Washington quarters have been in circulation since 1932, and while most are worth just 25 cents, a few are worth thousands. Some quarters become valuable due to rarity, condition, or minting errors, making them highly sought after by collectors.
If you ever come across one of these coins, you might be holding a small fortune. Here are the most expensive Washington quarters and why they are worth so much.
1966 Clad Quarter – $21,000
Most valuable quarters are made of silver, but this 1966 clad quarter proves that even copper-nickel coins can be worth a fortune.
This coin is rare in top condition, and the highest-graded MS68+ example sold for an astonishing $21,000 in May 2023.
Why It’s Valuable:
- The finest known example of a 1966 quarter.
- Rare in high mint-state grades.
- Demand from collectors pushes its value up.
1953-D Silver Quarter – $21,500
The 1953-D quarter was minted in Denver, and while most of these coins are common, the only MS68-graded example stands out.
Regular circulated versions are worth $6 to $9, but this flawless coin was auctioned for an impressive $21,500.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extremely rare in top grades.
- The only known MS68 example.
- A well-preserved silver quarter from the 1950s.
1949-D Silver Quarter – $22,500
With an original mintage of just over 10 million, the 1949-D quarter is rarer than many others. While circulated versions are common, the only MS68-graded coin was valued at $22,500 at auction.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Only one known MS68 specimen.
- Older silver quarters hold high collector value.
- Hard to find in pristine condition.
1955-D Silver Quarter – $22,500
The 1955-D quarter had a lower mintage than other years, and many were saved in great condition. While circulated versions are worth only a few dollars, the highest-graded MS68 example reached $22,500.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Low mintage makes it rarer.
- The only known MS68 example.
- Mint-state silver quarters are highly collectible.
1943-S Silver Quarter – $23,500
This 1943-S silver quarter from the San Francisco Mint is another rare find. While circulated versions sell for around $8, the only MS68 example was auctioned for $23,500.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Only one graded MS68 exists.
- High collector demand for wartime quarters.
- A rare mint-state example of a popular coin.
1963-D Silver Quarter – $24,000
As one of the last silver quarters produced, the 1963-D quarter carries historical importance. Most circulated versions are worth less than $10, but the only MS68-graded coin was valued at $24,000.
Why It’s Valuable:
- The last years of silver quarters are highly collectible.
- The only MS68 example known.
- Silver coins retain high intrinsic value.
1945-S Silver Quarter – $25,000
The 1945-S quarter is one of the most valuable Washington quarters in existence. While circulated coins are worth around $9, only three MS68 examples are known, each valued at $25,000.
Why It’s Valuable:
- A rare gem in mint-state condition.
- Only three known at MS68.
- Popular among collectors of wartime coins.
1937 Silver Quarter – $25,000
Early Washington quarters, especially from the 1930s, are highly collectible. While circulated versions of the 1937 quarter are common, two coins graded MS68 exist, each valued at $25,000.
Why It’s Valuable:
- One of the finest examples from the 1930s.
- Only two known at MS68.
- Early Washington quarters have high historical significance.
1936 Silver Quarter – $25,000
Another early quarter, the 1936 silver quarter, is a prized collector’s item. While MS67 coins can be found for around $400, the only MS68-graded coin has an astounding value of $25,000.
Why It’s Valuable:
- One of the rarest early Washington quarters.
- Only one known MS68 specimen.
- High-grade silver coins from the 1930s are scarce.
Why Are These Quarters So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of these coins:
- Condition: Coins graded MS67 or higher are extremely rare.
- Rarity: Some quarters had low mintages or unique mint errors.
- Historical Significance: Older coins or those from important time periods hold greater value.
Washington quarters prove that even ordinary pocket change can become a valuable piece of history. Whether due to rarity, condition, or collector demand, these quarters continue to break auction records. If you have old coins lying around, it’s worth checking—you might have a hidden treasure!
