The Top 9 Most Valuable Quarters Minted in the USA: The United States has a rich history of minting coins, and among them, quarters have become one of the most collected denominations. While many quarters are only worth their face value, some rare and historic pieces have fetched significant sums at auctions. Whether due to minting errors, low production numbers, or historical significance, certain quarters are prized possessions for numismatists. Below, we explore the top nine most valuable quarters ever minted in the U.S.
Table of Contents
- 1 1796 Draped Bust Quarter – $1.5 Million
- 2 1823/2 Overdate Quarter – $500,000
- 3 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter – $400,000
- 4 1827 Proof Capped Bust Quarter – $300,000
- 5 1901-S Barber Quarter – $250,000
- 6 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter – $200,000
- 7 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter – $180,000
- 8 1796 Small Eagle Reverse Quarter – $175,000
- 9 1932-D Washington Quarter – $150,000
- 10 Table – Most Valuable Quarters Minted in the USA
- 11 FAQs
1796 Draped Bust Quarter – $1.5 Million
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holds the distinction of being the first quarter ever minted by the U.S. Mint. With a mintage of only 6,146 coins, it is exceedingly rare today. Featuring the iconic Draped Bust design on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse, this quarter can fetch up to $1.5 million in pristine condition.
Also Read: Top 13 Rare and Valuable Half Dollars You Must Have in Your Collection
1823/2 Overdate Quarter – $500,000
This rare overdate variety occurred when the Mint repunched a 3 over a 2 in the date, creating a distinctive error. The 1823/2 quarter had an extremely limited mintage, and only a few high-grade examples exist today. Due to its scarcity, collectors are willing to pay upwards of $500,000 for a well-preserved specimen.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter – $400,000
Produced at the Carson City Mint, the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter is one of the rarest quarters in American history. With fewer than 10,000 minted and very few surviving in high grades, this quarter commands a hefty price, reaching $400,000 or more at auction.
1827 Proof Capped Bust Quarter – $300,000
The 1827 Capped Bust Quarter is a sought-after rarity, especially in proof condition. Only a handful were produced, and even fewer exist today. This quarter’s historical importance and extreme rarity make it worth as much as $300,000 in top condition.
1901-S Barber Quarter – $250,000
With a mintage of only 72,664, the 1901-S Barber Quarter is the scarcest in its series. Few high-grade examples exist today, making it a key date for collectors. In pristine condition, this quarter can command over $250,000 at auction.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter – $200,000
This rare minting error resulted when a Denver mintmark (D) was mistakenly stamped over an earlier San Francisco mintmark (S). This overmintmark error is highly sought after by error coin collectors, with some specimens fetching close to $200,000.
1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter – $180,000
The first year of the Liberty Seated Quarter series, 1838, saw a few proof specimens struck for collectors and dignitaries. These proof quarters are incredibly scarce today and can command up to $180,000 in top condition.
Also Read: The Top 10 Most Valuable Pennies Ever Minted in the U.S.
1796 Small Eagle Reverse Quarter – $175,000
Another example of the 1796 quarter, this variety features a small eagle design on the reverse. It was replaced the following year, making it one of the rarest early quarters. Collectors are willing to pay as much as $175,000 for well-preserved examples.
1932-D Washington Quarter – $150,000
The Washington Quarter series began in 1932, and the Denver Mint produced one of the rarest key dates in the series. With a mintage of only 436,800, the 1932-D Washington Quarter is highly sought after by collectors, with top-grade specimens fetching up to $150,000.
Table – Most Valuable Quarters Minted in the USA
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | U.S. Mint | $1.5 Million | First quarter ever minted, Draped Bust design |
| 1823/2 Overdate Quarter | U.S. Mint | $500,000 | Overdate error with 3 stamped over 2 |
| 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | Carson City | $400,000 | One of the rarest Carson City quarters |
| 1827 Proof Capped Bust Quarter | U.S. Mint | $300,000 | Extremely rare proof issue |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | San Francisco | $250,000 | Scarcest Barber quarter with low mintage |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | Denver/San Francisco | $200,000 | Minting error with D over S |
| 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter | U.S. Mint | $180,000 | First year of Liberty Seated series, rare proof issue |
| 1796 Small Eagle Reverse Quarter | U.S. Mint | $175,000 | Small eagle reverse design, replaced in 1797 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Denver | $150,000 | Key date in the Washington Quarter series |
Quarters are among the most collected coins in U.S. history, and certain key dates and minting errors have made them extraordinarily valuable. Whether due to limited mintage, minting errors, or historical significance, these nine quarters stand out as some of the most valuable in American numismatic history. Collectors and investors alike continue to seek these rare pieces, and their value is expected to grow over time. If you happen to stumble upon one of these treasures, you could be in for a significant payday.
FAQs
1. What makes a quarter valuable?
A quarter’s value depends on factors like rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and overall condition.
2. How can I determine if my quarter is rare?
Check the mintmark, year, and look for minting errors. Professional coin grading services can also help assess rarity.
3. Where can I sell valuable quarters?
Rare quarters can be sold at coin auctions, numismatic shows, and through reputable coin dealers.
4. Are all old quarters valuable?
Not necessarily. Some older quarters are common and worth only face value, while others with limited mintage or errors can be highly valuable.
5. What is the most expensive U.S. quarter ever sold?
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the most valuable, reaching up to $1.5 million in top condition.
