Top 3 Most Valuable Modern Quarters: Hidden Treasures Worth Up to $38,400

Introduction to Modern Quarter Rarities

While most quarters from the 1960s onward are worth face value, certain dates, mint marks, and condition rarities command four and five-figure prices. This guide reveals the three most valuable modern Washington quarters that could be hiding in your pocket change.

The Top 3 Most Valuable Modern Quarters

1. 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter – $38,400 Gem

• Composition: 90% silver
• Grade: MS68 (PCGS)
• Key Features:
  • Last year of 90% silver quarters
  • Denver mint struck limited quantities in gem condition
  • Full head details and razor-sharp rims
• Recent Sale: $38,400 (Heritage Auctions 2023)
• Circulated Value: 7−7−9 (for silver content alone)

![1964-D quarter in MS68 condition]

2. 1976-S Silver Washington Quarter (Business Strike) – $19,200

• Composition: 40% silver (Special Bicentennial issue)
• Grade: MS69 (NGC)
• Why Valuable:
  • Rare business strike (not proof)
  • Most were melted for silver content
  • Perfect surfaces with cameo contrast
• Population: Only 12 graded MS69 by NGC
• Pro Tip: Often confused with proofs—look for satin finish

3. 1982-P Washington Quarter – $10,200 Condition Rarity

• Composition: Copper-nickel clad
• Grade: MS68 (PCGS)
• Market Insight:
  • Low mintage of high-quality strikes
  • First year of modified reverse design
  • Full head and drapery details essential
• Circulated Value: Face value
• Grading Key: Must have zero visible marks under 5x magnification

Why These Modern Quarters Are Valuable

The Three Factors Driving Value:

1. Metallic Content (Silver coins carry premium)
2. Condition Rarity (MS68+ specimens are 100x rarer than MS65)
3. Historical Significance (Transitional years like 1964 and 1982)

How to Identify Premium Quarters

Checklist for Valuable Examples:

 1964 & Earlier: All are 90% silver
 1976-S: Look for business strikes (not proofs)
 1982-P: Seek full head details on Washington
 All Dates: Gem uncirculated coins with original luster

Grading Standards:

• MS67: 1-2 tiny marks acceptable
• MS68: Virtually flawless under 5x
• MS69: Perfect by today’s standards

Where to Find These Rare Quarters

Best Hunting Grounds:

1. Old Coin Rolls (Especially 1960s-80s bank-wrapped)
2. Estate Sales (Look for original mint sets)
3. Coin Dealer “Junk Silver” Bins (Sometimes overlooked)

Pro Tip:

Use a 10x loupe to check for:

• Full head details
• Mint luster
• Contact marks

Market Trends & Investment Potential

2024 Price Movements:

• 1964-D Silver Quarters up 15% since 2020
• 1976-S Business Strikes gaining collector interest
• Top-grade clad quarters outperforming bullion

Selling Advice:

• Auction houses for coins > $5,000
• Certified dealers for 1,000−1,000−5,000 range
• Always get multiple offers

FAQ

Q: Are all 1964 quarters silver?
A: Yes! All 1964 quarters (P, D, no mint mark) are 90% silver.

Q: How many 1976-S business strikes exist?
A: Estimated 2-3 million survived (vs. 4 million proofs).

Q: Should I clean my old quarters?
A: Never! Cleaning reduces value by 50-90%.

Q: Where’s the best place to sell?
A: For certified coins: Heritage Auctions. For raw coins: eBay or local dealers.

Start Your Quarter Search Today

While finding a 38,400quarterisunlikely,manycollectorsdiscover38,400quarterisunlikely,manycollectorsdiscover100-$1,000 specimens in:

• Inherited collections
• Old coin rolls
• Dealer bargain bins

Want to learn more? Explore our guides on:
→ [How to Grade Washington Quarters]
→ [Spotting Counterfeit Silver Coins]
→ [Building a Quarter Collection]