Welcome back, treasure hunters! 
Some of the most valuable coins in America don’t look special at first glance. In fact, many of them once circulated as everyday pocket change. But hidden among ordinary quarters are rare dates, minting errors, and high-grade examples that have sold for tens of thousands – and even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
If you collect coins (or even if you don’t), this guide will show you exactly which quarters to look for, why they’re valuable, and how to identify them step by step.
Let’s dive into these incredible hidden treasures! 
1906 Barber Silver Half Dollar – Worth Up to $85,000
Although technically a half dollar, this legendary coin deserves mention because of its massive value.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Part of the Barber Half Dollar series
- Designed by Charles E. Barber
- Very few survive in high mint state condition
Auction Highlights:
- MS64 sold for ~$42,500
- Proof example sold for ~$33,000
- High-grade pieces estimated near $85,000
Tip:
Always submit potential Barber coins to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
1917 Standing Liberty Quarter – Worth Up to $225,000
This quarter has shocked collectors worldwide.
Why Collectors Love It:
- 90% silver composition
- Beautiful Standing Liberty design
- Extremely rare in MS65+ condition
Recent Sales:
- $125,000 (Heritage Auctions)
- $150,000 (Stacks Bowers)
- $225,000 (Heritage)
1929 Quarter Dollar – Worth Over $17,000
Struck during the Great Depression, this coin carries historical importance.
Estimated Values:
- Good condition: $20–$30
- XF40: Hundreds of dollars
- MS60–MS65: $2,000–$5,000
- MS67 PCGS example: $17,000+
1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Worth Up to $50,000+
Most Bicentennial quarters are common—but not all!
High-Value Varieties:
- Silver proof versions
- MS68+ certified coins
- Major mint errors (double strike, off-center, wrong planchet)
Price Range:
- MS67: $1,500–$4,000
- Silver proof MS68: $15,000+
- Error coins: $25,000–$50,000+
1965 Washington Quarter (Silver Error) – Worth $150,000+
During the transition from silver to clad coinage, some 1965 quarters were struck on silver planchets.
How to Identify:
- Weigh it
- Silver: 6.25g
- Clad: 5.67g
- Check edge
- Solid silver edge = possible jackpot
- Send to PCGS/NGC
Top Value:
Authenticated silver error: $150,000+
1970 Washington Quarter (Silver Error) – Worth $180,000+
Another rare transitional error.
Why It’s Special:
- Struck on leftover 1969 silver planchets
- Extremely rare
Values:
- Silver error: $180,000+
- MS68 clad: $18,000–$22,000
1968 No Mint Mark Quarter (Date Touching Edge Error) – Worth Up to $93,000
Key Features:
- No mint mark (Philadelphia)
- Date pushed to rim
Values:
- Normal XF: $150–$500
- Error variety: $75,000–$93,000
1980-D Washington Quarter – Worth Up to $50,000
Common in circulation, rare in high grade.
High-Grade Values:
- MS65+: Thousands
- Top condition examples: $50,000
1977 No Mint Mark Quarter – Worth $10,000–$20,000
Approximate Values by Grade:
- VG: $10,000–$12,000
- XF: $17,000–$18,000
- MS60+: $20,000+
How to Check Your Coins (Step-by-Step)
- Look at the date and mint mark
- Inspect edges for silver color
- Weigh the coin with a digital scale
- Use a magnifier to check for errors
- Store in protective holder
- Send valuable candidates to PCGS or NGC
Final Thoughts
What looks like pocket change could actually be a life-changing treasure. Rare quarters are still being discovered every year, and one of them could be sitting in your collection right now.
Start checking today—you might be holding a six-figure coin!
