Some coins in your pocket change might be worth way more than you think! One rare Bicentennial quarter sold for nearly $420,000, making it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
But that’s not all—other rare quarters, including some from the 1800s and early 1900s, have been valued at over $11,000 each.
Whether due to minting errors, historical significance, or low mintage, these coins are highly sought after by collectors. Let’s explore what makes them valuable and how you can spot one.
The $420,000 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter was made to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. While most are only worth 25 cents, one particular quarter stands out for its astonishing auction price of nearly $420,000.
What Makes It Valuable?
This quarter was accidentally struck on a 40% silver planchet meant for collector sets. Unlike the usual copper-nickel version, this mistake created an ultra-rare coin. Its high grade (MS68 or better) also played a big role in its value.
How to Identify One
- Check the edge of the coin—silver quarters have a solid silver edge, while standard ones show a copper stripe.
- Silver quarters are slightly heavier than regular ones.
- Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity.
7 More Rare Quarters Worth Over $11,000
Several other quarters have reached high values due to their rarity and errors. Here are seven worth keeping an eye on.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 436,800 were made, making it one of the rarest Washington quarters.
- High-grade examples can sell for over $11,000.
What to Look For
- Check for a “D” mint mark on the reverse under the eagle.
- Even circulated versions hold value, but near-mint ones fetch the highest prices.
2. 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- Minted in Carson City, this quarter had a tiny mintage of just 8,340 coins.
- Very few survived, and well-preserved ones sell for over $11,000.
What to Look For
- Look for the “CC” mint mark beneath the eagle on the reverse.
- Due to its rarity, professional authentication is recommended.
3. 1901-S Barber Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 72,664 were made in San Francisco, making it a key collectible.
- High-grade versions easily surpass $11,000.
What to Look For
- The “S” mint mark on the back identifies this coin.
- Even worn examples hold significant value.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Washington Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- A minting error caused the design to be doubled, making it a rare find.
- Well-preserved examples can sell for over $11,000.
What to Look For
- Check for visible doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- A magnifying glass helps spot the details.
5. 1943 Washington Quarter with Overpolished Die Error
Why It’s Valuable
- A minting error resulted in parts of the design appearing faint or missing.
- Well-preserved coins can exceed $11,000 in value.
What to Look For
- Look for weak or missing details in the “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscription.
- The more noticeable the error, the higher the value.
6. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- This quarter features an “overdate” error, where the 3 was stamped over a 2.
- Coins in good condition often sell for more than $11,000.
What to Look For
- Examine the date carefully—you should see traces of the underlying “2” beneath the “3.”
- A magnifying tool helps confirm this rare error.
7. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- This was the first year of the Standing Liberty quarter, and its low mintage makes it extremely rare.
- High-grade examples sell for over $11,000.
What to Look For
- The date “1916” and the absence of stars beneath the eagle distinguish this coin.
- Authenticity verification is recommended due to counterfeits.
Why Collectors Value These Quarters
Rare quarters attract collectors for their historical significance, minting errors, and scarcity. Whether it’s a $420,000 Bicentennial quarter or one of the many valuable older coins, these quarters prove that rare treasures can still be found in circulation.
If you ever come across an unusual quarter, it’s worth taking a closer look—you might have a valuable piece of history in your hands!
