Overview of the 13 Most Valuable Quarters Still in Circulation
Many rare and valuable quarters can still surface in pocket change or old coin jars. This guide lists 13 quarter types and varieties that collectors seek and explains how to spot them.
The coins below include classic date rarities, pre-1965 silver pieces, and modern mint errors that sometimes appear in circulation. Values depend on date, mint mark, condition, and rarity.
How to Spot Valuable Quarters
Start by checking the date and mint mark on every quarter you get. Use a magnifier and good light to see small mint marks under the date or on the obverse.
Look for these common indicators of value:
- Date and mint mark (rare dates/mints are worth much more)
- Pre-1965 quarters (90% silver) — high melt and collector value
- Errors and varieties (off-center, double die, extra leaf)
- High-grade examples with full detail and minimal wear
The 13 Most Valuable Quarters Still in Circulation
Below are 13 quarters or categories you should know about. Each entry has a short note on why it is valuable and a broad value idea for circulated examples.
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1932-D Washington Quarter
This is one of the key Washington quarter rarities. Low mintage at the Denver mint makes it sought after by collectors.
Circulated values commonly range from hundreds to a few thousand dollars depending on condition.
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1932-S Washington Quarter
The San Francisco 1932 issue is another scarce early Washington quarter. High-grade survivors command strong premiums.
Typical circulated sale prices are similar to the 1932-D but can increase sharply for better condition coins.
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1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Early Standing Liberty quarters, especially Type I 1916 examples, are rare and collectible. Designs and mintages vary across the series.
Circulated examples often sell for several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on rarity and grade.
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Barber Quarters (Key Dates)
Barber quarters (1892–1916) include several scarce dates and mint marks. Certain issues like 1896-S or 1901-S are particularly valuable.
Even in worn condition these key-dated Barbers can be worth hundreds to thousands.
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Seated Liberty Quarters (Key Dates)
Seated Liberty quarters cover many years in the 1800s and include rare varieties and mint marks. Look for dates with low mintage and mintmarks like CC.
Values vary widely, but rare seated issues can be well into the thousands.
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Draped Bust and Capped Bust Quarters
Very old Draped Bust and Capped Bust quarters are extremely scarce and highly valued. They turn up only rarely in circulation or estates.
These coins are typically in the thousands to tens or hundreds of thousands for rare dates and high grades.
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Pre‑1965 Washington Quarters (90% Silver)
Any Washington quarter dated 1964 or earlier contains 90% silver and at minimum has melt value above face. Collectible or scarce dates add premium.
Melt alone gives value over face; key dates and better grades raise value into the hundreds or more.
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2004‑D Wisconsin State Quarter Extra Leaf
State quarter error varieties like the Wisconsin ‘Extra Leaf’ (strong and weak varieties) are popular with modern collectors. These were produced at the Denver mint and sometimes appear in circulation.
Depending on variety and grade, values for genuine examples can range from modest premiums to several hundred or more.
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State Quarter Errors and Double Dies (1999–2008)
Many state quarters have known error varieties — doubled dies, misstrikes, and die clashes. Some error coins are rare and valuable.
Values depend on the specific error but can be substantial for clear, authenticated varieties.
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Modern Off‑Center and Broadstrike Errors
Modern errors such as off‑center strikes, clipped planchets, and broadstrikes can be found in circulation. Significant misstrikes draw collector interest.
Strongly off‑center or dramatic errors often sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars when authenticated.
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1976 Bicentennial Quarter Varieties
Bicentennial quarters exist in many mint and proof varieties. Some rare die variations and errors are worth more than face value.
Circulated rare varieties may sell for modest premiums; uncirculated or error examples fetch more.
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Proof and Special Mint Issues Found in Change
Occasionally proof or special striking errors accidentally enter circulation. These are typically easy to spot due to mirror surfaces and sharp detail.
Authenticated proofs or specials can be valuable to collectors, especially in high grade.
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High‑Grade Circulated Quarters (Any Scarce Date)
A common thread: any scarce date in unusually high circulated grade can command high prices. Condition matters as much as date.
Always compare discovered coins to reference guides or seek professional grading for accurate valuation.
Washington quarters dated 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver. That silver content alone made them worth more than face value as soon as silver prices rose.
Quick Case Study: Finding a Rare Quarter
A hobbyist cleaned out a box of change and noticed a heavily worn 1932-D Washington quarter. After verification and a basic grade assessment, the coin sold at a local auction for over $1,000.
This example shows how checking old jars and boxes can turn up unexpectedly valuable coins, especially pre‑1965 and early Washington issues.
Practical Steps to Check Your Quarters
Follow a simple routine to evaluate coins you find:
- Inspect the date and mint mark with a 10x loupe under bright light.
- Weigh suspect coins and compare to standard specifications for the series.
- Look for obvious errors: doubled devices, off‑center strikes, and extra planchet features.
- Use trusted price guides and recent auction results to estimate value.
- For potentially high‑value coins, seek professional grading and authentication.
Final Notes on Value and Selling
Values change with market demand and condition. Always verify with current price guides or auction records before selling.
For rare finds, consider local coin dealers, reputable auction houses, or certified grading services to maximize returns.