If you’ve ever come across an old quarter and wondered if it’s worth more than its face value, you’re not alone. Coin collecting has captivated enthusiasts for centuries, blending history, artistry, and the thrill of finding coins that could be worth a small fortune. Among these treasures, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a standout, with rare editions fetching nearly $40,000 at auctions. But it’s not the only valuable quarter out there—some from the 1930s and 1940s are worth over $2,000, making them highly sought after by collectors. Let’s dive into the history and rarity behind these valuable coins and see if you might have one hiding in your collection.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. It’s a collector’s favorite due to its distinctive design featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse side, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. While millions were produced for general circulation, the special editions, struck in 40% silver for collectors, are particularly valuable.
What makes the rarest of these Bicentennial Quarters so special is their condition and the absence of an ‘S’ mint mark, despite being struck in San Francisco. Pristine, uncirculated examples can fetch nearly $40,000 at auction. If you come across one of these rare gems, you might want to hold onto it—it could be a highlight in any collection and a significant investment.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is not only valuable because of its rarity but also for its historical significance. It marks the first year of the Washington quarter series, with only 436,800 minted in Denver. This low production run makes it one of the most coveted coins among collectors.
Introduced to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, this quarter adds a historical allure that enhances its value. Well-preserved examples can easily surpass $2,000, with the value climbing significantly for coins in higher grades. If you happen to have one of these in your collection, you’re holding a piece of American history that’s worth much more than 25 cents.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Like its Denver counterpart, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is highly prized among collectors. With only 408,000 minted in San Francisco, it’s even rarer than the 1932-D. As part of the first year of the Washington quarter series, this coin is a must-have for serious collectors aiming to complete their collection.
Coins in good condition often sell for more than $2,000, but those in excellent condition can command significantly higher prices. If you’ve got a 1932-S Washington Quarter in your collection, you might want to consider its value—it could be worth a lot more than you think!
1943-S Washington Quarter
The 1943-S Washington Quarter is a special piece minted during World War II. Composed of 90% silver, this coin holds not only historical value but also intrinsic value due to its metal content. While silver quarters are generally more valuable, the 1943-S is particularly sought after because of its low production numbers and rarity in high-grade conditions.
Minted in San Francisco, the 1943-S had a relatively low output compared to other years, making well-preserved examples highly valuable. Collectors are willing to pay over $2,000 for coins in excellent condition, and the value continues to rise as fewer high-grade specimens remain available. If you’ve got a 1943-S, it could be a valuable addition to your collection.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a fascinating error coin that collectors eagerly seek. Initially stamped with a San Francisco mint mark (S), a Denver mint mark (D) was later punched over it, creating the overmintmark error. Such minting mistakes are rare, and coins with this error have become highly collectible.
Well-preserved examples of the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter can easily exceed $2,000, and their value continues to appreciate over time. If you’ve got a quarter with this error, it’s not just a quirky find—it’s a significant piece of numismatic history.
1964-D Quarter with Doubled Die Reverse
Minting errors often result in significant value appreciation, and the 1964-D Washington Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse is no exception. This error occurred when the die used to strike the coin was improperly doubled, resulting in a noticeable doubling effect on the reverse, particularly in the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the eagle’s feathers.
Being one of the last U.S. quarters made from 90% silver already gives it intrinsic value. But the doubled die error makes it a standout among collectors. High-grade examples of this rare mint error can command prices well over $2,000, making it a valuable addition to any coin collection.
Quarter | Key Feature | Approx. Value |
---|---|---|
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Special Mint) | Struck in 40% silver, no ‘S’ mint mark | Nearly $40,000 |
1932-D Washington Quarter | Low mintage (436,800) | Over $2,000 |
1932-S Washington Quarter | Low mintage (408,000) | Over $2,000 |
1943-S Washington Quarter | Silver composition, WWII era | Over $2,000 |
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | Denver mint mark over San Francisco mint mark | Over $2,000 |
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Washington Quarter | Doubled die error, 90% silver composition | Over $2,000 |
Finding Hidden Treasure in Your Change
Quarters may seem like ordinary pocket change, but certain varieties are highly valuable collectibles. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, especially those struck in 40% silver and in pristine condition, can command nearly $40,000 at auction. Other quarters, such as the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters, are worth over $2,000 due to their low mintages and historical significance. Minting errors, like the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter and the 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse, add to the appeal and value of these coins.
If you’ve got a collection of quarters—or even just some old change lying around—it might be time to take a closer look. You never know, you could be sitting on a small fortune!
FAQs
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $40,000?
Special mint editions struck in 40% silver and in pristine condition, especially those without an ‘S’ mint mark, are highly valuable.
How rare is the 1932-D Washington Quarter?
With only 436,800 minted, it’s one of the rarest Washington quarters and can exceed $2,000 in good condition.
Why is the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter valuable?
This quarter features a minting error where a Denver mint mark was stamped over a San Francisco mint mark, making it a rare and collectible coin.
What is special about the 1964-D Washington Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse?
The coin’s reverse features a doubling error, making it a valuable piece, especially since it’s one of the last quarters made from 90% silver.
How much can the 1943-S Washington Quarter be worth?
Well-preserved examples can easily exceed $2,000 due to their silver content and rarity during the WWII era.
If you have any of these rare quarters in your collection, their value might be much more than you ever expected. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, keep an eye out for these valuable coins—you never know when you might find a hidden treasure!