Which Quarters Are Worth Money and How to Find Them

While most quarters are worth their face value, a select few possess features that make them highly sought after by collectors. These special coins can turn ordinary pocket change into a surprising discovery. This guide explores the characteristics that contribute to a quarter’s increased worth and provides actionable steps for discovering them.

Factors Determining Quarter Value

Several elements determine a quarter’s value beyond its face denomination. Scarcity significantly influences worth; fewer coins produced or fewer surviving examples lead to higher prices. This concept, known as rarity or low mintage, is a primary driver in the numismatic market.

The physical condition of a coin also impacts its desirability and price. Coins with minimal wear and no damage are graded higher and command greater values than heavily circulated or scratched ones. A well-preserved coin with sharp details is far more valuable.

Mint errors, unintentional mistakes during the coin production process, can transform an ordinary quarter into a valuable collectible. Common types of errors include doubled dies, where design elements appear duplicated; off-center strikes, where the coin’s design is not perfectly centered; and grease errors, which can cause parts of the design or lettering to appear weak or missing.

Specific dates and mint marks are crucial for determining a quarter’s rarity and value. Mint marks are small letters indicating where a coin was produced, such as “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or “P” for Philadelphia. Certain years combined with particular mint marks represent lower production numbers or unique characteristics, making them highly desirable to collectors.

Specific Quarters to Look For

Some notable valuable quarters are identified by their date, mint mark, and specific anomalies. The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters are prime examples, representing the lowest mintages in the series. Only 436,800 were struck at the Denver Mint and 408,000 at the San Francisco Mint in 1932, making them highly sought after, with uncirculated examples fetching thousands of dollars. These coins are composed of 90% silver.

The 1937-S Washington Quarter, with a mintage of 1,652,000, is valuable for collectors, especially those in higher grades. Its relative scarcity in uncirculated condition makes it valuable. The 1955-D Washington Quarter had a low mintage of just over 3.1 million, contributing to its value, particularly for coins in excellent condition.

Modern quarters also hold significant value due to distinct mint errors. The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is known for its “extra leaf” error. This anomaly appears as an additional leaf on the corn stalk design on the reverse, either pointing down (“Low Leaf”) or pointing up (“High Leaf”).

Another notable error is found on the 2005-P Kansas State Quarter, often referred to as the “In God We Rust” error. This occurs when lubricating grease fills the die, causing the first “T” in “TRUST” on the obverse to be weakly struck or appear missing.

The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarters, issued to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary, can also be valuable, particularly the silver proof versions. These coins feature a Colonial drummer on the reverse. While clad versions were produced in large quantities, the 40% silver proof quarters minted in San Francisco (bearing an “S” mint mark) are more valuable due to their precious metal content and lower mintage.

How to Inspect Your Quarters

Identifying valuable quarters requires careful examination. Gather a magnifying glass (5x to 10x magnification) and good lighting for detailed inspection.

Begin by checking the date and mint mark, found on the obverse (front) or reverse (back) depending on the year. Older Washington quarters (1932-1964) have the mint mark on the reverse; later issues have it on the obverse. Look closely at the clarity of the date and mint mark for any signs of doubling or misplacement.

Next, examine both sides of the coin—the obverse (Washington’s portrait) and the reverse (the eagle or state design)—for any anomalies. Pay close attention to inscriptions and lettering, looking for any doubling effects, faint or incomplete letters, or unusual raised areas. For the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter, specifically check the corn cob area for an extra leaf. On the 2005-P Kansas quarter, inspect the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” for a faint or missing “T.”

Finally, inspect the coin’s edge for inconsistencies like missing reeding or uneven surfaces. Handle coins carefully by their edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin or causing additional damage, which can diminish their condition and value.