Quarters, those simple 25-cent coins that have been circulating in the U.S. since the late 18th century, hold more than just face value for those who know what to look for. While most quarters slip through our hands with little thought, certain rare editions can carry a much higher value.
From errors in the minting process to limited production runs, some of these coins can fetch jaw-dropping prices at auctions, and you might just have one lying around.
If you’re curious about which quarters are worth more than 25 cents, here’s a rundown of 10 rare U.S. quarters that collectors are willing to pay big bucks for.
1. The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
A small mistake during the minting of this coin led to a unique feature that makes it a collector’s dream. The front of this coin, known as the obverse, shows a noticeable doubling in the inscriptions, making “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” appear almost three-dimensional.
Only about 24,000 of these quarters were produced, and even fewer remain today. In good condition, these rare quarters can be worth anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000.
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2. The 1932-D Washington Quarter
Minted in Denver, the 1932-D Washington Quarter stands out for its rarity. With only 436,800 coins struck, it’s highly sought after by collectors.
A quarter in near-mint condition can command prices over $7,000, while those in circulated condition typically sell for $900 or more, depending on the wear and tear.
3. The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
Another coin made valuable by a minting error, the 1937 Washington Quarter displays doubling on the word “Liberty” and Washington’s profile.
This mistake elevates its value significantly. At auctions, pristine examples have sold for upwards of $35,000, while even less perfect ones can still bring in thousands, with prices ranging from $500 to $3,000.
4. The 1872-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Minted in Carson City, Nevada, the 1872-CC Liberty Seated Quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable coins out there. With just 22,850 pieces ever struck, this quarter is a true piece of history.
In auctions, a well-preserved specimen can fetch anywhere from $4,000 to $25,000. In one notable case, a coin sold for $22,725 in 2019.
5. The 1844 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter
Produced for a very limited number of collectors, the 1844 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter is extremely rare. Only about 20 examples of this coin are thought to exist today.
One such quarter, graded as PR-66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), fetched an astounding $322,000 at auction.
6. The 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter Extra Leaf High
Part of the 50 State Quarters Program, the Wisconsin Quarter is notable for a small error: an extra leaf on the ear of corn featured on the reverse side.
This little detail can make the coin worth significantly more than its face value. Coins graded in near-perfect condition can sell for over $2,500, depending on their quality.
7. The 2009-D District of Columbia DDR Quarter
Released in 2009, this quarter from the 50 State Quarters Program displays a doubling effect on the reverse side, specifically on the words “District of Columbia” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
While circulated examples of this coin may go for around $200, uncirculated and professionally graded coins can fetch over $3,000 at auction.
8. The 2005-P Minnesota Double Die Extra Tree Quarter
This quarter, featuring Minnesota’s iconic North Star, has a delightful minting error: an extra tree stamped on its reverse side.
With only about 1,000 to 2,000 examples believed to be in circulation, it’s a rare find. These quarters can be worth between $300 and $4,000, with the most pristine examples reaching as high as $7,500.
9. The 1896-S Barber Quarter
Struck in San Francisco, the 1896-S Barber Quarter was minted in limited numbers—only 1.45 million coins were made.
Many of these have been lost over the years, adding to their rarity. Depending on its condition, this quarter can sell for anywhere from $1,200 to over $10,000.
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10. The 2000-P Maryland Quarter Muled with Sacagawea Dollar
This particular quarter wasn’t supposed to be minted the way it was. Due to a misalignment at the mint, a quarter featuring Maryland’s state design was struck on a Sacagawea dollar blank.
The result? A quarter worth thousands. Depending on its condition, this rare coin can sell for $1,000 to over $10,000.
Conclusion:
These are just a few examples of rare U.S. quarters that can hold tremendous value. While the face value of a quarter is just 25 cents, the right coin can be worth thousands, if not more.
So next time you come across some loose change, take a moment to look closely—you might just be holding a fortune in your hand.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.