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Most people don’t give much thought to the change rattling around in their wallets or tucked into a coin jar. But what if one of those quarters was worth not just 25 cents, but thousands – or even millions – of dollars? For collectors, certain quarters are among the most valuable coins in U.S. history, thanks to rarity, minting errors, and historical significance.
Here are eight rare quarters that could be hiding in plain sight – and could be worth a small fortune.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
This was the first year the Washington quarter was issued, and the Denver Mint produced a limited quantity – just over 436,000 coins. Many of these quarters were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples rare. In excellent condition, this coin can sell for over $20,000, and even worn examples often bring in hundreds of dollars.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the Denver version, the San Francisco-minted 1932-S quarter had a low mintage, under 410,000 coins. Collectors seeking a complete Washington quarter set must have both the 1932-D and 1932-S, which drives up demand. Well-preserved specimens can fetch $15,000 to $25,000 at auction.
3. 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
Double die errors are the result of a misaligned die stamping process. In this case, the 1943-S quarter shows noticeable doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Fewer than 100 examples are known. Depending on condition, this rare coin can sell for up to $10,000.
4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
This quarter features an unusual minting error where a Denver mintmark was stamped over a San Francisco mintmark. Overmintmark coins are highly collectible due to their visual oddity and limited quantity. Prices range from $500 to $3,000, depending on condition.
5. 1964-D Washington Quarter (Double Die Reverse)
As the last year the quarter was made with 90% silver, 1964 already holds some significance. But the double die reverse version, where letters and the eagle’s features appear doubled, is exceptionally rare. Well-graded coins can reach values of $7,000 or more.
6. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
The Wisconsin state quarters produced in 2004 had a small number with an error showing an extra leaf on the corn stalk – either high or low. These were likely the result of die manipulation. This quirky error has turned an ordinary coin into one worth $300 to $1,500, depending on variation and grade.
7. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Doubled Tree Error)
Another state quarter with a notable mistake, the Minnesota version shows doubling in the trees behind the state outline. There are over 50 known varieties of this error, and while most sell for under $100, rare versions in top condition have gone for over $500.
8. 2022 American Women Quarters (Die Break “Drooling George”)
One of the more recent errors comes from the American Women Quarters Program. Some 2022 quarters show a die break near George Washington’s mouth, making it look like he’s drooling. Though newer, these oddities have sold online for $50 to $200, and interest continues to grow.
How to Check If You Have One
If you want to search for valuable quarters in your collection, here are a few tips:
- Use a magnifying glass to inspect details like dates, mintmarks, and possible doubling.
- Look for sharp details – uncirculated coins or those in excellent condition are always worth more.
- Weigh your quarters – pre-1965 silver quarters weigh slightly more due to their 90% silver content.
- Don’t clean your coins – doing so can decrease their value dramatically.
- Have them graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Final Thoughts
Finding one of these valuable quarters is rare, but not impossible. With millions of coins in circulation and little-known errors hiding in plain sight, the next time you’re counting change, it might pay to look a little closer. That quarter in your pocket could be worth far more than 25 cents – it could be your ticket to a small fortune.
