Rare quarters continue to shock collectors and casual coin holders alike with their astonishing value. The 1932-D Washington Quarter, 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter, and the 1970-S Proof Overstruck Quarter are just a few examples of how an ordinary-looking coin could turn into a life-changing discovery. The next time you go through your pocket change or coin collection, take a closer look—one of these rare quarters could be hiding in plain sight!
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Check for rare dates, minting errors, and unique features. If you think your quarter is valuable, consider getting it appraised by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
2. Are there other rare quarters worth money?
Yes! Other valuable quarters include the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, 1950-D Washington Quarter, and certain Bicentennial quarters with minting errors.
3. Can I still find rare quarters in circulation?
It’s rare, but not impossible! Many collectors have found valuable quarters in rolls from banks, estate sales, or even pocket change.
4. Where can I sell a valuable quarter?
You can sell rare quarters through coin dealers, auction houses, online marketplaces like eBay, or coin shows. Having your coin graded increases its value and credibility.
5. What should I do if I find a rare quarter?
Avoid cleaning the coin (this can lower its value), store it in a protective case, and have it professionally appraised to determine its true worth.