Coin collecting is an exciting hobby that mixes historical discovery with the joy of finding hidden treasures. For many, quarters hold a special place in their collections, with the Bicentennial Quarter being one of the standout coins. Some versions of this quarter, along with other rare ones, are worth far more than their face value. In fact, certain Bicentennial Quarters can fetch up to $25,000! Let’s find the world of rare quarters and dive into the top six, including five that are each valued at over $1,000.
Bicentennial
One of the most famous collectible quarters is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, minted to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. Among these, a rare version with a double die obverse stands out. This error causes elements like the date or motto on the front to appear doubled. Collectors prize this type of error, and finding one in pristine condition could bring in as much as $25,000! The combination of historical significance and rarity makes it a sought-after coin for both history lovers and investors.
1932-D Washington
For collectors focused on Washington quarters, the 1932-D is an iconic piece. With a mintage of only 436,800, it is one of the scarcest quarters from the 20th century. Because of this limited production, well-preserved examples can easily sell for over $1,000. The coin holds special importance, marking the start of the Washington quarter series, making it both a historical artifact and a high-value collectible.
1932-S Washington
The 1932-S Washington Quarter shares a similar story to its Denver counterpart. With just 408,000 minted, it’s another must-have for serious collectors. Its scarcity pushes its value over $1,000 in good condition. Not only is it valuable, but it also commemorates the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, which further enhances its desirability among enthusiasts.
1942-S Silver Washington
Moving into the silver era, the 1942-S Washington Quarter is a valuable addition to any collection. Struck during World War II, this coin stands out for both its silver content and relatively low mintage numbers. Its rarity, combined with its historical context, ensures that collectors are willing to pay well over $1,000, especially for high-quality examples. As silver coins continue to be popular, the 1942-S has become a key find for enthusiasts.
1950-D/S Overmintmark
The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter features a fascinating error that occurred during the minting process. The “D” mintmark (Denver) was mistakenly stamped over an “S” (San Francisco) mintmark, creating an overmintmark error. This unique feature makes the quarter rare and valuable. Collectors particularly enjoy such minting anomalies, and a well-preserved coin with this error can command over $1,000 in the market.
1964-D Double Die Reverse
Finally, the 1964-D Washington Quarter with a double die reverse is another collector’s dream. The error, which affects the lettering on the reverse side, especially the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” makes the coin rare. Adding to its appeal, this was the last year quarters were minted with 90% silver content. Because of this, a 1964-D in excellent condition can sell for more than $1,000, making it a prized possession for collectors and investors alike.
While most quarters may seem ordinary, these rare finds tell a different story. Each of these quarters, including the valuable Bicentennial worth $25k, offers a unique blend of historical significance, rarity, and investment potential. For both seasoned numismatists and those just starting out, the hunt for these treasures is an adventure that can lead to incredible rewards.
FAQs
How much is a Bicentennial Quarter with errors worth?
A rare double die obverse Bicentennial Quarter can be worth up to $25,000.
Why is the 1932-D quarter valuable?
Its low mintage of 436,800 makes it one of the rarest Washington quarters.
What is special about the 1950-D/S quarter?
It has a unique mint error where a “D” was stamped over an “S.”
Why are 1964-D quarters collectible?
It was the last year of 90% silver quarters, and some have a double die reverse error.
Are all 1942 quarters valuable?
The 1942-S Silver Washington Quarter is particularly valuable due to its low mintage.
