If you think all quarters are worth just 25 cents, think again. Some of the rarest and most valuable U.S. quarters are still turning up in circulation, tucked away in change jars, or hidden in old coin rolls. These elusive gems can be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Many of them owe their value to mint errors, low mintage years, or special characteristics that set them apart from the everyday coinage. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who enjoys checking their change, here are six rare quarters that could be hiding in your pocket right now—and what makes them so valuable.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D is one of the key dates in the Washington quarter series and a true collector’s prize. It was minted in Denver during the first year the Washington quarter was issued, and fewer than 500,000 were made. That makes it one of the lowest-mintage quarters of the 20th century. This coin is valuable even in well-worn condition, often selling for $100 to $300.
If you happen to find one in higher grade with sharp details and minimal wear, you could be looking at a coin worth over $1,000. What sets it apart isn’t just its rarity but its historical significance—it commemorated the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Check your coin jars and rolls carefully. Many people mistake it for a regular Washington quarter without realizing its hidden value.
2. 1950-D Washington Quarter
While not as rare as the 1932-D, the 1950-D quarter is prized by collectors for its relative scarcity in high grades. During this post-war era, many coins were heavily circulated, and very few pristine examples remain. The Denver Mint struck around 21 million quarters in 1950, but those that survived in mint state are highly sought after.
If you find a well-preserved one with strong luster and no signs of wear, it could be worth $50–$300 or more depending on the grade. Keep an eye out for full-detail examples, especially those graded MS65 or higher. These coins were often used and abused, making it especially rewarding to find one in excellent shape.
3. 1965 Silver Error Quarter
In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned quarters from 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad composition. However, a few 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover 90% silver planchets. These error coins are exceptionally rare and can fetch between $5,000 and $10,000 or more, depending on condition. You can test one with a magnet (silver is not magnetic) or weigh it—silver quarters weigh slightly more than clad ones (6.25g vs. 5.67g).
These silver-struck 1965 quarters were likely produced in error as the Mint phased out silver coinage. Most people don’t even think to check 1965 quarters, assuming they’re all clad, but a quick look could lead to a stunning discovery.
4. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (Struck on 1941 Canadian Quarter)
This is one of the rarest mint errors ever documented. The 1970-S proof quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter is a famous example of a “double-denomination” error. Only one or two examples have surfaced, making them virtually priceless. One sold at auction for over $35,000.
You’ll recognize it by the ghostly remnants of the Canadian design underneath the U.S. quarter’s features. Since it was a proof coin, it’s not something you’d likely find in loose change—but errors like this can occasionally slip into the public’s hands. If you think you have a strange-looking quarter with unusual doubling or a foreign imprint, it’s worth getting it authenticated.
5. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter With Extra Leaf
The 2004 Wisconsin state quarter has a well-known and valuable error—some coins feature an extra leaf on the corn husk design on the reverse side. There are two variations: the “Extra Leaf Low” and the “Extra Leaf High.” These unusual variants likely occurred due to accidental die gouges during the minting process.
These error coins have sold for $100 to $500 depending on condition, with the rarer versions going even higher. This quarter is a favorite among modern error collectors, and it’s still turning up in circulation. If you live in or near Wisconsin or received one of these from a cash transaction, it’s worth a second look.
6. 1983 Washington Quarter With No Mint Mark and Doubling
The 1983 quarter is another sleeper coin that could be in your change right now. Most 1983 quarters were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which typically does not include a mint mark. However, what’s more interesting is the existence of 1983 quarters with strong doubling, particularly on the “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto and the word “LIBERTY.”
These are examples of doubled die obverse (DDO) errors. While some minor doubling isn’t very valuable, strong DDO coins can bring $200 to $1,000 or more depending on their clarity and grade. Always check 1983 quarters for extra thickness or ghosted outlines on the lettering—a subtle detail that could turn out to be a small fortune.
FAQs
Q1: Are rare quarters really still in circulation?
Yes! While rare quarters are uncommon, they can and do show up in circulation from time to time, especially when people unknowingly spend old coins from inherited collections or coin jars.
Q2: How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Start by checking the date and mint mark. Then look for unusual features like doubling, off-center strikes, or design errors. Weighing and magnet testing can also help identify silver planchets.
Q3: Should I clean a rare quarter to make it look better?
Never clean a coin. Cleaning reduces its value significantly, especially for rare or collectible coins. Collectors and dealers prefer coins in original, unaltered condition.
Q4: Where is the best place to sell a valuable quarter?
Reputable coin dealers, certified coin shows, or auction houses like Heritage Auctions are your best options. Online platforms are also viable but should be approached cautiously.
Conclusion
You might think quarters are just spare change, but some are worth much more than 25 cents. These six rare quarters prove that treasure can still be found in the most unexpected places—like your own pocket. Whether it’s a silver error, a mint mistake, or a low-mintage rarity, checking your coins carefully could lead to an exciting discovery. The next time you break a $20 and get quarters in change, take a moment to examine them—you might just uncover a small fortune hiding in plain sight.