That ordinary quarter in your pocket could be hiding an incredible secret.
At major auctions, modern U.S. quarters have shocked collectors by selling for $52,000… $115,000… $198,000… and even over $236,000.
These aren’t ancient coins.
They’re quarters many people still spend every day.
Let’s explore three modern quarter issues that are producing life-changing error coins:
- 1989-D Washington Quarter
- 2006 Nevada State Quarter
- 1983-P Washington Quarter
And most importantly — how you can check your own coins.
Why Modern Quarter Errors Can Be Worth Huge Money
Even with highly automated minting technology, mistakes still happen.
Collectors pay big money for error coins because:
Extremely rare
Visually dramatic
Tell a minting “accident” story
Often one-of-a-kind
Strong demand from specialists
The bolder and cleaner the error, the higher the value.
1989-D Washington Quarter Errors
Auction results for dramatic 1989-D quarter errors range from $52,650 to $236,120.
Off-Center Strikes
- 40%–70% of design missing
- Large blank area visible
- Date and mintmark still readable
Sold examples: $52,650 – $76,300
Double Strike Errors
- Coin struck more than once
- Ghosted or overlapping designs
- Doubled letters and portrait
Sold examples: $92,150 – $115,880
Broadstrike Errors
- No retaining collar used
- Coin spreads outward
- Larger diameter & flat rim
Sold examples: $61,750 – $83,200
Clip Planchet Errors
- Curved or straight missing metal
- Caused by misfed planchet strip
Sold examples: $74,500 – $94,300
Wrong Planchet / Off-Metal Errors
- Struck on wrong blank
- Wrong weight & thickness
Sold examples: $121,400 – $152,750
Multi-Error Coins (Most Valuable)
- Off-center + doubling
- Broadstrike + die cracks
- Multiple mistakes on one coin
Sold examples: $198,400 – $236,120
2006 Nevada State Quarter Errors Worth Big Money
Auction results range from $39,000 to $211,000.
Off-Center Strikes
$39,000 – $62,400
Double Strikes
$84,600 – $117,300
Broadstrikes
$48,900 – $69,400
Clip Planchets
$58,200 – $78,900
Struck Through Errors
$52,800 – $74,500
Wrong Planchet Errors
$94,200 – $122,750
Multi-Error Nevada Quarters
Up to $211,000
1983-P Washington Quarter Errors
Some of the most valuable modern error quarters ever recorded.
Auction results range from $52,000 to $267,000.
Double Die Errors
$72,300 – $98,500
Off-Center Strikes
$52,000 – $89,400
Broadstrikes
$61,800 – $73,500
Clip Planchets
$68,700 – $79,900
Struck Through Errors
$58,200 – $88,450
Wrong Planchet Errors
Up to $136,750
Multi-Error Coins
$198,600 – $267,000
How To Check Your Quarters (Step-By-Step)
Look for missing design areas
Check for doubling on letters & portrait
Compare size to a normal quarter
Look for clipped edges
Check for cracks, blobs, or raised lines
Weigh coin if possible
If something looks unusual:
Do NOT clean
Do NOT spend
Store safely
Get professionally authenticated (PCGS or NGC)
Final Thoughts
Modern quarters aren’t always pocket change.
Sometimes…
They’re six-figure treasures hiding in plain sight.
Check every quarter.
Your next find could change everything.
