Coin collecting is a one-of-a-kind pastime that marries history, artistry, and the excitement of finding buried treasure. Many coins are significant for design or historical significance but some quarters have distinguished themselves by their scarcity and auction prices. These incredible quarters have sent shockwaves throughout the numismatic community and can be worth a great deal more than their face value. Let’s look at seven of these extraordinary and valuable quarters, each demonstrating the exciting pastime of collecting coins.
Bicentennial Quarter
An excellent example of how a coin you have handled on numerous occasions can turn out to be a coin that a collector might love to have is the 1976 Bicentennial quarter. Most of these coins are copper-nickel, but there was a small more rare 40% silver quarter made as a special collector’s mint set to honor America’s 200th birthday.
These silver quarters aren’t very well known, so they are kind of a hidden treasure for collectors. Not too long ago, one in excellent condition recently sold for a whopping $201,000. The key factors in how an every day coin can become a unique treasure, including history, the condition of the coin and the fact that it wasn’t seen that often as a silver version. This sale is a great example of how even the most common coins can go up in value when all the stars align.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Among the most coveted coins in the Washington Quarter series, the 1932-S Washington Quarter stands as a cornerstone for collectors. A total of only 408,000 of these quarters were minted which makes them one of the scarcest and sought-after coins in the series. The “S” mint mark means that it was minted in the San Francisco Mint, and makes it even more collectible and historically significant. It is highly valued in high-grade condition and can easily bring more than $25,000 at auction. For the collectors attempting to complete Washington Quarter sets, the 1932-S is a desirable piece and ultimately one of the most wanted coins in numismatics.
1943 Copper Quarter
Due to the increased demand for copper during World War II, quarters in 1943 were made from silver, with only a few rare copper quarters struck by mistake, making them one of the rarest and most valuable error coins in US history. The copper quarter, especially in mint condition, rainks over $25,000 in value. The 1943 copper quarter is a remarkable example of a minting error that has allowed a wartime need to become a coin collector’s dream and treasure, as only a few have survived past the initial minting process.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is perhaps the best example of a minting error possibly creating valuable coins. In this instance, a Denver (D) mint mark was overstruck onto a San Francisco (S) mint mark. These occurred due to an error at the U.S. Mint, and today they are highly sought-after coins for collectors. High-grade examples can easily sell for well over $25,000! The overmintmark, its historical context, and it’s scarcity all contribute to its massive potential value.
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter

The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter is yet another coin that has plenty of valuable potential because of a minting flaw. The error was produced during the minting process when the die of the reverse design was misaligned causing the reverse of the coin to double the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. The double effect is most prominent in the lettering, making for a hefty coin. Coins like this, especially in good condition, are valued at about $25,000 or more! This is a popular quarter because collectors like the minting errors and the appeal it brings to a coin!
1970-S Small Date Quarter
The 1970-S Small Date Quarter is a unique specimen due to its small difference in the size of the date on the coin. Although this may seem trivial, it can result in a tremendous difference in the coin’s value. You can see high-grade examples of this coin exceed $25,000 easily! The coin illustrates well how tiny differences in designs can influence a coin’s desirability and value, and it rewards the collectors willing to look past a standard 1970-S dated quarter for the minute differences.
1983-P Washington Quarter
Even coins that are modern still can be quite valuable, and one of the best examples of this is the 1983-P Washington Quarter. While coins from the 1980’s are generally not valuable, the 1983-P quarter is an exception because fewer of them survived in mint condition. Most of these quarters were well-circulated, resulting in very few uncirculated coins. Uncirculated examples of the 1983-P Washington Quarter can bring over $25,000, showing that even coins from the 1980s can be premium collectibles and worth considerable money. This quarter clearly demonstrates that a coin’s worth is not only determined by its age, but by its rarity as well as its condition.
Of the coins we discussed in this article, you’ve merely seen a small sampling of the fascinating world of rare and valuable coins. Whether it’s a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter struck in silver, a 1932-S Washington Quarter, or 1983-P Washington Quarter;
all of these coins emphasize the importance to collectors of rarity, historical importance, and even minting errors in collecting. To a collector, every coin has a story to tell, and this particular group of rare finds provides insight into the broad history of U.S. coinage and artistry. If you happen to find one of these small treasures in your change, keep in mind that you may be looking at a nice sum of money in your hand.
FAQs
1. What makes the Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
The Bicentennial Quarter is valuable due to its rarity, minting errors, unique characteristics, and collector demand. Some quarters were struck with special silver content or minting mistakes that increase their worth.
2. How can I identify a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Look for key features such as mint marks (S, D, or no mark), errors like doubled dies, off-center strikes, or special silver compositions. Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition also hold higher value.
3. Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell your rare quarter at coin shops, auctions, online marketplaces like eBay, or through certified grading services such as PCGS or NGC to ensure authenticity.
4. What are the other six valuable coins mentioned?
The other valuable coins could include rare dimes, pennies, or silver quarters with unique errors, misprints, or historical significance. Some examples are the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the 1943 Copper Penny, and the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny.
5. How do I check if my coin is valuable?
Use a magnifying glass to inspect details like mint marks and errors, compare your coin to online price guides, or consult a professional coin appraiser for an accurate valuation.