People in the United States often exchange quarters for other coins without giving it much thought. However, not every quarter is the same. When it comes to items with mistakes or unique features, some are worth a lot more than what they’re worth.
It can be fun and useful to know which quarters are worth something, whether you’re an experienced collector or just interested in the change in your pocket. We’ll talk about the 10 most expensive quarter coins in circulation that are worth more than 25 cents in this blog.
1. 1965 Silver Transitional Error Quarter
In 1965, the Mint changed quarters from being 90% silver to being copper-nickel clad. This was a big change in U.S. coins. However, some quarters from 1965 were made on silver planchets that were meant for 1964 coins by mistake. Collectors really want these transitional mistakes because they are so rare.
Value: A 1965 silver quarter can sell at auction for $7,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on how good it is.
2. 1932-D Washington Quarter
There was a Washington quarter for the first time in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. Most 1932 quarters are common, but the ones made in Denver (shown by a “D”) are rare because they were only made in 436,800 pieces.
Value: Depending on its state, a well-kept 1932-D Washington quarter can be worth anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. It could be worth up to $10,000 if it is brand new.
3. 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington quarter is also a rare coin, along with the 1932-D. This coin was also made in San Francisco, and only 408,000 were made. People who collect coins really like the 1932-S quarter, especially in nice condition.
Value: A 1932-S quarter can be worth anywhere from $200 in good shape to $5,000 or more if it has never been used.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Drummer Boy) with Error
In honor of America’s 200th birthday in 1976, a colonial drummer was featured on the back of the Bicentennial quarter. Most Bicentennial quarters are normal, but some were made with mistakes like die breaks or doubles.
Value: No mistakes Bicentennial quarters are worth what they say on the coin, but ones that have big mistakes in them can be worth anywhere from $50 to $500, based on what the mistake is.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf Error
The U.S. Mint made a set of state quarters in 2004, and Wisconsin’s was one of them. Due to a die cut mistake, some of these coins had an extra leaf on the corn stalk. These coins were called “high leaf” or “low leaf.” Collectors like these mistakes because they are so rare.
Value: These mistake quarters can be worth anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on how good they are and what kind of extra leaf they have.
6. 1943 Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse)
The 1943 Washington quarter has a mistake called a “doubled die obverse,” which means that the design on the front of the coin was struck twice slightly off-center. This made the date and the word “LIBERTY” look like they were struck twice. Because it clearly doubles, this mistake is very easy to find and collect.
Value: Any grade of 1943 triple die obverse quarter can fetch anywhere from $300 to $1,500.
7. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter with Extra Tree Error
As part of the 50 State Quarters line, the Minnesota state quarter came out in 2005. Some of these quarters have a mistake on the back that shows an extra tree. This could be because they were die polished or doubled. This type is often called the “extra tree” mistake.
Value: The value of these error quarters can range from $50 to $300, based on how good they are and how noticeable the mistake is.
8. 1968-S Proof Quarter with No “S” Mint Mark
Proof coins are made with a high-quality finish just for fans. They usually have the “S” mint mark on them to show that they were made in San Francisco. But some 1968 proof quarters were made without the “S” mint mark, which makes them very rare.
Value: Depending on its state, a 1968-S proof quarter that doesn’t have the “S” mint mark can be worth $5,000 to $10,000 or even more.
9. 1950-D Washington Quarter (Overstruck Mint Mark)
The “D” mint mark on the 1950-D quarter was struck more than once, making it a “re-punched mint mark” (RPM). This mistake is usually pretty small, but collectors love these quarters because they are one of a kind.
Value: These quarters can be worth anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on how clear the re-punched mint mark is and how good the coin is overall.
10. 1999 Delaware State Quarter with Spitting Horse Error
The Delaware quarter is famous because it was the first coin in the 50 State Quarters line. On some of these coins, though, there is a mistake called the “spitting horse,” which looks like a die crack is coming out of the horse’s mouth. The Delaware “spitting horse” quarter is a favorite among mistake coin fans because of this one-of-a-kind feature.
Value: These quarters may be worth $20 to $100, based on their grade and how noticeable the flaw is.