9 Rare Capped Bust Quarters Could Make You Rich

Rare Capped Bust Quarters – Have you ever glanced at the spare change in your pocket and thought, “What if one of these coins is worth more than a cup of coffee?” Turns out, that’s not just wishful thinking. Some seemingly ordinary coins—like pennies, nickels, or quarters—can be hidden treasures worth thousands of dollars.

Minting errors, rare materials, or unique design quirks can transform a common coin into a collector’s dream. And when it comes to U.S. coins, few series are as intriguing as the Capped Bust Quarter. These silver beauties were minted from 1815 to 1838, but a handful of them stand out for their rarity and value.

Ready to see if you’ve struck it rich? Here are nine rare Capped Bust Quarters that could make you rethink tossing your loose change into a jar.

Also Read: 7 Most Sought-After Draped Bust Half Dimes Worth a Lot

9 Rare Capped Bust Quarters

1. 1823/2 Overdate Quarter

• Why It’s Special: This quarter features an overdate error where the “3” in 1823 was stamped over a “2.” It’s a subtle mistake, but collectors go wild for it.
• Estimated Value: $30,000–$50,000 in good condition.
• Identifying Tip: Use a magnifying glass to check the date closely. The remnants of the original “2” should peek out beneath the “3.”

2. 1827/3 Quarter

• Why It’s Special: Another overdate gem, this time with a “7” punched over a “3.” Only about 4,000 of these were made.
• Estimated Value: $40,000–$60,000 depending on wear.
• Identifying Tip: Look carefully at the second digit of the year. If you spot traces of a “3” under the “7,” you’ve got a winner.

3. 1838 Proof Quarter (No Drapery)

• Why It’s Special: This proof coin lacks decorative drapery below Liberty’s elbow—a tiny detail omitted by accident during production. Fewer than five are known to exist.
• Estimated Value: Up to $1 million!
• Identifying Tip: Compare your coin to standard versions. Missing drapery is unmistakable once you know what to look for.

4. 1818 Quarter with Large 8

• Why It’s Special: In 1818, some quarters featured a noticeably larger “8” in the date. Experts believe fewer than 10 survive today.
• Estimated Value: $75,000–$100,000.
• Identifying Tip: Hold the coin next to other 1818 quarters. The difference in size will jump out at you.

5. 1828 Quarter with Small Date

• Why It’s Special: Two varieties of the 1828 quarter exist—one with a large date and another with a smaller, more delicate date. The small-date version is far rarer.
• Estimated Value: $20,000–$35,000.
• Identifying Tip: Check the spacing between the numbers in the date. The small-date variety has tighter, finer digits.

6. 1834 Quarter with No Stars

• Why It’s Special: A mysterious anomaly occurred in 1834 when some quarters were struck without stars around the edge of the obverse side. How many exist? Nobody knows for sure.
• Estimated Value: Priceless—if authenticated.
• Identifying Tip: Flip the coin over. If there are no stars framing Lady Liberty, call a professional appraiser immediately.

7. 1837 Quarter with Repunched Date

• Why It’s Special: During the minting process, the date stamp shifted slightly, leaving faint outlines of the original placement behind. This repunched date adds intrigue.
• Estimated Value: $10,000–$15,000.
• Identifying Tip: Inspect the date under bright light. Double outlines indicate a repunched error.

Also Read: 5 Most Valuable Three-Cent Nickels Worth Big Money

8. 1822 Quarter with Die Crack

• Why It’s Special: A small crack appeared in the die used to strike this coin, creating a distinctive line across the surface. Such flaws add character—and value.
• Estimated Value: $15,000–$25,000.
• Identifying Tip: Look for a raised line running through parts of the design, especially near Liberty’s head.

9. 1815 Quarter (First Year of Issue)

• Why It’s Special: As the inaugural year of the Capped Bust Quarter, the 1815 edition holds historical significance. Its low mintage of 89,235 makes it highly sought after.
• Estimated Value: $10,000–$20,000.
• Identifying Tip: Confirm the year and examine the overall sharpness of the design. Early strikes tend to have crisper details.

The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and even everyday coins can harbor incredible stories—and values. Whether you’re sorting through grandma’s attic or just emptying your pockets after a long day, take a moment to inspect those coins.

You never know what you might find. Maybe it’s a Capped Bust Quarter worth tens of thousands—or maybe it’s something even rarer. So keep your eyes peeled, grab a magnifying glass, and remember: sometimes, the smallest things hold the biggest rewards. Happy hunting!