Most quarters are only worth 25 cents, but did you know some rare ones have sold for over a million dollars? Certain quarters, whether due to low mintage, minting errors, or historical significance, have become highly valuable to collectors.
If you’re lucky, you might even have one in your collection! Let’s explore the nine most valuable quarters in U.S. history.
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter – $1.5 Million
This was the first quarter ever minted in the U.S., making it a historic piece. Only 6,146 of these coins were made, and very few have survived in good condition.
The coin features a Draped Bust design on the front and a small eagle on the back. A well-preserved 1796 quarter can sell for as much as $1.5 million!
2. 1823/2 Overdate Quarter – $500,000
This quarter has a rare minting error where the number “3” was stamped over a “2” in the date. Since only a small number were made, it is extremely hard to find.
A high-grade 1823/2 quarter can be worth up to $500,000 to collectors.
3. 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter – $400,000
Minted in Carson City, this quarter had a low production run, with fewer than 10,000 coins made.
Finding one in good condition is almost impossible, making it a rare gem in the numismatic world. One of these quarters sold for $400,000 at auction.
4. 1827 Proof Capped Bust Quarter – $300,000
The 1827 Capped Bust Quarter is highly sought after, especially in proof condition. Only a few were made, and even fewer have survived.
Because of its extreme rarity, a collector once paid $300,000 for one in top condition.
5. 1901-S Barber Quarter – $250,000
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is the scarcest in its series, with only 72,664 coins minted. Most were heavily circulated, making well-preserved ones rare and valuable. In mint condition, this quarter can fetch over $250,000.
6. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter – $200,000
This is a rare minting mistake where a “D” mintmark from Denver was stamped over an “S” mintmark from San Francisco. These types of errors are highly collectible, and a top-quality example has sold for $200,000.
7. 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter – $180,000
This quarter marks the first year of the Liberty Seated design, but only a few proof versions were made.
These rare proof coins were meant for collectors and dignitaries. One of these sold for $180,000 in pristine condition.
8. 1796 Small Eagle Reverse Quarter – $175,000
Another version of the 1796 quarter, this one features a small eagle design on the reverse, which was later changed.
Because it was only made for a short time, it is one of the rarest early quarters. In good condition, it can sell for $175,000.
9. 1932-D Washington Quarter – $150,000
The Washington Quarter series started in 1932, and the Denver Mint version (1932-D) is one of the rarest.
With only 436,800 minted, finding one in mint condition is extremely difficult. One of these rare quarters was sold for $150,000!
Table: Most Valuable Quarters Ever Minted
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | U.S. Mint | $1.5 Million | First U.S. quarter, Draped Bust design |
| 1823/2 Overdate Quarter | U.S. Mint | $500,000 | Rare overdate error (3 over 2) |
| 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | Carson City | $400,000 | One of the rarest Carson City quarters |
| 1827 Proof Capped Bust Quarter | U.S. Mint | $300,000 | Extremely rare proof issue |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | San Francisco | $250,000 | Scarce key date with low mintage |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | Denver/San Francisco | $200,000 | Minting error (D over S) |
| 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter | U.S. Mint | $180,000 | First year of Liberty Seated series |
| 1796 Small Eagle Reverse Quarter | U.S. Mint | $175,000 | Small eagle design, later replaced |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Denver | $150,000 | Key date in the Washington Quarter series |
Why Are These Quarters So Valuable?
Several factors determine a quarter’s value:
- Rarity – The fewer coins available, the more valuable they become.
- Historical Significance – Many of these quarters mark important moments in U.S. history.
- Condition – Coins in mint or near-mint condition are worth much more.
- Minting Errors – Mistakes like overdate or overmintmark errors make coins unique and desirable.
Collecting rare quarters is not just a hobby—it’s an investment! Many of these coins have increased in value over time, and their prices continue to rise.
If you ever find an old quarter in your collection, it might be worth checking if it’s one of these valuable treasures. You never know—you might be holding a small fortune in your hand!
