If you think quarters are only worth 25 cents, think again.
Across the United States, rare quarter dollar coins are still hiding in pockets, jars, drawers, coin rolls, and forgotten collections. Many look ordinary. Some appear worn. Others don’t stand out at all.
Yet collectors are paying thousands — and in extreme cases hundreds of thousands of dollars — for the right quarter.
What separates an ordinary quarter from a fortune?
• Condition
• Mint mark
• Metal composition
• Die varieties
• Mint errors
• Survival rate
Below are 10 of the most valuable and overlooked quarter dollar coins that have produced enormous auction results.
Before you spend another quarter… read this list.
1966 Quarter Struck on Silver Planchet — Worth Up to $300,000
This is one of the rarest modern U.S. error coins ever discovered.
In 1966, the U.S. Mint had officially stopped producing silver quarters. All circulation quarters were supposed to be copper-nickel clad.
However, a small number of leftover silver planchets accidentally remained inside the mint and were struck with 1966 dies.
How to Identify
- Weight: ~6.25 grams (normal clad quarter = 5.67g)
- No visible copper edge
- Bright silver color
- Distinct silver “ring” sound
Why It’s Valuable
- Transitional mint error
- Extremely low population
- Should never exist
Market Value
Certified examples have sold for $100,000–$300,000 depending on grade.
1968 Washington Quarter (MS68) — Worth Up to $400,000
Millions were minted, but almost none survived in near-perfect condition.
Collectors prize coins graded MS68 because they show:
- Flawless fields
- Full luster
- Sharp strike
- No visible marks
Why It’s Valuable
- Extreme condition rarity
- Population of MS68 examples is tiny
Market Value
Top graded examples have reached $250,000–$400,000.
1969 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter (High Grade) — Worth Up to $225,000
Philadelphia did not use mint marks in 1969.
While common in worn condition, finding one with full detail and original luster is exceptionally rare.
What Collectors Look For
- Sharp hair detail on Washington
- Bold eagle feather detail
- Clean fields
- No cleaning
Market Value
High-grade certified examples have sold for $50,000–$225,000.
1983 Washington Quarter (MS67–MS68) — Worth Up to $120,000
No official mint sets were produced in 1983, meaning nearly all coins entered circulation.
As a result, pristine survivors are scarce.
Why It’s Valuable
- Extremely low number saved in mint state
- Condition rarity
Market Value
MS67–MS68 examples have sold for $90,000–$120,000.
1974 Washington Quarter (High Grade) — Worth Up to $60,000
Most were heavily circulated.
Finding a sharply struck example with full luster is extremely difficult.
Market Value
- MS67: $20,000+
- MS68: $40,000–$60,000
1983-D Washington Quarter — Worth Up to $35,000
Denver Mint issue with the same survival problem as Philadelphia 1983 quarters.
Why It’s Valuable
- No mint sets
- Heavy circulation
- Very few high-grade survivors
Market Value
Top graded examples: $10,000–$35,000.
1988 No Mint Mark Washington Quarter — Worth Up to $20,000
Another modern sleeper coin.
Why It’s Valuable
- Poor strike quality typical for the year
- Few coins with full detail and luster
Market Value
MS67 examples: $3,000–$20,000.
1973 No Mint Mark Quarter (Date Close to Rim Variety) — Worth Up to $15,000
A spacing anomaly places the date unusually close to the rim.
Why It’s Valuable
- Recognizable variety
- Scarce in high grade
Market Value
Certified examples up to $15,000.
1973 Quarter Edge Error (Missing or Partial Reeding) — Worth Up to $10,000
Some 1973 quarters escaped the mint without proper reeded edges.
What To Look For
- Smooth edge or partial reeding
- Normal obverse and reverse
Market Value
$3,000–$10,000 depending on condition.
1985-P Washington Quarter (High Grade) — Worth Up to $30,000
Another condition-rarity modern quarter.
Why It’s Valuable
- Weak strikes common
- High-grade survivors scarce
Market Value
MS67+ examples: $15,000–$30,000.
How To Check Your Quarters
- Check date and mint mark
- Look at edge (copper vs silver)
- Weigh suspicious coins
- Look for errors or odd spacing
- Examine strike quality and luster
- Never clean
- Store in holders
- Submit to PCGS or NGC
Never Clean Coins
Cleaning destroys originality and can reduce value by 70–90% instantly.
Final Thoughts
Rare quarters are not just found in museums.
They’re found in:
• Coffee cans
• Junk drawers
• Coin rolls
• Inherited collections
• Pocket change
One overlooked quarter could be worth more than a new car… or a house.
Check your change.
Happy hunting
