If you’ve ever been curious about whether the quarters sitting in your spare change jar are worth more than just their face value, you might be surprised to find out that some rare quarters are worth significantly more due to unique features, minting errors, or historical significance.
Here are the top 3 rare quarters that could be worth far more than you might have realized, and they could be sitting in your collection right now!
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
Value: Up to $100,000+ (depending on condition)
- Why It’s Rare: The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most famous and valuable quarters in U.S. numismatics. It was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, and only about 436,800 were produced at the Denver Mint.
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1932-D quarter is rare because of its low mintage. It’s one of the first coins in the Washington Quarter series (introduced in 1932) and was produced at a time when demand for quarters was lower. Most of these coins were spent and heavily circulated, making those in good condition much more valuable. In high grades (like MS-65), they can fetch up to $100,000 at auction.
- How to Spot It: Check the mintmark on the reverse of the quarter, just below the eagle. The “D” mintmark indicates it was minted in Denver. Compare the coin to high-resolution images to see if the coin is in better-than-average condition—which can significantly increase its value.
2. 1964 Silver Quarter (With Full Split Mintmark)
Value: $50,000+ (depending on the grade)
- Why It’s Rare: The 1964 Silver Quarter is often seen as a relatively common coin, but there’s a rare error variation that can dramatically increase its value: the Full Split Mintmark. This error occurs when the mintmark (either “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco) appears doubled or “split,” making it appear as though the mintmark was struck multiple times.
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1964 quarter was the last year of production for the 90% silver quarters before they were switched to a copper-nickel composition. While most of the 1964 quarters are not particularly rare, the Full Split Mintmark error is incredibly scarce. If you come across one in good condition, it can fetch upwards of $50,000 or more in auctions, particularly if the error is obvious and well-preserved.
- How to Spot It: Inspect the mintmark on the reverse side of the coin. If it looks doubled or “split,” then you’ve found an error coin. Coins in good condition with a visible split mintmark are more valuable, so consider getting it professionally graded to understand its worth.
3. 1999-S Silver Proof Quarter (State Quarters Series)
Value: Up to $30,000 (if it’s an error coin)
- Why It’s Rare: The 1999-S Silver Proof Quarter is part of the State Quarters series, which was introduced by the U.S. Mint to honor each of the 50 states. While most 1999-S quarters are common, certain proof versions minted with a mistake have become rare and valuable.
- Why It’s Valuable: Some of the 1999-S silver proof quarters were minted with incorrect planchets or improperly struck dies, leading to unique errors. These coins are highly prized by collectors because they were produced as part of the proof set, meaning they have a special, mirrored finish that sets them apart from regular circulation coins. When these error coins are discovered, they can be worth thousands of dollars.
- How to Spot It: The 1999-S is a proof coin, so it will have a shiny, mirror-like finish. The mintmark “S” can be found just below the eagle on the reverse side. Look for coins that exhibit error characteristics such as incorrect planchets or poor strikes, as these can increase their value.
Also See: This Lincoln penny is worth more than $500,000 because of an incredible production error
| Quarter | Value | Why It’s Rare | How to Spot It | Minting Error or Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 1932-D Washington Quarter | Up to $100,000+ (depending on condition) | Produced in limited quantity with only about 436,800 minted. This is the first coin in the Washington Quarter series. | Look for the “D” mintmark on the reverse, below the eagle. | Low mintage makes it rare, especially in high grades (MS-65+). |
| 2. 1964 Silver Quarter (With Full Split Mintmark) | Up to $50,000+ (depending on the grade) | 1964 is the last year for the 90% silver quarter before the switch to copper-nickel composition. Some quarters from this year were struck with a split mintmark. | Examine the mintmark closely (either “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco). If the mintmark appears doubled or split, it’s an error coin. | Mintmark error (split mintmark) where the mintmark looks doubled due to a die issue. |
| 3. 1999-S Silver Proof Quarter (State Quarters Series) | Up to $30,000 (if it’s an error coin) | Part of the State Quarters series, which introduced unique designs for each state. Some 1999-S quarters have minting errors such as incorrect planchets or improper strikes. | The proof coin will have a shiny, mirror-like finish and an “S” mintmark. Look for error characteristics, like incorrect planchets or poor strikes. | Minting errors such as incorrect planchets or improper strikes lead to rarity. |
What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter so valuable?
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is rare due to its low mintage of just 436,800 coins. It’s also one of the first Washington Quarters ever minted. Its rarity and demand make it particularly valuable in high grades, often fetching up to $100,000 or more at auctions.
How can I identify a 1964 Silver Quarter with a Full Split Mintmark?
To identify the Full Split Mintmark, carefully examine the mintmark on the reverse side of the coin. The “D” (for Denver) or “S” (for San Francisco) mintmark should appear doubled or split if it’s an error. This unique feature is what drives its high value. Coins in excellent condition with this error can be worth over $50,000.