13 Most Valuable Quarters Still in Circulation

Hidden in the jingling change of your pocket or an old forgotten jar might be a piece of American history worth far more than its face value. Certain U.S. quarters, whether due to their age, rarity, or unique minting errors, have captured the attention of coin collectors and enthusiasts alike.

From silver classics to modern marvels, these coins are not just currency—they’re tiny treasures with stories of their own. Here are 13 of the most valuable quarters you might come across.

1. 1932-D Washington Quarter – The Key Date Treasure

The 1932-D Washington Quarter holds a special place as the start of the series, and its low mintage of just 436,800 makes it highly collectible. In circulated condition, these coins can bring $200 to $500, while uncirculated examples have been known to fetch over $1,000.

Finding one of these nearly century-old coins in pocket change is a long shot, but not impossible. Check the reverse for a “D” mintmark just beneath the eagle’s tail. If you find one, handle it with care—it could be a small fortune in your hand.

2. 1932-S Washington Quarter – A San Francisco Rarity

The 1932-S Washington Quarter is another coveted key-date coin, with a similarly low mintage of just 408,000. Identified by the “S” mintmark, this coin is also part of the original series run.

Circulated examples can sell for $150 to $300, while pristine, uncirculated coins often bring in much more. Completing a full Washington quarter set can be a rewarding challenge for collectors, making these coins especially sought after.

3. 1950-D Washington Quarter – The Post-War Prize

While not the rarest, the 1950-D quarter stands out as a lower-mintage, post-World War II issue. With around 21 million minted, it’s less common than many other dates.

High-grade specimens, especially those in MS65 and above, can command $150 to $400. Finding one in near-mint condition is rare, as most of these coins circulated widely, making well-preserved examples particularly desirable.

4. 1962-D Washington Quarter – Last of the Silver Age

Before 1965, U.S. quarters were 90% silver, making the 1962-D one of the last of its kind. While the melt value alone can be over $4, higher-grade examples or those with notable errors can fetch $50 to $200.

Collectors still occasionally find these silver coins in bank rolls or estate sales. If the edge lacks a copper stripe, you might have a valuable piece.

5. 1964 Washington Quarter – A Silver Classic

The 1964 Washington Quarter was the final year for 90% silver quarters. Over 1.2 billion were minted, but despite the high production, these coins remain valuable due to their silver content.

In higher grades, they can sell for $6 to $15, and special varieties like the 1964-D “Type C” reverse are even more valuable. Always check the edge for that all-silver sheen.

6. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error) – A Modern Marvel

One of the most talked-about modern errors is the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with an “extra leaf” on the corn stalk. Found only on Denver-minted coins, these errors can range from $50 to over $1,000, depending on condition.

If you find a 2004-D Wisconsin quarter, check the corn for an extra leaf—it’s a tiny detail that could lead to a big payday.

7. 1999 Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error) – Hilariously Valuable

Known as the “Spitting Horse” quarter, this 1999 Delaware issue has a die crack that makes it look like the horse is spitting. These can sell for $15 to $75 depending on the severity of the crack and the coin’s overall condition.

Despite being part of the highly circulated 50 State Quarters program, these quirky coins still occasionally turn up in pocket change.

8. 1983-P Washington Quarter – No Mint Set Mystery

The 1983-P Washington Quarter was left out of the U.S. Mint’s annual uncirculated sets, making high-grade versions surprisingly scarce. This oversight, combined with known die issues, makes pristine examples worth $100 or more.

Don’t overlook a shiny 1983-P—it might be one of the few survivors in excellent condition.

9. 1982-P Washington Quarter – Another No-Mint-Set Surprise

Like its 1983 counterpart, the 1982-P Quarter wasn’t included in uncirculated sets, making top-grade examples much harder to find. High-quality circulated coins can sell for $40 to over $100, making this another sleeper hit among collectors.

10. 1970-S Washington Quarter (Proof, Overstruck on Canadian Coin) – The Oddball Rarity

One of the strangest quarters ever struck is the 1970-S Proof Quarter overstruck on a 1941 Canadian coin. Extremely rare, one sold for $35,000, making it a prized find for those lucky enough to discover one.

11. 1965 Washington Quarter (Transitional Error) – Silver in Disguise

A few 1965 quarters were accidentally struck on 90% silver planchets instead of the new copper-nickel clad ones. If the edge is entirely silver, you might have a coin worth thousands.

12. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter (Extra Tree Error) – A Forest of Value

Some 2005 Minnesota quarters feature additional tree lines due to die clashes, creating a striking error worth $50 to $500. If you see a Minnesota quarter with unusual details, set it aside.

13. Bicentennial Quarter (1976) – Some Are Worth More Than You Think

While most 1976 Bicentennial quarters are worth face value, silver-clad proofs and high-grade errors can sell for $5 to $20 or more. It’s a design worth a closer look.

FAQs

Q1: Are valuable quarters still in circulation?

Yes, some rare quarters still show up in pocket change or bank rolls, though it’s less common.

Q2: How can I tell if a quarter is silver?

Check the edge. If it lacks a copper stripe, it’s likely 90% silver.

Q3: What should I do if I find a rare quarter?

Avoid cleaning it and have it professionally graded for an accurate value.

Q4: Are error coins always valuable?

Not always, but many significant errors can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Conclusion

From historic silver quarters to quirky modern errors, the world of coin collecting is full of surprises. You never know when pocket change might turn into a payday. So next time you get a handful of quarters, take a closer look—you might be holding a piece of history.