10 Most Valuable Modern Quarters: Quarters have been a staple of American currency for over 230 years, but not all quarters are created equal. While most are worth just 25 cents, some modern quarters have become highly valuable due to minting errors, low mintage, special designs, and collector demand.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare and valuable modern quarters in your pocket change, you could be holding a coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most valuable modern quarters and why they’re worth so much money.
Table of Contents
- 1 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter
- 2 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
- 3 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
- 4 1983-P Washington Quarter
- 5 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
- 6 2005 Minnesota Doubled Die Quarter
- 7 1965 Silver Quarter
- 8 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter
- 9 2019-W Lowell Quarter
- 10 1999-P Experimental Planchet Georgia Quarter
- 11 How to Identify a Valuable Quarter
- 12 Table – Most Valuable Modern Quarters
- 13 FAQs
1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter
The 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter is already a favorite among collectors due to its stunning Charter Oak Tree design. However, a rare minting error known as a broadstrike caused some of these coins to be struck without their rims, making them extremely valuable.
Also Read: Top 9 Most Valuable Dime Coin Errors in Circulation
- Why It’s Valuable: A major minting error on a popular design.
- Value: Up to $25,000 in high-grade condition.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
One of the most famous modern quarter errors, the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter was struck with an extra leaf on the corn husk in the design. There are two varieties: “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf”.
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare and noticeable design error.
- Value: $1,000 – $10,000, depending on condition.
1995 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
Doubled die errors occur when the coin’s design is struck twice in slightly different positions, creating a noticeable doubling effect. The 1995 Doubled Die Quarter shows clear doubling on Washington’s face and the lettering.
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare and dramatic doubled die variety.
- Value: $3,000 – $7,000+ in top grades.
1983-P Washington Quarter
The 1983-P Spitting Eagle Quarter features a die crack near the eagle’s beak, making it look like the eagle is spitting. This unique error has made it highly sought after by collectors.
- Why It’s Valuable: A visually striking and well-known die crack error.
- Value: $1,000 – $5,000, depending on grade.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was a special one-year design celebrating America’s 200th anniversary. While most were made of copper-nickel, a limited number were struck in 40% silver for collectors. The highest-graded proof versions are extremely valuable.
- Why It’s Valuable: A special silver edition with collector demand.
- Value: $1,500 – $4,500+ in perfect condition.
2005 Minnesota Doubled Die Quarter
The 2005 Minnesota State Quarter has a rare doubled die error that creates extra trees in the background of the design. Some variations are minor, but others show dramatic doubling.
- Why It’s Valuable: A clear and unusual doubling in the design.
- Value: $500 – $3,000, depending on strength of the doubling.
1965 Silver Quarter
In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from 90% silver quarters to copper-nickel quarters. However, a few 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover silver planchets.
Also Read: Top 13 Valuable Bullion Coins in the World
- Why It’s Valuable: A transition error from silver to base metal.
- Value: $1,000 – $2,500+, based on condition.
1970-S Proof Washington Quarter
Some 1970-S Proof Quarters were mistakenly struck on Canadian quarter planchets, which are slightly smaller and made of different metal compositions.
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare wrong planchet error on a proof coin.
- Value: $1,800+.
2019-W Lowell Quarter
The 2019-W Lowell Quarter was part of a limited mintage series where the West Point Mint (W) struck quarters for general circulation, something that hadn’t been done since 1932.
- Why It’s Valuable: First circulating “W” mintmark quarter with a low mintage.
- Value: $500 – $1,500+, depending on grade.
1999-P Experimental Planchet Georgia Quarter
Some 1999 Georgia State Quarters were struck on an experimental brass planchet intended for use in the Sacagawea dollar, creating a distinct golden color.
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare experimental striking mistake.
- Value: $1,200+.
How to Identify a Valuable Quarter
To determine if you have a valuable modern quarter, look for these key signs:
- Minting Errors: Look for doubling, missing details, off-center strikes, broadstrikes, and misprinted designs.
- Special Planchets: Some quarters were mistakenly struck on silver or other metal planchets.
- Unusual Mintmarks: Certain West Point (“W”) and No Mintmark (missing “P” or “D”) errors are highly valuable.
- High-Grade Condition: Coins in mint-state (MS) condition with no wear are worth significantly more.
- Rare Variations: Look for coins with extra details, such as the Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” quarter.
Table – Most Valuable Modern Quarters
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter | P | Up to $25,000 | Struck without rims due to broadstrike error |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter | D | $1,000 – $10,000 | Extra “High Leaf” or “Low Leaf” on corn husk |
| 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter | P/D/S | $3,000 – $7,000+ | Clear doubling on Washington’s face and lettering |
| 1983-P Washington “Spitting Eagle” Quarter | P | $1,000 – $5,000 | Die crack near eagle’s beak makes it look like spitting |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (40% Silver Proof) | S | $1,500 – $4,500+ | Special one-year design; silver version for collectors |
| 2005 Minnesota Doubled Die Quarter | P/D | $500 – $3,000 | Extra trees in the background due to doubling error |
| 1965 Silver Quarter | P/D | $1,000 – $2,500+ | Mistakenly struck on leftover 90% silver planchets |
| 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter | S | $1,800+ | Struck on a Canadian quarter planchet by mistake |
| 2019-W Lowell Quarter | W | $500 – $1,500+ | First circulating “W” mintmark quarter since 1932 |
| 1999-P Experimental Planchet Georgia Quarter | P | $1,200+ | Struck on experimental brass planchet, golden color |
Finding a rare quarter in circulation is like discovering hidden treasure. Whether it’s an error coin, a special minting mistake, or a rare silver quarter, these modern quarters can be worth far more than their face value.
So next time you get a quarter in change, take a closer look—it might just be worth thousands of dollars!
FAQs
What is the most valuable modern quarter?
The 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter is one of the most valuable, worth $25,000+ due to its rare minting error.
How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Look for minting errors, special planchets, unusual mintmarks, doubling effects, or silver compositions. Checking a coin guide or having it graded by PCGS or NGC can help.
Are valuable modern quarters still found in circulation?
Yes! Rare coins like the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter and 2019-W Lowell Quarter have been found in pocket change.
Where can I sell a rare quarter?
Through auction houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers), coin dealers, online marketplaces (eBay, GreatCollections), and numismatic shows.
What is the rarest mint error on a modern quarter?
The 1970-S Proof Quarter struck on a Canadian planchet is one of the rarest, selling for $1,800+.
