Quarters That Are Worth Money

When considering collectible coins, minting errors and historical significance often elevate their value. Collectors actively search for these special quarters. Below, we’ll explore the story behind valuable quarters and what makes them prized by numismatists.

The 1932 Washington Quarter

The Washington quarter debuted in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. Initially a one-year issue, its popularity cemented it as a replacement for the Standing Liberty quarter. Yet, not all 1932 quarters are equal. The 1932-D and 1932-S quarters stand out due to their low mintage numbers. Minted in Denver and San Francisco, these coins have only 436,800 and 408,000 pieces produced, respectively. Today, these are among the most pursued by collectors. High-grade specimens fetch substantial prices at auctions.

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter

In 1976, the U.S. Mint celebrated the nation’s 200th anniversary with a series of special designs. The reverse of the quarter featured a Colonial drummer and thirteen stars. Although minted heavily, specific varieties like the 1976-S silver clad proof, produced in limited numbers, carry a premium. These commemorative quarters attract those interested in historical themes and distinct aesthetics. Proof examples, especially ones with a deep cameo effect, are sought after by enthusiasts.

The 1999 Delaware Quarter

The State Quarters program brought a new era of coin collecting from 1999 to 2008. Each quarter’s reverse depicted a unique design for every state. Delaware was the inaugural issue. Its reverse featured Caesar Rodney’s famous horseback ride. While many Delaware quarters circulated widely, some mint errors significantly increase their value. Spitting Horse variants, named for a die crack that appears to extend from the horse’s mouth, illustrate this point. Such errors are not only fascinating but also valuable due to collectors’ heightened interest.

The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter

Errors on some Wisconsin quarters have added intrigue to this state’s release. Some coins exhibit an extra leaf on the corn stalk’s left side. Collectors recognize two types: the high leaf and low leaf varieties. These anomalies originated from die gouges during the minting process. Both versions have fetched elevated prices in the secondary market, primarily due to their error status and resultant scarcity.

1965 Washington Quarter

In 1965, the U.S. transitioned quarters from a silver composition to a clad composition. Still, some 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover silver planchets. These transitional errors, though exceedingly rare, are worth significant sums. They pose a challenge to collectors, with only meticulous examination discerning the silver presence. These quarters represent the curiosity and occasional chaos of minting during a transition period.

The 1937 Buffalo Nickel

The 1937-P three-legged Buffalo nickel is a famous error coin. On the reverse, the buffalo’s front leg appears absent due to an over-polished die. Collectors covet this error due to its role in American coin production history. Its notorious oversight adds both charm and value. Coin grading profoundly impacts the market price, making well-preserved examples particularly lucrative.

1967 Kennedy Half Dollar

Though not a quarter, some Kennedy half dollars claim interest due to their silver composition continuation until 1970. The 1967 half retains a 40% silver content. While not inherently rare, coin condition and market silver prices affect collectibility. Those in mint-state condition, combined with a fluctuating silver market, impact their premium over face value.

Quarters in the Modern Market

Today, coin roll hunting and metal detecting serve as avenues for finding valuable quarters in circulation. While rare, the thrill of discovery keeps hobbyists engaged. Modern mintage statistics, mint marks, and edge varieties promise opportunities for today’s collectors. The Little Rock Central High School Desegregation silver dollar and Lincoln penny errors illustrate ongoing possibilities in coin investigations. Knowledge of these factors speaks to a wider commitment among collectors to unearth coin value and history combined.