What 1990s Quarters Are Worth Money?
Are your 1990s quarters worth more than face value? Learn what to look for to identify valuable examples in your change.
Many 1990s quarters circulate as common currency, holding only their face value. However, a select few from this decade can be quite valuable to collectors. These rare pieces often possess unique characteristics, such as specific minting errors or exceptional preservation, setting them apart from the billions of quarters produced. Understanding what makes these particular coins valuable can help enthusiasts identify potential hidden treasures.
Factors Determining Value
Several key elements contribute to a quarter’s value beyond its twenty-five cents. One significant factor is the presence or absence of a mint mark. These small letters, found on the obverse (front) of the coin, indicate where the coin was produced; “P” signifies Philadelphia, “D” denotes Denver, and “S” stands for San Francisco. Specific mint marks, or their absence, can indicate rarity.
Beyond mint marks, errors and varieties introduced during the manufacturing process can significantly increase a coin’s worth. Minting errors encompass a range of anomalies, such as doubled dies where the design appears duplicated, off-center strikes where the image is not perfectly centered, or planchet errors involving flaws in the coin blank itself. Varieties, such as the “Wide AM” or “Close AM” distinctions, refer to subtle differences in the die design that were not intended but occurred during production.
A coin’s physical condition also plays a crucial role in its market value. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, known as the Sheldon Scale, with higher numbers indicating better preservation. An “uncirculated” coin, often referred to as “mint state,” shows no signs of wear from handling and fetches a much higher price than a “circulated” coin, which has been used in commerce. Professional grading by independent services provides an assessment of a coin’s condition.
Specific Valuable 1990s Quarters
While most 1990-P (Philadelphia) and 1990-D (Denver) quarters are common, examples in exceptionally high, uncirculated grades can command premiums. A 1990-D quarter, for instance, graded MS-68, is valued significantly due to its rarity in such pristine condition. Similarly, 1990-S proof quarters, struck in San Francisco for collector sets, are not highly valuable unless they exhibit specific, rare errors.
The “Close AM” and “Wide AM” varieties, known for Lincoln cents, involve subtle differences in the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse. While not common for quarters, any quarter exhibiting such a distinct die variety would be rare and valuable.
A valuable 1990s quarter is the 1998-S Matte Proof Quarter. Part of a special set, this coin is distinguished by its unique matte finish, which differs from the brilliant or deep cameo proof finishes. Its rarity and unique finish make it highly sought after, with high-grade examples achieving significant values. The 1998-S clad proof quarters and silver proof quarters also exist, with the latter being 90% silver.
Other types of mint errors can also make any 1990s quarter valuable. These include doubled dies, where parts of the design appear duplicated, or off-center strikes, where the coin’s design is not fully contained within its circular edge. Planchet errors, such as a missing clad layer or being struck on a wrong coin blank, can also lead to high values. These errors are tied to anomalies in the minting process.
Identifying Key Features
To examine your 1990s quarters, good lighting and magnification are essential tools. A jeweler’s loupe, 10x power or stronger, can help reveal subtle details that are invisible to the naked eye. Examining coins under direct, bright light can highlight surface imperfections or design anomalies. Comparing your coin to verified images of known valuable varieties or errors from reputable online numismatic resources is also an important step.
When checking for mint marks, look on the obverse side, to the right of George Washington’s ponytail. Philadelphia-minted quarters from this era have no mint mark, while Denver coins bear a “D” and San Francisco proofs an “S”. For doubled dies, carefully inspect the lettering, numbers in the date, or design elements for any signs of overlapping or doubling.
For varieties like the “Wide AM” or “Close AM,” observe the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the coin. A “Close AM” would show the bottoms of the letters “A” and “M” nearly touching, while a “Wide AM” would have a noticeable gap. For the 1998-S Matte Proof, its distinct non-lustrous, grainy surface is the identifier, contrasting with the shiny appearance of other proof quarters. Additionally, assess the overall condition for signs of wear, scratches, or discoloration, as this impacts value.
Valuation and Selling Your Quarters
Once you believe you have identified a potentially valuable 1990s quarter, obtaining a professional appraisal is an important next step. Reputable third-party grading services, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), offer authentication and grading services. Submitting your coin to one of these services provides an assessment of its authenticity and condition, which is important for establishing its market value. It is important to avoid cleaning coins, as this can inadvertently damage the surface and significantly reduce their numismatic value.
When considering selling a valuable quarter, several avenues are available. Reputable coin dealers often buy rare coins directly, providing a quick transaction. Online auction sites can reach a broad audience of collectors, potentially leading to higher bids, but require careful attention to buyer and seller protections. Coin shows and conventions also offer opportunities to connect with dealers and collectors, allowing for direct negotiation. Thorough research and seeking multiple offers are advisable to ensure you receive a fair price for your valuable coin.