Which Quarters Are Worth Money? 2025 Complete Value Guide

Which quarters are worth money - valuable rare quarters collection

Discovering Which Quarters Are Worth Money

Understanding which quarters are worth money can transform your coin collecting hobby into a profitable endeavor. Rare quarters have sold for millions at auction, with the most valuable specimens commanding prices that rival fine art and precious gems. From early American quarters dating back to 1796 to modern error coins, the world of valuable quarters offers exciting opportunities for collectors and investors alike. Whether you inherited a coin collection, found old quarters in your attic, or simply want to check your pocket change, knowing which quarters are worth money is essential for anyone interested in numismatics. This comprehensive guide examines the top 100 most valuable quarters ever sold, revealing the key factors that make certain quarters worth thousands or even millions of dollars.

Top 100 Most Valuable Quarters

Complete ranking of which quarters are worth money based on auction records and market values

Rank	Name	Price

Rare valuable quarters identification guide

The Complete History of American Quarters

Draped Bust Quarters (1796-1807)

The first quarters minted in the United States featured the Draped Bust design by Robert Scot. These quarters contained 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, weighing 6.74 grams. Production was sporadic during this period, with no quarters minted in several years including 1797-1803. The 1796 quarter is the rarest and most valuable of all American quarters. Small eagle and heraldic eagle reverse designs were used during this series.

Capped Bust Quarters (1815-1838)

Designed by John Reich, the Capped Bust quarter featured Liberty wearing a cloth cap. These quarters continued the silver standard at 89.24% silver content. The series includes two size variations: large diameter quarters from 1815-1828 and reduced diameter quarters from 1831-1838. Many varieties exist including overdates, die varieties, and the famous 1828 25/50C denomination error. No quarters were minted from 1816-1817 or 1826-1830.

Seated Liberty Quarters (1838-1891)

Christian Gobrecht designed the Seated Liberty quarter showing Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield. The series underwent several modifications including the addition of drapery in 1840, arrows at the date indicating weight changes in 1853-1855 and 1873-1874, and motto additions. These quarters maintained 90% silver content after 1837. The Carson City mint produced several highly valuable issues during this period, particularly from 1870-1873.

Barber Quarters (1892-1916)

Charles E. Barber designed this quarter featuring Liberty wearing a laurel wreath and Phrygian cap. Barber quarters continued the 90% silver standard and were minted at Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and New Orleans. The series is known for several key dates including the 1901-S, 1913-S, and 1896-S. These quarters circulated heavily, making high-grade examples particularly valuable. The mint mark appears on the reverse below the eagle.

Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)

Hermon MacNeil designed this beautiful quarter featuring Liberty standing at a gateway. The design underwent modification in 1917 (Type 2) to cover Liberty's exposed breast and add three stars below the eagle. These quarters had a raised date that wore quickly in circulation. The 1916 is extremely rare with only 52,000 minted. The series ended in 1930 when the Washington quarter was introduced.

Which quarters are worth money - valuable quarter identification

Washington Quarters (1932-1964)

John Flanagan designed the Washington quarter to commemorate George Washington's 200th birthday. These silver quarters contained 90% silver and 10% copper. Key dates include the 1932-D and 1932-S with very low mintages. During World War II, production continued without interruption. These quarters are popular with collectors due to their silver content and relative availability. All Washington quarters from this period are worth more than face value due to silver content.

Clad Washington Quarters (1965-1998)

In 1965, the composition changed to copper-nickel clad with no silver content due to rising silver prices. These quarters feature a pure copper core with outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. While most have only face value, certain varieties and errors can be valuable. The design remained essentially unchanged during this period. Proof and mint sets from this era maintain collector interest.

50 State Quarters (1999-2008)

This revolutionary program featured unique reverse designs for each state released in order of statehood. Five new designs appeared annually, creating unprecedented public interest in coin collecting. While most circulated examples are worth face value, silver proof versions, errors, and certain varieties can be valuable. The program was hugely successful, introducing millions to numismatics and generating significant revenue for the U.S. Mint.

America the Beautiful Quarters (2010-2021)

Following the state quarters' success, this program honored national parks and sites with 56 designs released over 11 years. Each design featured a national park, forest, or monument from different states and territories. The 2019-W quarters with the W mint mark became particularly valuable, especially the San Antonio Missions quarter. Silver proof versions were produced for collectors alongside regular circulation strikes.

American Women Quarters (2022-2025)

This current program honors prominent American women who made significant contributions to the nation. Five different designs are released annually, celebrating women from diverse backgrounds and achievements including Maya Angelou, Sally Ride, and Wilma Mankiller. The obverse features a new portrait of George Washington designed by Laura Gardin Fraser. These quarters continue to be produced for circulation while special mint and proof versions are available for collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Which Quarters Are Worth Money

Which quarters are worth money and should I keep?

The most valuable quarters include pre-1965 silver quarters, rare dates like 1932-D and 1932-S Washington quarters, error coins, and proof specimens. Key dates to look for include 1796, 1804, 1823/2, 1827/3, and state quarters with errors. Any quarter minted before 1965 contains 90% silver and has melt value above face value. Carson City mint marks (CC) are particularly valuable, as are San Francisco mint quarters from certain years. Always examine your quarters for unusual features, mint errors, and rare dates before spending them.

How do I know which quarters are worth money in my collection?

Check the date and mint mark on your quarters first. Pre-1965 quarters are silver and worth more than face value. Look for rare dates, low mintage years, mint errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes, and proof coins. Coins in better condition are worth significantly more. Use a coin value guide or professional grading service for accurate valuations. The mint mark appears on the reverse (back) of quarters minted before 1965 and on the obverse (front) after 1968. Common valuable indicators include unusual weight, strange coloring, doubled images, or off-center designs.

Which state quarters are worth money today?

Most state quarters from circulation are worth face value, but error versions and special editions can be valuable. The 2019-W San Antonio Missions quarter can be worth up to $75,000 due to its low mintage and special West Point mint mark. Look for doubled die errors, off-center strikes, and proof versions. Silver proof state quarters contain 90% silver and command premium prices. Other valuable state quarters include those with die cracks, wrong planchet errors, or other minting abnormalities. The W mint mark quarters from 2019-2020 are particularly sought after by collectors.

What makes certain quarters worth money compared to others?

Quarters gain value through rarity, historical significance, condition, mint errors, and silver content. Pre-1965 quarters contain 90% silver, making them valuable regardless of date. Low mintage years, proof specimens, error coins, and quarters in uncirculated condition command the highest prices. Provenance and certification also increase value. Factors like eye appeal, toning, strike quality, and die state affect desirability. Quarters from discontinued mints like Carson City are inherently more valuable. Historical context, such as first-year issues or commemorative designs, adds premium value.

Which quarters are worth money from the 1900s?

Valuable 1900s quarters include the 1901-S Barber quarter ($550,000), 1913-S ($172,500), 1916 Standing Liberty ($195,500), 1918/7-S overdate ($336,000), and 1932-D Washington quarter ($143,750). Early Barber quarters from the 1890s and 1900s with San Francisco or New Orleans mint marks are highly sought after. Standing Liberty quarters, especially the 1916 and Type 1 varieties, command strong prices. Key date Washington quarters include 1932-D, 1932-S, and high-grade examples from the 1930s and 1940s. Any quarter before 1965 has silver value at minimum.

Are there specific mint marks that indicate which quarters are worth money?

Yes, certain mint marks significantly increase quarter values. Carson City (CC) quarters like the 1873-CC and 1871-CC are extremely valuable due to limited production and historical significance. San Francisco (S) mint quarters from certain years, such as 1901-S, 1913-S, and 1918/7-S, are worth substantial amounts. Denver (D) mint marks on 1932-D, 1920-D, and other key dates also command premium prices. The West Point (W) mint mark on 2019-2020 quarters creates significant value. New Orleans (O) mint quarters from the 19th century are highly collectible. Philadelphia quarters without mint marks can also be valuable depending on the year.

Which quarters are worth money if they have errors?

Error quarters can be extremely valuable. Overdates like 1827/3, 1823/2, and 1918/7-S are worth hundreds of thousands. Doubled die errors, off-center strikes, wrong planchet errors, and repunched mint marks increase value significantly. The 1828 25/50C denomination error is worth $352,500. Authentication by professional grading services is essential for error coins. Other valuable errors include struck through grease, broad strikes, clips, and cuds. Die cracks, rotated dies, and multi-struck coins also appeal to error collectors. Even minor errors on common dates can multiply a quarter's value substantially.

How can I determine which quarters are worth money in circulated condition?

Even circulated quarters can be valuable. Check for pre-1965 silver content, rare dates, mint marks, and visible errors. Key circulated quarters worth checking include 1932-D, 1932-S, any Carson City mint, 1916 Standing Liberty, and state quarters with W mint marks. Condition matters, but rare dates retain value even when worn. Use a magnifying glass to examine details and check weight to verify silver content. Compare your quarters against known valuable examples. Professional grading adds value even for circulated coins. Remember that silver quarters are worth at least their melt value regardless of wear.

Which quarters are worth money from recent years?

Recent valuable quarters include the 2019-W quarters marking the 25th anniversary of the 50 State Quarters Program, particularly the San Antonio Missions variety worth up to $75,000. Look for W mint marks on America the Beautiful quarters released in 2019-2021. Modern proof sets and silver proof quarters also maintain collectible value above face value. Error coins from recent years can be valuable regardless of age. The American Women Quarters program beginning in 2022 has created collector interest. Always check new releases for mint errors or special editions that could become valuable.

Where should I look to find which quarters are worth money?

Check your pocket change, coin rolls from banks, estate sales, and inherited collections. Examine dates, mint marks, and condition carefully. Pre-1965 quarters have silver content and are always worth more than face value. Look through old coin jars and change collections for rare dates and error coins. Consider metal detecting and coin roll hunting as methods to find valuable quarters. Attend coin shows, check online marketplaces, and network with other collectors. Bank vaults, safety deposit boxes, and old furniture sometimes yield forgotten coin collections. Always inspect quarters before spending them, as valuable coins regularly appear in circulation.

Summary: Which Quarters Are Worth Money

Understanding which quarters are worth money requires knowledge of dates, mint marks, condition, and historical significance. From the extremely rare 1796 quarter valued at $1.74 million to modern error coins and W mint mark quarters, valuable quarters span every era of American coinage. Pre-1965 silver quarters always carry premium value, while rare dates like 1932-D, Carson City issues, and error coins command substantial prices regardless of metal content. Whether you're checking pocket change or evaluating an inherited collection, knowing which quarters are worth money can help you identify hidden treasures. Always examine your quarters carefully for rare dates, unusual mint marks, and potential errors before spending them, as valuable coins continue to appear in everyday circulation.