Coin collecting isn’t just about appreciating beauty and history—it’s also about the thrill of discovering coins worth far beyond their face value. Among the most coveted are certain U.S. quarters, with one rare Bicentennial quarter fetching nearly $49,000 at auction. Accompanying it are nine other remarkable quarters, each worth over $11,000 USD, with unique backstories and historical significance that captivate collectors. Here’s a look at these rare treasures.
Valuable Quarters
| Quarter | Description | Unique Feature | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976; commemorates 200 years of U.S. independence. | Rare variant; pristine condition. | Nearly $49,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | First year of Washington quarters; only 408,000 minted. | Low mintage; key date for collectors. | Over $11,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Another low-mintage first-year Washington quarter. | Low mintage; high collector demand. | Over $11,000 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | First year of the Standing Liberty series; just over 52,000 minted. | Very low production; historical significance. | Over $11,000 |
| 1896-S Barber Quarter | Part of the Barber series with a mintage under 190,000. | Age, scarcity, and collector appeal. | Over $11,000 |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | Known as the “King of Barber Quarters” with only 72,664 minted. | Extreme rarity; high demand among collectors. | Over $11,000 |
| 1913-S Barber Quarter | Last year of Barber quarters with only 40,000 minted. | Rare and highly collectible. | Over $11,000 |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | Early U.S. Mint quarter with an overdate error. | Overdate error adds value. | Over $11,000 |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | First quarter ever minted in the U.S., with a mintage of 6,146. | Extremely low mintage; historical significance. | Over $11,000 |
| 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | Produced by the Carson City Mint, with a very low mintage. | Scarcity and association with Carson City. | Over $11,000 |
Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was created to celebrate 200 years of American independence. Most of these quarters are only worth their face value, but one rare variant has fetched nearly $49,000 at auction. This exceptional coin stands out due to its superb condition and unique minting characteristics, making it highly desirable among collectors who appreciate its historical context and rarity.
1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter holds special value as part of the first-year run of Washington quarters, with a low mintage of just 408,000. Prized in pristine condition, this quarter can surpass the $11,000 mark. Its scarcity and the fact that it represents the launch of the Washington quarter series make it a key date for collectors.
Washington Quarter
Similar to its 1932-S counterpart, the 1932-D Washington Quarter is rare due to its low mintage and high demand among collectors. Quarters from the Denver Mint in uncirculated condition can easily fetch over $11,000, as they are part of the Washington quarter’s inaugural year.
Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is admired for its beauty and rarity, with only 52,000 coins minted. This brief production run makes it highly sought after, with collectors willing to pay over $11,000 for well-preserved examples. The 1916 quarter represents the start of the Standing Liberty series and is one of the rarest quarters from the 20th century.
Barber Quarter
The 1896-S Barber Quarter has a mintage of under 190,000 and is considered a gem among the Barber series. Its age, scarcity, and collector appeal can drive its value over $11,000 in fine condition, especially among collectors passionate about 19th-century American coinage.
Barber Quarter
Nicknamed the “King of Barber Quarters,” the 1901-S is exceptionally rare, with only 72,664 minted. Collectors highly prize this coin due to its scarcity and demand within the Barber series, often paying more than $11,000 for specimens in good condition.
Barber Quarter
The 1913-S Barber Quarter rounds out the Barber series with a mintage of just 40,000. Its rarity makes it a premium collectible, fetching prices over $11,000 for coins in fine condition. This quarter is highly prized by those interested in early 20th-century U.S. coins.
Capped Bust Quarter
One of the earliest quarters from the U.S. Mint, the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter features an overdate error—a “2” stamped over another “2.” This numismatic curiosity, combined with its rarity, makes it highly desirable, with values exceeding $11,000 for coins in good condition.
Draped Bust Quarter
As the first quarter ever issued by the United States, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is a piece of American history. With a mintage of just 6,146, it is exceptionally rare and can command prices well over $11,000 in higher grades, embodying the early days of the U.S. Mint.
Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter from the Carson City Mint is legendary among collectors. With a very low mintage, this coin’s scarcity and the allure of the Carson City Mint brand drive its value above $11,000 for collectible specimens.
The world of coin collecting is a journey through history, with each rare quarter representing a tangible piece of America’s past. From the $49,000 Bicentennial Quarter to nine other quarters valued over $11,000, these coins showcase how rarity, historical significance, and unique errors create incredible value. For collectors, the pursuit of these valuable quarters is a thrilling adventure that bridges history and the art of numismatics.
FAQs
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $49,000?
A rare variant of the Bicentennial Quarter in exceptional condition with unique minting characteristics recently sold for nearly $49,000.
Why is the 1932-S Washington Quarter valuable?
With only 408,000 minted, the 1932-S is a low-mintage coin from the first year of the Washington quarter series, making it highly collectible.
How much is the 1943 Copper Quarter worth?
A 1943 Copper Quarter, an accidental leftover from pre-WWII production, can be worth over $100,000.
What is an overdate error?
An overdate error, like on the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter, occurs when a mint mark or number is stamped over another, creating added value.
Why are Carson City Mint coins, like the 1870-CC Quarter, so valuable?
The Carson City Mint produced low mintage coins with high collector demand, making coins like the 1870-CC highly sought after.
