Coin collecting offers a glimpse into history, with certain coins carrying values that far exceed their face worth. Among the most notable finds is a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter variant, recently valued at nearly $99,000 USD. Alongside this remarkable quarter are nine other rare U.S. quarters with unique stories and significant value. Here’s a look at these highly sought-after coins that could inspire you to take a closer look at your own spare change.
Most Valuable U.S. Quarters
| Quarter | Description | Unique Feature | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Commemorates America’s bicentennial; struck in 40% silver. | Special mint mark and uncirculated condition. | Nearly $99,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | First year of the Washington series; only 408,000 minted. | Low mintage, key date for collectors. | Over $20,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Another first-year Washington quarter with a low mintage of 436,800. | Scarce, with demand among collectors. | Up to $19,000 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | First year of the Standing Liberty series; very limited production. | Renowned for beauty and scarcity. | Over $25,000 |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | First quarter ever minted by the U.S., with a very low mintage. | High historical value and rarity. | Over $40,000 |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | Features an overdate error where the year 1823 was stamped over a 2. | Unique overdate error. | Over $50,000 |
| 1841-O Seated Liberty Quarter | Produced by the New Orleans Mint; rare in high grades. | Scarcity and historical significance. | Over $16,000 |
| 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter | Carson City Mint rarity with very low production numbers. | Sought after for Carson City mint mark. | Nearly $50,000 |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | Key rarity in the Barber series, with low mintage and high demand. | Significant for collectors of the Barber series. | Over $40,000 |
| 1896-S Barber Quarter | Another valuable Barber series coin, with limited mintage in higher grades. | Rarity and historical appeal. | Over $20,000 |
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, celebrating 200 years of American independence, was struck in 40% silver for collector sets, rather than for general circulation. A rare, uncirculated variant with a special mint mark recently fetched nearly $99,000 at auction. This coin is a standout due to its historical significance, pristine condition, and collector appeal.
1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is highly valued as part of the first-year run of Washington quarters. With only 408,000 coins minted, this quarter is one of the lowest mintage issues in the Washington series. In pristine condition, this coin has reached prices over $20,000, attracting collectors who value both its rarity and historical context.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-S, the 1932-D Washington Quarter is a first-year Washington quarter with a low mintage of 436,800. Collectors appreciate the coin’s historical significance, and examples in excellent condition can sell for up to $19,000. It remains a key date in the Washington quarter series.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is notable for its intricate design and scarcity, as only 52,000 were minted in its debut year. In well-preserved condition, this quarter commands over $25,000. It’s admired for both its artistic design and historical significance as the first in the Standing Liberty series.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
As the first quarter minted by the United States, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holds a unique place in numismatic history. With a tiny mintage, quarters in good condition can fetch over $40,000. This coin’s rarity and historical importance make it highly sought after among collectors.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter features an overdate error, with the year 1823 stamped over a 2. This type of error increases the coin’s value, and well-preserved examples have sold for over $50,000. Collectors value this piece for its unique minting error and historical context.
1841-O Seated Liberty Quarter
Minted in New Orleans, the 1841-O Seated Liberty Quarter is rare, especially in high grades. The coin’s association with the New Orleans Mint and limited availability make it highly desirable, with prices exceeding $16,000 for top-grade specimens.
1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter is a rare piece from the Carson City Mint, a mint known for producing low-mintage coins. This quarter’s scarcity, combined with the prestige of the Carson City mint mark, has led to auction prices close to $50,000 in fine condition.
1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is a key coin in the Barber series, with low mintage and high collector demand. Often called the “King of Barber Quarters,” this coin can exceed $40,000 in top condition. It’s a prized possession for those collecting the Barber series.
1896-S Barber Quarter
The 1896-S Barber Quarter is another gem in the Barber series, known for its limited mintage and value in higher grades. Well-preserved examples can sell for over $20,000, with collectors appreciating the coin’s historical importance and scarcity.
The discovery of a rare Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $99,000 reminds us of the hidden treasures in the world of coin collecting. From the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter to other historic U.S. quarters valued over $20,000, each of these coins tells a unique story of American craftsmanship and history. For collectors, the pursuit of these valuable coins is about preserving pieces of the past and discovering the legacy of American numismatics. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a casual enthusiast, these quarters demonstrate the incredible value and fascination embedded in U.S. coinage.
FAQs
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $99,000?
A rare Bicentennial Quarter variant in 40% silver with a special mint mark and pristine condition was recently auctioned for nearly $99,000.
Why is the 1932-S Washington Quarter so valuable?
With only 408,000 minted, this first-year Washington quarter is rare, making it highly desirable to collectors. Well-preserved examples exceed $20,000.
How much is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter worth?
As the first quarter issued by the U.S. Mint, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is worth over $40,000 due to its rarity and historical importance.
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, increasing its value.
Why are Carson City Mint coins, like the 1870-CC Quarter, valuable?
The Carson City Mint produced low-mintage coins with high collector demand, making coins like the 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter highly valuable.
