If you have a jar of old coins at home or loose change in your drawers, you might want to take a second look—some U.S. quarters are worth a lot more than 25 cents. In fact, a few of these coins have sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Let us walk you through the top nine most valuable quarters collectors are chasing after today.
What are the most valuable U.S. quarters?
These quarters are not just rare—they are legendary in the coin collecting world. Here are the ones to watch out for:
- 1932-D Washington Quarter
- This coin is one of the rarest Washington quarters because of its low mintage.
- In 2008, one of these in top condition sold for a jaw-dropping $143,750.
- Check for a “D” mint mark on the back just below the eagle.
- This coin is one of the rarest Washington quarters because of its low mintage.
- 1942 Washington Quarter
- While not as rare as the 1932-D, a high-quality version of this quarter brought in $16,800 at auction in 2020.
- Look for a clean strike and minimal wear.
- While not as rare as the 1932-D, a high-quality version of this quarter brought in $16,800 at auction in 2020.
- 1943 DDO (Double Die Obverse) Quarter
- This is a mistake coin where the date and lettering appear doubled on the front.
- It sold for $22,250 in 2020.
- Double die errors are rare and valuable—use a magnifying glass to inspect the date.
- This is a mistake coin where the date and lettering appear doubled on the front.
- 1962-D Washington Silver Quarter
- These coins are 90% silver, and one pristine example sold in 2012 for $18,400.
- The “D” means it was minted in Denver—check below the eagle on the back.
- These coins are 90% silver, and one pristine example sold in 2012 for $18,400.
- 1963-D Washington Silver Quarter
- Sold in 2022 for $24,000.
- Again, condition is everything. The shinier and more flawless it looks, the more it may be worth.
- Sold in 2022 for $24,000.
- 1964-D Washington Silver Quarter
- This quarter brought in $38,400 at auction in 2021.
- It was among the last quarters made from 90% silver before the U.S. switched to less valuable metals in 1965.
- This quarter brought in $38,400 at auction in 2021.
- 1965 Washington Quarter (Type 2)
- Though most 1965 quarters were clad (no silver), this Type 2 version is special.
- One sold for $12,650 in 2005.
- It is extremely hard to find and often requires expert grading.
- Though most 1965 quarters were clad (no silver), this Type 2 version is special.
- 1976-S Bicentennial Silver Quarter
- Made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, this version struck in silver is highly collectible.
- A pristine strike sold in 2019 for $19,200.
- Look for the “S” mintmark and a special drummer-boy design on the back.
- Made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, this version struck in silver is highly collectible.
- 1982-P Washington Quarter
- This one is valuable because it was part of a year with lower production.
- It sold in 2019 for $10,200.
- Unlike other coins, the 1982-P does not have a mint set version, making high-quality strikes harder to find.
- This one is valuable because it was part of a year with lower production.
How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
To figure out whether your quarter is worth something big, start by:
- Checking the mint mark (P, D, or S)
- Looking for silver content (pre-1965 quarters are 90% silver)
- Inspecting for errors, like double dies or off-center strikes
- Checking the overall condition—a coin in mint or near-mint condition can be worth a lot more
Where can I sell a rare quarter?
If you think you have found a valuable quarter, here are a few options to consider:
- Take it to a local coin dealer
- Get it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC
- Sell it on auction sites like Heritage Auctions or eBay (for verified sellers)
- Join coin collecting forums to learn more from experienced collectors
These nine quarters prove that sometimes, real treasure is hiding in plain sight. So go check your change jar. You just might be sitting on thousands of dollars