1. 1932-D Washington Quarter – The Key Date Treasure
The 1932-D Washington Quarter marks the beginning of the Washington quarter series and is highly sought after by collectors. What makes it especially valuable is its low mintage—only 436,800 were produced in Denver. In circulated condition, this quarter can sell for $200–$500, and uncirculated examples have fetched $1,000 or more.
Most people don’t expect to find a nearly century-old coin in circulation, but it’s not impossible. Check the back for the “D” mintmark just below the eagle. If you spot one, handle it carefully—it’s a potential payday in your pocket change.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter – A San Francisco Rarity
Alongside its Denver counterpart, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is another key-date coin with a very low mintage of 408,000. San Francisco-minted coins can be spotted by the “S” mintmark, and like the D version, they were part of the original run of Washington quarters.
Circulated versions can bring in $150–$300, while uncirculated pieces go for much more. Their age and scarcity make them a hot target for collectors, especially those working to complete a full Washington quarter set. Don’t dismiss old quarters—they could be worth far more than 25 cents.
3. 1950-D Washington Quarter – The Post-War Prize
The 1950-D quarter isn’t the rarest, but it’s part of a lower-mintage post-WWII batch that has caught the attention of collectors. About 21 million were made, which is low compared to other years.
It’s especially valuable in high grades—MS65 and above—where prices can hit $150–$400. What makes it stand out is that most people didn’t hoard quarters like they did with pennies or nickels, meaning circulated coins are more common. Finding one in pristine condition in circulation is rare but possible—and valuable.
4. 1962-D Washington Quarter – Last of the Silver Age
Before 1965, quarters were 90% silver. The 1962-D is among the last of these silver coins. With silver prices fluctuating, even the melt value of this quarter is over $4. But higher-grade examples or error versions can command $50–$200.
Silver quarters can still be found in rolls from banks or estate sales. If it has a silver edge instead of a copper-colored core, you might have a valuable find.
5. 1964 Washington Quarter – A Silver Classic
The 1964 Washington Quarter was the last regular issue made with 90% silver. Over 1.2 billion were minted, so it’s not rare—but it’s still valuable due to its silver content.
A well-preserved 1964 quarter can be worth $6–$15, and special varieties like the 1964-D “Type C” reverse can fetch even more. Always check the edge of your quarters—if it’s all silver with no copper strip, it’s worth pulling aside.
6. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error) – A Modern Marvel
One of the most famous modern error coins is the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with an “extra leaf” on the corn husk. There are two varieties: Extra Leaf Low and Extra Leaf High. These were the result of a die gouge or mint error and are worth $50 to over $1,000, depending on condition.
Only found on Denver-minted coins, look for a “D” below the word “Wisconsin” and examine the corn stalk closely. This error was discovered in circulation, and people still find them in change today.
7. 1999 Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error) – Hilariously Valuable
Nicknamed the “Spitting Horse,” the 1999 Delaware State Quarter has a die crack that makes it look like the horse is spitting. While not extremely rare, it’s a fun and valuable mint error. Prices typically range from $15–$75, depending on how dramatic the crack is and the coin’s condition. It’s one of the more well-known errors from the 50 State Quarters program, and it still pops up in pocket change every now and then.
8. 1983-P Washington Quarter – No Mint Set Mystery
The 1983-P Quarter wasn’t included in the U.S. Mint’s annual uncirculated sets, making high-quality versions harder to find. Combine that with known die issues (like weak strikes), and you’ve got a sleeper hit among collectors. In mint state, especially MS65 and above, these can go for $100 or more. Most people overlook this one, but if you see a shiny 1983-P in excellent condition, it might be worth pulling aside.
9. 1982-P Washington Quarter – Another No-Mint-Set Surprise
Like its 1983 sibling, the 1982-P Quarter is also harder to find in high grades because it wasn’t included in uncirculated sets. Circulated versions are common, but well-preserved ones in higher grades can sell for $40 to over $100. Collectors love the challenge of finding pristine versions of these otherwise ordinary-looking coins. They’re out there—you just have to look closely.
10. 1970-S Washington Quarter (Proof, Overstruck on Canadian Coin) – The Oddball Rarity
One of the strangest and rarest quarters out there is the 1970-S Proof Quarter overstruck on a 1941 Canadian quarter. Only a few examples are known, and they’re extremely valuable—one sold for $35,000. This bizarre minting error was likely never meant to leave the facility but somehow made its way into circulation. If you ever find a 1970-S quarter with unusual features or doubling, have it examined by a professional—you might have a coin that defies logic and boosts your bank account.
11. 1965 Washington Quarter (Transitional Error) – Silver in Disguise
The U.S. switched from silver to clad quarters in 1965, but a few 90% silver planchets were accidentally used. These 1965 silver quarters are incredibly rare and valuable—one example sold for over $7,000. To check yours, look at the coin’s edge. If it lacks the typical copper core and has a silver sheen all around, you could be holding one of the rarest transitional error coins in circulation.
12. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error) – A Forest of Value
Some 2005 Minnesota quarters were struck with extra tree lines next to the main tree on the reverse. These subtle die clashes or doubling errors create the illusion of multiple trees. Depending on how dramatic the error is, these quarters can sell from $50 up to $500. If you’re hunting through rolls of state quarters, this is definitely one to watch for.
13. Bicentennial Quarter (1976) – Some Are Worth More Than You Think
Most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters, with their iconic drummer boy design, are only worth face value. However, silver-clad proof versions and those struck in San Francisco with an “S” mintmark can be worth $5–$20, and some high-grade errors or double die versions can go for even more. It’s one of the most recognizable quarters, and while common, specific versions are worth more than most people think.
FAQs
Q1: Are these valuable quarters still really in circulation?
Yes! While rare, some still appear in circulation, especially from coin rolls, estate sales, or pocket change.
Q2: How can I tell if my quarter is silver?
Check the coin’s edge. If there’s no copper strip and it’s entirely silver, it could be a pre-1965 silver quarter.
Q3: What should I do if I find a rare quarter?
Avoid cleaning it and get it appraised by a coin dealer or professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Q4: Are error coins always valuable?
Not always, but many significant errors—like die cracks, doubling, or off-center strikes—can be quite valuable to collectors.
Conclusion
Your spare change might just be hiding a valuable treasure. From historic silver quarters to quirky mint errors, these 13 coins prove that not all riches come in big packages. The thrill of coin hunting lies in the mystery—any quarter you handle could turn out to be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So next time you get change back from a purchase, take a closer look—you just might hold a small fortune in your palm.
I have a bicentennial quarter. How can I tell if it’s worth anything. I’ve had it for years now bc I thought it was nice to have.
What about a 1 dollar star note example 44564456 is it worthwhile.
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