Quarters are more than just pocket change. In some instances, these small coins can be worth thousands due to unique minting errors, low production numbers, or valuable materials.
Amongst these treasures is the 1976 Bicentennial quarter, a piece of American history recently sold for nearly $300,000. Let’s take a closer look at this coin and other valuable quarters that collectors dream of owning.
Bicentennial
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter honors the 200th anniversary of the United States. Its special design includes the dual date “1776–1976” and a colonial drummer on the reverse.
Why It’s Worth:
Most Bicentennial quarters were minted in copper-nickel clad, so most are common and worth only face value. On the other hand, a rare few were struck on silver planchets originally intended for proof sets. A few of these occasionally circulated by mistake. A near-perfect example recently brought nearly $300,000, highly prized for its rarity, silver content, and condition.
What to Look For:
To identify a valuable Bicentennial quarter, look at the coin’s edge. Silver coins appear solid silver, while copper-nickel coins show a copper core. A weight test can confirm if it’s silver, as silver quarters weigh slightly more.
1932-D Washington
The Washington quarter was produced in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
Why It Matters:
The lowest mintage of this issue in the Washington series was the 1932-D with only 436,800 produced for circulation.
Any grade above this one sells into its $10,000+ prices because of that and its vintage.
Check the bottom of the reverse for the “D” mint mark. Highly worn coins will bring some amount of money; however, mint-condition coins are super rare and always highly prized.
1896-S Barber
The Barber quarter was designed by Charles E. Barber. This series ran from 1892-1916. The 1896-S is quite rare and greatly desired.
Why It’s Worth It:
Only 188,039 Barber quarters were minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1896, and most are not well-preserved. Even high-grade pieces can easily command more than $10,000 simply because of their scarcity and collector demand.
What to Look For:
Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse below the eagle. Coins with even moderate wear are valuable, but those with minimal wear are extremely coveted.
1950-D Doubled Die
Errors can make coins much more valuable, and a perfect example of this is the 1950-D Washington quarter with a doubled die reverse. This error causes doubling on the lettering on the reverse.
Value:
It shows doubling without magnification, making it an attractive piece for any serious collector. Some high-grade specimens can sell in excess of $10,000, especially once graded by one of the official grading services.
Look for doubling on the back, especially in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Those coins that have very distinct doubling are worth more than the others.
1804 Draped Bust
1804 Draped Bust quarters are one of the most iconic pieces of early American coinage. They are also rare due to the low mintage amount.
Why It Is Expensive:
Surviving 1804 Draped Bust quarters can be incredibly pricey; one of them could easily reach over $10,000. These coins are prized for their historical value and age.
What To Look For:
The obverse has the image of Lady Liberty, and the reverse has an eagle. Any quarter is worth money, but a good-looking coin is one of the most sought-after pieces for any collector.
Only so many valuable quarters go overlooked in plain sight. Checking your change or old collections may prove rewarding. Take, for instance, a Bicentennial quarter with a unique story, or any rarity from the 19th century; these coins can indeed show that small change is tremendous.
FAQS:
How do I know if a Bicentennial quarter is silver?
Examine the coin’s edge to be solid silver, not copper.
What makes the 1932-D Washington quarter rare?
Only 436,800 coins were minted, making it rare.
Where is the mint mark on a Barber quarter?
Below the eagle on the back of the coin.
What is a doubled die error?
When the design looks doubled because it was misaligned.