Hidden Fortune in Your Pocket: These 10 Rare Quarters Could Be Worth Over $1.3 Million!

Hidden Fortune in Your Pocket: These 10 Rare Quarters Could Be Worth Over $1.3 Million!

That jar of loose change on your dresser might be more than just laundry money—it could be a down payment on a house, or even an entire retirement fund. While most of us spend our quarters without a second thought, professional numismatists (coin collectors) are hunting for tiny imperfections and rare mintages that transform a humble 25-cent piece into a six-figure treasure.

The image above highlights a famous 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent, but the same “treasure hunt” logic applies to the Washington Quarter. If you find the right mint mark or a specific die error, you could be sitting on a fortune.

Here is a breakdown of 10 rare quarters that could be worth a combined $1.3 Million or more.

1. 1932-D Washington Quarter

The Washington Quarter debuted in 1932 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. While millions were made in Philadelphia, the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints produced very few. The 1932-D is the “King” of the series.

• Why it’s valuable: Only 436,800 were minted.

• Potential Value: Up to $100,000+ in pristine, Mint State condition.

2. 1932-S Washington Quarter

Close behind the Denver mint is the San Francisco variety. It is the second-lowest mintage in the entire Washington series.

• Why it’s valuable: Scarcity. Only 408,000 were struck.

• Potential Value: High-grade examples frequently fetch $40,000 to $50,000.

3. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter (Struck on 1941 Canadian Quarter)

This is one of the most famous “error” coins in existence. A 1970 proof quarter was accidentally struck over a 1941 Canadian silver quarter instead of a blank planchet.

• Why it’s valuable: It is a unique “double-country” error. You can still see faint details of the Canadian design underneath.

• Potential Value: It famously sold for over $35,000.

4. 1937 Washington Quarter: Double Die Obverse (DDO)

Look closely at the words “In God We Trust” and the date. On this rare variety, the coin was struck by a shifted die, creating a distinct doubling effect on the lettering.

• Why it’s valuable: It is a major die variety that is highly sought after by error collectors.

• Potential Value: $15,000 to $20,000 in high grades.

5. 1950-D/S Washington Quarter (Over-Mintmark)

In 1950, the Denver mint accidentally used a die that had already been punched with an “S” for San Francisco. If you look at the mint mark on the back under a magnifying glass, you can see the “D” stamped over the “S.”

• Why it’s valuable: Over-mintmarks are rare “mistakes” that collectors love.

• Potential Value: Up to $15,000 for a high-grade specimen.

6. 1943-S Washington Quarter: Double Die Obverse

Similar to the 1937 error, the 1943-S features dramatic doubling. During the height of WWII, quality control occasionally slipped, leading to these masterpieces.

• Why it’s valuable: The doubling is very pronounced on the date and the word “LIBERTY.”

• Potential Value: Can exceed $10,000 depending on the condition.

7. 1999-P Georgia State Quarter (Slabbed Error)

The State Quarters program brought millions of new people into coin collecting. Most are worth exactly 25 cents, but a rare few were struck on “experimental” planchets meant for the Sacagawea Dollar, giving them a gold-ish tint.

• Why it’s valuable: Composition error.

• Potential Value: These “Gold Georgia” quarters can sell for $3,000 to $5,000.

8. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf)

This is the most famous modern quarter error. There are two versions: the “Extra High Leaf” and the “Extra Low Leaf” on the cornstalk.

• Why it’s valuable: It is widely believed these were intentionally created by a mint employee, making them a “forbidden” curiosity.

• Potential Value: A set in high grade can reach $2,000 – $6,000.

9. 1964-D Silver Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse)

1964 was the last year quarters were made of 90% silver. A specific batch from Denver shows doubling on the eagle’s wings and the lettering on the back.

• Why it’s valuable: It combines silver melt value with a rare numismatic error.

• Potential Value: Rare MS67 grades can reach $5,000+.

10. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter

If we go back to the very beginning, the first-ever U.S. quarter is a holy grail. While not a “Washington” quarter, it is the cornerstone of any quarter collection.

• Why it’s valuable: Only 6,146 were ever made. It is incredibly rare.

• Potential Value: Even in “good” condition, it’s worth $10,000. In “Gem” condition? It has sold for over $800,000.

How to Check Your Own Coins

1. Check the Date: Look for 1932 or any coin pre-1964 (which is 90% silver).

2. Check the Mint Mark: Look on the back (below the eagle) or the front (near the hair) for a small “D” or “S.”

3. Look for “Doubling”: Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe to see if the letters look like they have shadows or “doubled” edges.

4. Condition is Everything: A scratch, a cleaning, or even a fingerprint can drop a coin’s value from $10,000 to $10. Never clean your rare coins!

Would you like me to help you identify a specific coin you’ve found, or perhaps give you tips on how to get a coin professionally graded?