Have you ever thought about how much some coins may be worth? Among the millions of quarters in circulation, some are worth thousands of dollars and far more than their face value. Collectors become interested in these rare quarters due to their historical significance, the fact that they are error coins, or low production levels.
Most people confuse these treasures with normal coins however, with a little knowledge and a keen eye, you could find a quarter worth thousands of dollars.
Top 3 Rarest Quarters and Their Value
| Quarter | Year | Defining Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Low mintage of only 436,800 | $100–$10,000+ |
| 2004 Wisconsin Quarter (Error) | 2004 | Extra leaf on the corn stalk | $300–$1,500 |
| 1970-S Washington Proof Quarter | 1970 | Struck on a foreign coin planchet | Up to $35,000 |
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932 D Washington quarter is one of the most sought-after quarters in the collection. This coin is known to be part of the first year of the Washington quarter series, with a mintage of only 436,800 at the Denver Mint, making it one of the rarest Washington quarters known.
Its value to the collector is as much for the scarceness of the coin as it is for the historical American numismatic significance it holds. This coin could be worth between $100 and $1,000 in circulated condition, and it is not uncommon for it to sell for more than $10,000 in uncirculated, pristine condition.
Identification of this rare quarter lies in the finding of the “D” mintmark just below the eagle on the reverse side. If you happen upon a 1932-D quarter, it might be worth much more than just 25 cents.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter with Extra Leaf Error
Minting errors have high value in the eyes of collectors, and the 2004 Wisconsin state quarter is probably one of the most famous of them all. This quarter has an unusual error: an extra leaf on the corn stalk on its reverse side.
The famous extra-leaf minting error known to exist today resulted from two different types:
The “extra high leaf” variation
The “extra low leaf” variation
Experts believe this error was caused by a die gouge during minting, making these quarters extremely rare. You should check the corn stalk on the back of a 2004 Wisconsin quarter that you own.
According to the condition, the value for this quarter varies from about $300 to $1,500. A little detail like an extra leaf can enhance a lot of value, so search through your quarters very carefully.
1970-S Proof Quarter Struck on a Foreign Planchet
Some of the rarest coins exist by chance minting errors, such as the 1970-S Washington proof quarter. Instead, this quarter was mistakenly struck with a planchet meant for a Canadian coin, making it thinner and lighter than a normal U.S. quarter.
These odd characteristics have made the 1970-S proof quarter among the most sought-after rarities, and extreme rarity has enabled these coins to sell for as high as $35,000 in auctions.
You must pay close attention to the weight and dimensions of this quarter. If your suspicion is that you have a 1970-S proof quarter in your coin collection, consult a professional numismatist to determine if it is real and what its worth is.
Final Thoughts
Rare quarters hide in plain sight, nestled within the small changes you use daily. Whether they’re a low-mintage coin, a minting error, or a unique production mistake, these small details can cause an extraordinary change in values. Therefore, take a second to check your loose change-you just might find a hidden treasure worth thousands of dollars!
If you suspect that you have found a rare quarter, you may want to have it appraised by a qualified numismatist. Happy coin hunting!