Valuable Quarters Still in Circulation – Quarters are one of the most commonly used coins in everyday transactions, but what if the next coin you pull out of your pocket is worth far more than 25 cents? While most quarters are only worth their face value, certain rare specimens have slipped through the cracks and remain in circulation.
These hidden treasures, often overlooked by the average person, can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars from collectors.
In this article, we’ll explore the 13 most valuable quarters still in circulation today—and how to identify them.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Makes These Quarters So Valuable?
- 1.1 1. 1965 Silver Quarter
- 1.2 2. 1970-S No Mint Mark Washington Quarter
- 1.3 3. 1982 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter
- 1.4 4. 1999 Georgia State Quarter
- 1.5 5. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter
- 1.6 6. 2005 Minnesota Quarter
- 1.7 7. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- 1.8 8. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- 1.9 9. 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
- 1.10 10. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
- 1.11 11. 1999 New Jersey Quarter
- 1.12 12. 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar
- 1.13 13. 2005 Kansas Quarter
What Makes These Quarters So Valuable?
Before diving into the list, let’s break down what makes these quarters so desirable:
- Rarity: Low mintage numbers, minting errors, or limited surviving specimens create scarcity.
- Condition (Grade): Coins certified as high-quality by professional services like PCGS or NGC command premium prices.
- Historical Significance: Certain quarters represent pivotal moments in U.S. history, making them highly sought after.
- Minting Errors: Variations like doubled dies, overdates, or off-center strikes make coins exceptionally rare and valuable.
Now, let’s uncover the 13 most valuable quarters that could still be hiding in your pocket or change jar.
1. 1965 Silver Quarter
In 1965, the U.S. Mint officially stopped using silver in circulating coinage, but a few 90% silver quarters were accidentally struck and released into circulation.
A genuine 1965 silver quarter weighs 6.25 grams compared to the clad version’s 5.67 grams and can fetch up to $20,000 in pristine condition.
2. 1970-S No Mint Mark Washington Quarter
A minting oversight caused some 1970 quarters from the San Francisco Mint to lack the “S” mint mark.
Only a small number were released into circulation, and high-grade examples can sell for up to $30,000. Check near Washington’s neck for the absence of the “S.”
Also Read: 15 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
3. 1982 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1970-S error, some 1982 quarters from Philadelphia lack the “P” mint mark. These coins are extremely scarce, with high-grade examples fetching up to $20,000. Look for the absence of the “P” near Washington’s neck.
4. 1999 Georgia State Quarter
This rare error occurred when a Washington Quarter obverse was paired with a Sacagawea Dollar reverse. Only a handful of these hybrid coins exist, and an example sold for $150,000 in 2022. Examine the reverse for the Sacagawea design instead of the state quarter design.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter
A minting error created an extra leaf on the ear of corn on the reverse. The “Extra Leaf High” variety is particularly rare, with an MS-67 example selling for $20,000 in 2022. Look for an extra leaf protruding upward near the top of the ear of corn.
Also Read: 13 Rarest & Most Valuable Pennies in U.S. History
6. 2005 Minnesota Quarter
This variety features an additional tree on the reverse, likely caused by die doubling. Few examples are known to exist, and an MS-67 coin sold for $10,000 in 2023. Compare the trees on the reverse to spot any anomalies.
7. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter had a mintage of just 436,800, making it one of the lowest-mintage quarters ever produced. High-grade examples are rare, with an MS-65 coin fetching $15,000 in 2023.
8. 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter had a slightly higher mintage than its Denver counterpart at 408,000, but it remains exceedingly rare in high grades. An MS-66 example sold for $18,000 in 2022.
9. 1968-S Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
This error coin features doubling on the obverse, particularly noticeable in the word “LIBERTY” and the date. Very few examples are known to exist, and an AU-55 coin brought $50,000 in 2023.
10. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
This error coin features doubling on the reverse, particularly noticeable in the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Few escaped detection, and an AU-55 example fetched $40,000 in 2023.
11. 1999 New Jersey Quarter
This variety features unusually close spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” Only a few escaped detection, and an MS-67 example sold for $25,000 in 2022. Examine the spacing carefully to identify this rare variety.
12. 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar
Another mule error, this time pairing a Sacagawea Dollar obverse with a Washington Quarter reverse. Only a handful are known to exist, and an example sold for $125,000 in 2023. Look for the mismatched designs.
Also Read: 15 Hidden Treasure Lincoln Pennies That Could Make You Rich
13. 2005 Kansas Quarter
A minting error caused a line to appear as if it’s spearing the bison on the reverse. Only a few are known to exist, and an MS-67 example fetched $10,000 in 2022. Look for a vertical line extending from the bison’s back toward its midsection.
These 13 quarters prove that valuable treasures can still be found in everyday circulation. Whether it’s a minting error, a rare die variety, or a historical anomaly, each of these coins tells a story that captivates collectors. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when you might stumble upon a piece of history worth a fortune.