When it comes to rare and valuable silver quarter dollars, there are several key coins that stand out due to their rarity, historical significance, or minting errors. Here are the Top 8 Super Rare and Valuable Silver Quarter Dollars:
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Value: $25,000 – $50,000+ (depending on condition)
- Rarity: The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest of the Washington quarters. It was minted during the Great Depression, and only 436,800 of these coins were struck at the Denver Mint. Due to the low mintage and high demand among collectors, this quarter can be worth a significant amount, especially in high grades (MS-65 and above).
2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
- Value: $10,000 – $100,000+ (depending on condition)
- Rarity: The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. numismatics. The coin was only struck for one year before the design was modified, making it highly desirable to collectors. A coin in fine condition can still fetch around $10,000, while those in higher grades (MS-65 or better) can sell for significantly more, sometimes even approaching $100,000.
3. 1937-S Washington Quarter (Silver)
- Value: $2,000 – $10,000+
- Rarity: The 1937-S Washington Quarter is one of the rarest coins from the Washington quarter series, particularly when found in high-grade condition. While not as rare as some of the other Washington Quarters, its high demand and low mintage (just 1,500,000 minted) can make it very valuable.
4. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- Value: $150,000 – $300,000+
- Rarity: The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is a true early American rarity. With only about 6,000 coins minted that year, and given the historical significance of the first quarter-dollar issue, it is highly sought after by collectors. Depending on its condition, this coin can easily command six figures, especially in mint state.
5. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Overdate Error (Struck on Quarter Planchet)
- Value: $100,000+
- Rarity: Though this is a “nickel” by name, this specific example is a unique mint error where a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel was mistakenly struck on a quarter planchet. This rare error coin is highly valuable because of its unexpected nature, and it could fetch anywhere from $100,000+ depending on its condition.
6. 1876-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
- Value: $20,000 – $50,000+
- Rarity: The 1876-CC Seated Liberty Quarter was minted in Carson City, Nevada, a mint that produced lower quantities of coins compared to other mints. The 1876-CC is particularly valuable because of its low mintage (just 10,000 struck), and many of these coins were heavily circulated, making higher-grade specimens even more valuable.
7. 1896-S Barber Quarter
- Value: $2,500 – $30,000+
- Rarity: The 1896-S Barber Quarter is a rare coin with a low mintage of just 188,000 coins. The 1896-S was produced in San Francisco, and due to its small mintage and high demand from collectors, it’s one of the more valuable Barber quarters. Coins in excellent condition can go for significantly higher prices.
8. 1936 Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse)
- Value: $5,000 – $15,000+
- Rarity: The 1936 Washington Quarter with a doubled die obverse is an error coin where the obverse design (featuring Washington’s portrait) is slightly doubled. It was a mistake during the minting process that makes these coins very desirable to error coin collectors. Well-preserved examples can easily fetch over $5,000, and some could go for as much as $15,000 or more, depending on the extent of the doubling.
What Makes These Quarters Valuable?
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Low Mintage: Coins like the 1932-D Washington Quarter or 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter are valuable due to their low mintage numbers. Fewer coins were made, and as time passed, many were lost or damaged, making surviving examples more precious.
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Minting Errors: Doubled die errors, off-center strikes, and other mistakes made during production make a coin rare and much more valuable. These errors often create unique and interesting pieces that collectors are eager to add to their collections.
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Historical Significance: Coins from certain eras, such as the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, are valuable due to their historical importance. These coins represent the early years of the U.S. Mint, and owning one is like holding a piece of U.S. history.
Tips for Identifying Valuable Quarters:
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Check for Mintmarks: Pay attention to the mintmark (or lack thereof) on your quarters, as certain minting locations, such as Carson City (CC), are much rarer.
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Look for Errors: Examine the coin closely for any noticeable minting errors such as double strikes, off-center designs, or misaligned dies.
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Inspect the Condition: The value of a coin increases with its condition. Coins graded MS-65 or higher (mint state) are typically worth much more than coins in lower grades.
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Use a Magnifier: Small errors, such as doubled dies or minor die cracks, may not be visible to the naked eye. A magnifier or magnifying tool can help you spot these details.
