The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the most sought-after coins among collectors. Minted in Denver during the first year of the Washington quarter series, only about 436,800 were produced, making it a very scarce find. Most of these quarters have been circulated extensively, so only a limited number in excellent condition still exist.
In recent years, a mint-condition 1932-D Washington quarter has sold for more than $30 million, making it the highest-priced quarter ever auctioned. While worn examples generally range in value from $300 to $1,000, discovering one in pristine shape could mean a fortune in your hands.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (With Full Head)
Although it’s not technically a Washington quarter, the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter is highly prized by coin enthusiasts for its rarity and historical importance. This design, which shows Liberty holding both a shield and an olive branch, was only produced between 1916 and 1918.
The 1916 version is especially rare, and its value dramatically increases if the coin has a fully struck head—that is, Liberty’s face is sharply detailed without any fading or missing features.
Coins in nearly mint condition can fetch over $1 million, and those with the full head designation have even sold for prices exceeding $30 million.
1965 Silver Error Quarter
The year 1965 marked the U.S. Mint’s switch from silver to a copper-nickel clad composition for quarters. However, a small number of quarters were accidentally struck on leftover silver planchets, making these silver error quarters extremely rare and highly valuable.
A 1965 silver error quarter in decent condition typically sells for $5,000 to $10,000, but coins in exceptional shape can command prices in the hundreds of thousands. Only a handful of these error coins are known to exist, and they represent a significant and fascinating numismatic anomaly. Owning one could potentially bring a massive financial reward.
1943 Copper-Alloy Quarter (Struck by Mistake)
In 1943, due to wartime copper shortages, the U.S. Mint produced quarters using zinc-coated steel instead of the usual copper alloy. Yet, a very limited number of 1943 quarters were mistakenly struck in copper alloy. These coins were quickly removed from circulation, and only a few remain today.
If you happen to come across one of these 1943 copper-alloy quarters, it could be worth anywhere from $1 million to $30 million, depending on its condition and certification.
This error quarter is among the most valuable coins ever found in the United States, representing an extraordinary piece of numismatic history that could turn into a huge windfall.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Quarter
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo quarter is a famous minting error that has become one of the most valuable error coins. This quarter, featuring a bison on the reverse side, is known for an error where the buffalo’s front leg is missing, giving it a “three-legged” appearance.
Though this type of error exists on other coins, the 1937-D version is especially prized. In excellent condition, it can be worth over $500,000, and some rare examples in near-mint state have sold for much more.
Certain exceptional specimens may even approach values near $30 million, making this coin an extraordinary find for collectors.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Check the coin’s date, mint mark, and look closely for unusual features like missing details or unique errors. Using a magnifying glass can help you spot subtle irregularities that might indicate a rare coin.
Q2: How do I test if a quarter is made of silver?
Quarters minted before 1965 were made of 90% silver and weigh about 6.25 grams. Silver doesn’t stick to magnets, so a magnet test can help. Checking the year is also useful, as silver quarters stopped being produced after 1964.
Q3: Where can I sell my rare quarters?
You can sell valuable quarters to reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or through trusted online platforms like Heritage Auctions or eBay. It’s important to have your coins professionally authenticated and graded before selling to maximize their value.
Q4: Can I clean my rare quarters to improve their appearance?
Cleaning rare coins is not recommended because it can severely reduce their value. Collectors value coins in their original, unaltered state, so it’s best to leave your coins untouched.
Conclusion
Coin collecting offers an exciting world of discovery, and stumbling upon rare quarters can be a truly thrilling experience. From the 1932-D Washington quarter to the 1943 copper-alloy error, these coins rank among the rarest and most valuable in existence.
If you happen to find one of these exceptional quarters in your pocket or collection, you might just be holding a fortune. Keep a keen eye out—you never know when a valuable coin could be right under your nose!
