Coin collecting is more than a hobby; it’s a journey through history, art, and the thrill of seeing hidden treasures. While many coins are valuable for their design or historical significance, some quarters are worth much more than their face value. Let’s take a look at seven extraordinary quarters that have caused a stir in the numismatic world for their rarity and high auction prices.
Bicentennial
While the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is commonly found, the sale of a 40% silver version for $201,000 made it a collector’s dream. The standard copper-nickel quarters in this particular case were part of the special collector’s mint set. Its excellent condition, authenticated by professional grading, coupled with its historical and patriotic significance, priced it as high. This sale illustrates how familiar coins can be transformed into treasures under unique circumstances.
Washington
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is a cornerstone for collectors. With only 408,000 minted, it’s one of the rarest quarters in the Washington series. Coins in excellent condition can exceed $25,000 in value. The “S” mint mark, indicating production in San Francisco, adds to its allure. As a key coin for completing Washington Quarter sets, its rarity and historical significance make it a highly sought-after piece.
Copper
In World War II, copper was preserved for use in the war. Thus, 1943 quarters were issued in silver rather than copper. During this process, however, a small number of error copper quarters slipped through the press. These represent one of the rarest U.S. errors. Coins of this type and grade are well over $25,000. The copper quarter of 1943 makes for an interesting story in the history of minting-an emergency measure from wartime to a coin collector’s desire.
Overmintmark
mintmarkThe 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is the quintessential example of minting error resulting in treasures. It involves an over mintmark from the Denver mint marked on top of a San Francisco mint mark. A rare mistake that has commanded well-graded specimens above $25,000, this quarter finds appeal among collectors in terms of history and an indication of what could have transpired in the United States Mint.
Doubled
The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter is well-known for its stunning visual effect. A misaligned die caused the doubling of the reverse design, most prominently in the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Coins with this error, especially when in excellent condition, can readily sell for more than $25,000. The doubled image makes this quarter a standout, showing the beauty of minting imperfections.
Small Date
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter is a rare gem because of the subtle variation in the size of the date. This minor detail has made a huge difference in its value, with high-grade examples going for over $25,000. The coin shows how the smallest differences can make a big impact, rewarding collectors who pay close attention to details.
Modern
The 1983-P Washington Quarter shows that even coins minted recently hold great value. The value of this quarter is quite high because so few survived to be found in mint condition by collectors. An uncirculated 1983-P quarter can be worth over $25,000, which shows that modern coins can be highly valuable collectibles.
| Quarter | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | $201,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | $25,000+ |
| 1943 Copper Quarter | $25,000+ |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | $25,000+ |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse | $25,000+ |
| 1970-S Small Date Quarter | $25,000+ |
| 1983-P Washington Quarter | $25,000+ |
These quarters prove the worth of rarity, historical significance, and even minting errors in collecting coins. Whether it is a silver Bicentennial Quarter or an 1983 modern rarity, these coins show the stories of America and let collectors see into this interesting world of numismatics.
FAQs:
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Its 40% silver composition and rarity.
How rare is the 1932-S Washington Quarter?
Only 408,000 were minted.