Quarters have been part of American history since 1796, but not all are just worth 25 cents. Some rare quarters have become collector’s treasures, selling for thousands—or even millions—of dollars!
Whether due to minting mistakes, low production, or historical importance, these coins stand out.
If you’re curious about the most valuable U.S. quarters, check out this list of 10 that every collector should know.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter was the first quarter ever made in the U.S., making it highly desirable for collectors.
With only 6,146 coins minted, this quarter is extremely rare. It features a detailed bust of Lady Liberty on one side and a small eagle surrounded by a wreath on the other.
Depending on its condition, this coin can sell for $10,000 to over $1 million!
1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
This rare quarter was minted in Carson City, Nevada, with only 8,340 coins produced. Since it comes from a famous Old West mint, collectors value it highly.
Even a worn-out version is worth thousands, while well-preserved ones can sell for more than $150,000!
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter (Overdate)
This quarter has a famous overdate error, meaning the “3” was stamped over a “2” in the year 1823. Since only a few exist, it’s one of the rarest U.S. quarters.
If you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition, it could be worth $90,000 or more.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
This is the first year of the Standing Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty holding a shield and an olive branch.
With a mintage of only 52,000 coins, it’s one of the rarest 20th-century quarters. A well-preserved one can sell for over $100,000, while even worn ones are worth thousands.
1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber quarter was made in San Francisco with a low mintage of 72,664 coins. It is the rarest quarter in the Barber series, and high-grade examples have sold for over $500,000 at auction.
If you ever find one, you could be holding a fortune!
1804 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1804 Draped Bust quarter is another early American coin that collectors love. Only 6,738 were struck, and many have been lost or melted down over time.
Because of its rarity, this quarter often sells for more than $300,000, depending on its condition.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter was made during the Great Depression. Only 436,800 were produced, making it one of the lowest-mintage Washington quarters.
A well-preserved coin can be worth over $30,000, and even circulated ones can sell for hundreds.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington quarter is also rare, with only 408,000 minted.
Collectors consider it a key date in the Washington series, and high-grade versions can sell for over $20,000. Even in lower conditions, it’s still worth a premium.
1873-CC Seated Liberty Quarter (No Arrows)
This is one of the rarest U.S. quarters ever made. Only five examples are known to exist, making it incredibly valuable.
In an auction, one of these rare coins sold for over $1.8 million, making it a dream find for collectors!
1853 Seated Liberty Quarter (No Arrows)
In 1853, the U.S. Mint changed the weight of quarters, adding arrows to indicate the change. The quarters made before this adjustment—without arrows—are rare.
Depending on its condition, an 1853 Seated Liberty quarter (No Arrows) can be worth up to $100,000.
Table – The 10 Most Valuable U.S. Quarters
| Coin Name | Mint | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | Philadelphia | $10,000 – $1M+ | First U.S. quarter; low mintage (6,146) |
| 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter | Carson City | $150,000+ | Rare Old West coin; only 8,340 minted |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter (Overdate) | Philadelphia | $90,000+ | Overdate error with “3” stamped over “2” |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | Philadelphia | $100,000+ | First-year issue; very low mintage (52,000) |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | San Francisco | $500,000+ | Rarest Barber quarter; only 72,664 minted |
| 1804 Draped Bust Quarter | Philadelphia | $300,000+ | Early American rarity; only 6,738 minted |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Denver | $30,000+ | Key date in Washington series; low mintage (436,800) |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | San Francisco | $20,000+ | Rare key date with a mintage of 408,000 |
| 1873-CC Seated Liberty Quarter (No Arrows) | Carson City | $1.8M+ | Only 5 known examples; one of the rarest U.S. quarters |
| 1853 Seated Liberty Quarter (No Arrows) | Philadelphia | $100,000+ | Pre-weight adjustment variety, very rare |
Collecting rare quarters is a fun and rewarding hobby, especially when you find a valuable coin. The quarters on this list are some of the most sought-after in U.S. history.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, keeping an eye out for these rare quarters could lead to an exciting discovery. Who knows? You might just have one of these valuable coins hiding in your collection!
