The 9 Most Valuable Quarters in the United States
The United States has a rich history of coins, and one of the coins gathered for most people is a quarter. While most quarters are about their significant value, some rare and historical coins sell for many auction awards. Either due to mining errors, limited coin numbers or historical reasons, some quarters are more valuable than others for numismatist (coin collector). In the following list, we have looked more closely at the 9 most valuable quarters in the United States so far.
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter – $1.5 Million
The United States’ first quarter coin is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter. The output was only 6,146 coins, and hence it is highly rare today. It has the design of Draped Bust on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse. If this coin is in excellent condition, it can sell for around $1.5 million.
2. 1823/2 Overdate Quarter– $500,000
The 1823/2 Overdate Quarter is the result of an extremely rare minting error that saw the numeral “3” printed over the “2”. The coin was produced in very small numbers, and even fewer high-grade pieces exist today. Due to its extreme rarity, such a coin can make up to $500,000.
3. 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter – $400,000
One of the rarest quarters in the history of U.S. coins is the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter, whose production was at the Carson City Mint. Only less than 10,000 examples were produced. The very low quality of the coins available makes this coin sell for a whopping $400,000 or more at auction.
4. 1827 Proof Capped Bust Quarter – $300,000
The 1827 Capped Bust Quarter is one of the most valuable rare coins, especially if it is in proof condition. Only a very small number of this coin were minted, and only a few examples are available today. Due to its historical significance and extreme rarity, it can reach prices as high as $300,000.
5. 1901-S Barber Quarter – $250,000
The 1901-S Barber Quarter was minted in a mere 72,664 coins, making it the rarest coin in its series. Today, high quality examples are extremely rare and can sell for as much as $250,000 at auction.
6. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter – $200,000
It’s a mistake by the mint during the process: The Denver mintmark is marked over an originally stamped San Francisco mintmark; it’s rare, 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter, very valuable today by mistake coin collectors. A number of such proofs have fetched even $200,000.
7. 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter- $180,000
The Liberty Seated Quarter series started in 1838. A few proof examples were minted that year for collectors and prominent people. Today, the proof quarters are extremely rare and can be worth up to $180,000 in high quality.
8. 1796 Small Eagle Reverse Quarter – $175,000
This rare coin boasts the obverse side to contain the design of the small eagle reverse from the year 1796. Due to its very minor revision after that, there is just little presence of such coin; and at best a piece can easily command an approximate $175,000, all assuming its presentability.
9.1932-D Washington Quarter– $150,000
The Washington Quarter series was first produced in 1932, with the Denver Mint producing a rare key date. Only 436,800 of these coins were produced, and this coin remains very popular today among collectors. High-quality examples can be worth as much as $150,000.
Conclusion
These quarter coins are some of the most popular coins ever produced in the United States, and specific dates and minting errors can be very valuable. These nine quarter coins, whether because of limited minting, minting mistakes, or historical significance, are among the most valuable coins in U.S. numismatic history. These rare coins could be an asset for any collector or investor and will most certainly increase in value over time. If you are lucky enough to find one of these coins, you are truly lucky.
FAQs
What makes certain U.S. quarters valuable?
Certain quarters are valuable due to rarity, minting errors, historical significance, limited production, or unique characteristics. Mint marks, special designs, and low mintage often increase their value to collectors.
Which U.S. quarters are the most valuable?
Some of the most valuable quarters include the 1932-D Washington Quarter, 1964 Standing Liberty Quarter, and 1937-D Washington Quarter, all of which are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter so valuable?
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is rare due to its limited mintage. Only a small number were produced, making it highly collectible, with some examples worth tens of thousands of dollars.