The Washington Quarter (1932âPresent) is one of the most collected series in U.S. coinage, and while most quarters are worth just face value, a handful of extreme minting errors and low-mintage key dates have commanded prices from tens of thousands up to $1 million or more. These ultra-rare treasures are the focus of intense collector demand, making them worth searching for in your pocket change.
This guide highlights the most valuable Washington Quarters across the series, from the original silver issues to the modern clad errors.
1. 1965 Struck on a 90% Silver Planchet đĽ
This is arguably the most valuable modern Quarter Dollar error, arising from the U.S. Mint’s transition away from silver coinage.
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The Error: In 1965, the Mint stopped using 90% silver for quarters and switched to a copper-nickel clad composition. A small number of leftover 1964 90% silver planchets were mistakenly struck with the new 1965 date.
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How to Spot: A genuine 1965 silver quarter will weigh approximately 6.25 grams (compared to 5.67 grams for clad) and will not show a copper layer on the edge.
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Record Value: Due to the extreme rarity, this transitional error has been publicly discussed in collector circles with values well over $40,000 for authenticated pieces, though some unverified claims push values into the millions.
2. 1932-D and 1932-S Quarters (Original Silver Key Dates)
These two coins are the lowest-mintage quarters in the entire series and are the “keys” to the classic Washington design.
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The Rarity: The Great Depression suppressed demand for new coinage when the Washington Quarter debuted in 1932. The Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints produced only a fraction of the coins struck at Philadelphia.
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Mintage:
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1932-D: Only 436,800 minted.
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1932-S: Only 408,000 minted.
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Value: Worn, circulated examples can still be worth hundreds of dollars. Uncirculated, high-grade examples (MS65 or better) of the 1932-D have sold for over $40,000.
3. The Modern Error Quarters
The State Quarter series (1999â2008) introduced new designs, leading to spectacular die and planchet errors.
A. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
This is one of the most famous modern varieties.
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The Error: Due to a die flaw on the reverse, an extra leaf appears on the ear of corn. Look for the “Extra Leaf High” or “Extra Leaf Low” varieties.
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Value: Authenticated examples often sell for hundreds of dollars, with the finest known pieces fetching more.
B. 1999-P Delaware Experimental Planchet Quarter
This is the coin sometimes mentioned with million-dollar figures, though the single high sale involved a very specific experimental metal.
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The Error: Struck on a golden experimental alloy planchet intended for the Sacagawea Dollar.
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Value: While some reports claim million-dollar sales, high-grade, authenticated examples of this transitional metal error are realistically valued in the tens of thousands of dollars.
C. 2007-P Montana “Extra Horn” Quarter
A more recently discovered variety that has generated extreme hype.
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The Error: A small die flaw on the reverse makes the bull’s horn appear doubled or with an extra protrusion.
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Rarity and Value: Only a few are known. Promotional videos have referenced a single example selling for up to $16 million, reflecting its incredible rarity and collector competition.
đŻ Key Takeaway: The Importance of Grade
For any Washington Quarter, especially the older silver issues, the grade (condition) is crucial.
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A circulated 1968 quarter is worth face value (25¢).
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An uncirculated 1968 quarter in high-grade condition (MS67) has sold for $9,400.00.
Always handle potential finds by the edge to prevent surface damage and seek professional grading.
Would you like me to search for images comparing the Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low varieties on the 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter?
