Could a Simple Quarter Be Worth More Than Your Car?

It may sound unbelievable, but rare Washington quarters have sold for $10,000… $18,000… even $35,000+ at auction.

Some of these valuable coins are:

• Still found in circulation
• Hidden in old coin jars
• Sitting inside inherited collections
• Mixed in bank coin rolls

Below is a complete 2025 value guide to the 10 most valuable Washington quarters, plus exactly what to check so you don’t miss a rare find.

Let’s dive in. 

 Top 10 Rare Washington Quarters Worth Thousands

 1. 1966 Silver Transitional Error Quarter

 Value: Up to $10,000+

In 1965, the U.S. Mint removed silver from circulating quarters. By 1966, all coins were supposed to be copper-nickel clad.

However, a small number were accidentally struck on leftover 1964 silver planchets.

 How to Identify

 Weight: 6.25 grams (silver) vs 5.67g (clad)
 Brighter silver appearance
 Distinct high-pitched “ring” when dropped

If you find a 1966 quarter, weigh it carefully.

 2. 1970-S Quarter Struck on a 1941 Canadian Coin

 Value: $25,000–$35,000

One of the most unusual mint errors in U.S. history.

A few 1970-S proof quarters were struck over 1941 Canadian quarters, leaving traces of the original design underneath Washington’s portrait.

 What to Look For

 “S” mint mark
 Faint Canadian lettering beneath the surface
 Odd texture or design overlap

Only a handful are known — one sold for over $35,000.

 3. 1982 No-Mint-Mark Quarter

 Value: $300 to several thousand

In 1982, some Philadelphia quarters were released without a mint mark, creating one of the most recognized modern errors.

 Key Identification

 Look under Washington’s neck
 If there is no “P” mint mark — inspect further

Condition heavily affects value.

 4. 2004 Wisconsin “Extra Leaf” Quarter

 Value: $300 to $3,000+

This famous variety shows an extra leaf on the ear of corn.

Two recognized types:
 Extra High Leaf
 Extra Low Leaf

Collectors continue to debate whether this was accidental or intentional — but demand remains strong.

 5. 1932-D Washington Quarter (Key Date)

 Value: $500 to $20,000+

The first year of the Washington quarter series.

The Denver (D) mint had extremely low production numbers, making it a key date.

 Look For

 Small “D” mint mark on reverse (below eagle)
 Strong detail
 Limited wear

This coin is a cornerstone piece for serious collectors.

 6. 1976 Bicentennial 40% Silver Quarter

 Value: $500 to $19,000+

While most Bicentennial quarters are common, special collector editions were struck in 40% silver.

Some also feature:

• Off-center strikes
• Double strikes
• Wrong planchet errors

 Quick Tip

Check the edge — solid silver color (no copper stripe) may indicate a silver issue.

 7. 1999 Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter

 Value: $100 to $500

A small die crack near the horse’s mouth makes it appear as though the horse is spitting.

 Found On

 1999-P Delaware quarters

It’s subtle — examine closely under magnification.

 8. 1983 Double Die Reverse Quarter

 Value: $200 to $1,000+

Double die errors occur when the design is imprinted twice at slightly different angles.

 Inspect These Areas

 “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
 “E PLURIBUS UNUM”

True doubling shows separation — not flat shelf-like marks.

 9. 1967 Silver Transitional Error Quarter

 Value: Up to $18,000

Similar to the 1966 error, a few 1967 quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover silver blanks.

 Check the Weight

Regular clad: 5.67g
Silver: Approximately 6.25g

Only a limited number have been authenticated.

 10. 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter

 Value: $100 to $300

A grease-filled die caused the “T” in TRUST to disappear, leaving:

 IN GOD WE RUST

Although more common than other errors, high-grade examples still bring premiums.

 Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Washington Quarters

 Step 1 — Use bright lighting
 Step 2 — Use a 10x magnifier
 Step 3 — Check the mint mark
 Step 4 — Weigh suspicious 1965–1967 coins
 Step 5 — Inspect lettering for doubling
 Step 6 — Examine the edge for silver content

Even one rare coin could be worth thousands.

 Why Washington Quarters Are So Valuable

 Transitional silver errors are extremely rare
 Key dates have low mintages
 Double dies attract strong collector demand
 High-grade certified examples bring record prices

Modern quarters remain one of the most active segments in U.S. coin collecting.

 Why You Should Always Look Before You Spend

Rare Washington quarters are still being discovered in:

• Pocket change
• Bank rolls
• Estate collections
• Coin jars

Before you spend your next 25¢ coin, take a closer look.

It might not be ordinary change — it could be a $10,000 to $35,000 hidden treasure.