The Top 9 Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation: For coin collectors and treasure hunters alike, quarters hold a special allure. While most quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents, certain rare and valuable varieties still exist in circulation, commanding prices far beyond their nominal worth. Whether due to minting errors, low production numbers, or unique historical significance, these quarters have become prized possessions for collectors. Here’s a look at the top 9 most valuable quarters you might still find in circulation today.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 1932-D Washington Quarter
- 0.2 1932-S Washington Quarter
- 0.3 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter (Overstruck Error)
- 0.4 1950-D/S Overmintmark Washington Quarter
- 0.5 1964-D Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse)
- 0.6 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (Struck on a Silver Canadian Quarter Planchet)
- 0.7 1983-P Washington Quarter (No Mint Set Issue)
- 0.8 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
- 0.9 2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Double Die Variety)
- 1 Table – 9 Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the most sought-after coins among collectors. It was part of the first year of Washington quarters and had a low mintage of just 436,800 coins. Because of its scarcity, even heavily circulated versions can be worth hundreds of dollars, while uncirculated examples can fetch upwards of $15,000. Its value is driven by both its historical importance and the difficulty of finding one in pristine condition.
Also Read: The 11 Most Valuable Liberty Head V Nickels
1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, the San Francisco-minted 1932-S Washington quarter is another rare find. With a mintage of only 408,000, it is one of the key dates in the series. A well-worn example can still be worth $100 to $500, while mint-state specimens have been known to sell for over $10,000. Due to its age and limited numbers, this quarter is a must-have for serious collectors.
1943-S Silver Washington Quarter (Overstruck Error)
This wartime quarter was struck on a leftover silver planchet from an earlier issue, leading to an error variety that is highly collectible. Due to its unique characteristics, some examples have sold for $10,000 or more in top condition. The silver content of this quarter also contributes to its intrinsic value, making it a sought-after find for numismatists and bullion investors alike.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Washington Quarter
An interesting variety, the 1950-D/S quarter features an overmintmark error, where an ‘S’ was mistakenly stamped under the ‘D’ mintmark. Collectors value this coin for its rarity and historical significance, with high-grade examples selling for $3,000 to $7,000. This minting anomaly adds an extra layer of intrigue for those who appreciate error coins.
1964-D Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse)
In 1964, the U.S. Mint accidentally produced some quarters with a doubled die on the reverse side, creating a highly sought-after error coin. This variety is hard to find but has been known to fetch $1,000 to $4,000, depending on condition. This was the final year quarters were struck in 90% silver, making it even more desirable among collectors.
1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (Struck on a Silver Canadian Quarter Planchet)
One of the strangest and rarest mint errors, this 1970-S proof quarter was mistakenly struck on a silver Canadian quarter planchet. This oddity has made it a highly valuable coin, with examples selling for $10,000 or more at auction. Since this quarter was struck in proof condition, its appeal is even greater among advanced collectors.
1983-P Washington Quarter (No Mint Set Issue)
The 1983-P Washington quarter was never included in official U.S. Mint sets, making high-grade specimens especially rare. While common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples have been known to reach $1,500 to $3,000. Many quarters from this year suffered from heavy use, making well-preserved examples difficult to find and highly desirable.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
One of the most famous modern quarter errors, the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter has an extra leaf on the corn stalk, resulting in two known varieties: the “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf” versions. These errors can sell for $200 to $1,500, depending on their condition. This error resulted from a die gouge, adding to its uniqueness and appeal among error coin enthusiasts.
Also Read: 11 Most Valuable Dimes for Collectors in 2025
2005-P Minnesota State Quarter (Double Die Variety)
The 2005-P Minnesota quarter features multiple doubled die varieties, making some examples significantly more valuable. These errors are often found under magnification and can range in price from $50 to over $500, depending on the level of doubling and coin condition. Collectors enjoy searching for these varieties in pocket change, as they offer an accessible entry into numismatics.
Table – 9 Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Unknown (Unofficial) | $4-5 million+ | Only five known; unauthorized striking; mysterious origin. |
| 1885 Liberty Head Nickel | Philadelphia | $10,000-$20,000+ | Low mintage of 1,476,490; rare in high grades. |
| 1886 Liberty Head Nickel | Philadelphia | $3,000-$10,000 | Key date with a mintage of 3,330,290; hard to find in MS. |
| 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel | San Francisco | $10,000-$30,000 | Only Liberty Nickel minted in San Francisco; last year of series. |
| 1912-D Liberty Head Nickel | Denver | $1,000-$5,000 | Scarce in high grades; key date for collectors. |
| 1894 Liberty Head Nickel | Philadelphia | $2,000-$8,000 | Low survival rate; rare in uncirculated condition. |
| 1895 Liberty Head Nickel | Philadelphia | $1,500-$7,000 | Hard to find in mint state; sought after for sharp details. |
| 1883 “No Cents” Liberty Nickel | Philadelphia | $500-$3,000 | Initially lacked “CENTS”; some were gold-plated for fraud. |
| 1883 “With Cents” Liberty Nickel | Philadelphia | $1,000-$4,000 | Design corrected by adding “CENTS”; valuable in MS. |
| 1901 Liberty Head Nickel | Philadelphia | $500-$3,500 | High mintage, but scarce in uncirculated condition. |
| 1904 Liberty Head Nickel | Philadelphia | $1,000-$5,000 | Common date but rare in pristine condition. |
Collecting quarters can be both an exciting hobby and a potentially profitable endeavor. These nine quarters represent some of the rarest and most valuable finds still in circulation. Whether you’re checking your pocket change, searching through rolls from the bank, or inheriting a collection, keep an eye out—you never know when you might come across one of these treasures! Taking the time to learn about rare quarters and their market value can enhance your collecting experience and potentially lead to significant financial rewards.
FAQs About Valuable Quarters
1. How do I know if I have a valuable quarter? Look for key dates, mint errors, and variations in design. A coin magnifier and a trusted reference guide can help identify rare quarters. You can also compare your quarter to reputable price guides and consult a professional numismatist for verification.
2. Are valuable quarters still in circulation? Yes, while rare, some valuable quarters can still be found in pocket change, bank rolls, or estate collections. Searching through change and roll hunting at banks remain popular ways to find hidden treasures.
3. What should I do if I find a rare quarter? Avoid cleaning the coin and store it safely in a protective holder. Consult a numismatist or coin dealer for authentication and valuation. Proper handling can help preserve its value.
4. Where can I sell a rare quarter? Auction houses, online marketplaces, and coin dealers are the best places to sell rare quarters to collectors. Websites such as eBay and Heritage Auctions provide platforms for reaching a wider audience of potential buyers.
5. Why are some state quarters valuable? Certain state quarters feature minting errors or were produced in low numbers, making them more desirable among collectors. The demand for high-quality examples of these coins drives up their value.
