Most of us have a drawer or old container where we toss loose change. But what if I told you some of those quarters or 50-cent coins could be worth more than your monthly rent—maybe even $20,000 or more? It is true. A few common-looking coins from decades ago can sell for thousands today. You just need to know what to look for.
How to tell if your quarter is worth money
Not every old coin is valuable, but some specific quarters can bring in big bucks, especially if they are from the early 1960s or earlier.
Here are two quarters to keep an eye out for:
- 1963 Washington quarter
If you find a 1963 quarter with a “D” mint mark (for Denver), check it closely. It should be made of 90% silver. This coin, designed by John Flanagan to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday, can sell for as much as $24,000, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). - 1964 Washington quarter
Even more valuable than the 1963 version, this 1964 quarter can go for up to $38,500—again, especially if it has the “D” mint mark. Why? Because silver coins like these were often melted down for their metal value, making well-preserved ones rare today.
So, the next time you see an old quarter, flip it over and look for the mint mark and the year.
Which 50 cent coins are worth $20,000 or more
Now let us talk about those 50-cent coins you probably never paid attention to. Some are incredibly rare and valuable today.
Two to look out for:
- 1946 Walking Liberty half dollar
This one is special not just because it is old, but because of a rare double-strike error. If you look at the reverse (back side) of the coin, check for overlapping or “doubled” letters, especially on “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the eagle’s feathers. If yours has no mint mark (meaning it came from Philadelphia) and this doubling is present, it could be worth up to $20,000, based on PCGS values. Use a magnifying glass—5X to 10X—to spot this. - 1964 Kennedy half dollar
This was the last year these coins were made with 90% silver. Look for the “D” mint mark from Denver. Even though many of these were saved for their silver, the right one in excellent condition can fetch up to $26,500 today.
Where to look for valuable coins in your home
You do not need to be a collector to find one of these coins. Start with:
- Old jars or coin boxes in closets or drawers
- Your grandparents’ loose change or collections
- Garage sale finds or estate sale boxes
You never know where one of these small treasures might be hiding.
