Sometimes, luck strikes when you least expect it. Imagine discovering that a coin sitting in your drawer is worth thousands of dollars! One such lucky find is the rare Bicentennial Quarter, which has sold for as much as $80,000. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to valuable quarters.
There are several other quarters out there that can be worth a fortune. In this article, we’ll explore the $80,000 Bicentennial Quarter and five other valuable quarters that could be hiding in your pocket change.
What Makes a Quarter Valuable?
The value of a quarter comes down to several factors: rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and condition. Quarters that were produced in limited quantities, or have mistakes like missing mint marks or off-center designs, are especially sought after by collectors.
Sometimes, a well-preserved quarter from the past can sell for an incredible amount at auctions. Let’s take a closer look at these valuable quarters.
1. The $80K Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter was issued in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. While most of these quarters are common, a rare few have sold for an astounding $80,000. What makes these particular Bicentennial Quarters so valuable is a combination of their condition and any minting errors. For example, if a quarter has a perfect strike with no wear, it could be worth thousands.
Some of these quarters were also minted in silver, adding to their value. If you happen to have a Bicentennial Quarter in excellent condition, it’s worth having it appraised—it might just be your lucky find!
2. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is another coin that can fetch a high price. This coin was minted during the Great Depression, and only a small number were produced. Quarters from the Denver Mint (marked with a “D”) in good condition can be worth over $5,000. Collectors value these quarters for their rarity and historical significance.
3. 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
A minting error called the “Doubled Die” error makes the 1937 Washington Quarter highly valuable. This error happens when the coin is struck twice, resulting in a noticeable doubling of the image or inscription. These coins are rare and can be worth up to $10,000, depending on their condition.
The doubling is usually most visible in the word “LIBERTY” or in George Washington’s profile.
4. 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
This quarter is a unique and valuable find because of its mint mark error. A few of the 1950 Washington Quarters struck in Denver show an “S” mint mark (for San Francisco) underneath the “D.” This error makes the coin rare and highly sought after by collectors. A 1950-D/S Washington Quarter can sell for several thousand dollars if it is in good condition.
5. 1965 Silver Quarter
In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from producing silver quarters to making them out of a copper-nickel alloy. However, a few 1965 quarters were mistakenly struck in silver, making them incredibly rare.
These silver quarters can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their condition. If you find a 1965 quarter, it’s worth checking whether it’s made of silver—you might be holding a valuable piece of history.
6. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter “Extra Leaf” Error
The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter is famous for its “Extra Leaf” error. Some of these quarters were minted with an extra leaf on the corn stalk shown on the reverse side of the coin. There are two varieties of this error—one with a “high leaf” and one with a “low leaf.” Both versions are rare and can be worth up to $3,000, depending on their condition.
FAQs
1. What makes a Bicentennial Quarter worth $80,000?
The $80K Bicentennial Quarter is valuable due to its condition, rarity, and any minting errors. Quarters that are in pristine, uncirculated condition or have unique mint errors can fetch high prices.
2. How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Check for mint marks, errors like doubling or off-center designs, and the overall condition of the coin. Rare minting mistakes and well-preserved quarters are usually more valuable.
3. Should I clean my valuable coins?
No, cleaning a coin can decrease its value significantly. Collectors prefer coins in their original, unaltered condition. It’s best to leave the coin as is and store it properly.
4. Where can I sell my valuable quarters?
You can sell your valuable quarters at auctions, through coin dealers, or online marketplaces. Before selling, have your coin appraised to determine its true value.
5. How do I get my coin appraised?
You can take your coin to a professional coin dealer or a numismatist for appraisal. Some coin shops and auction houses also offer appraisal services.