Coin collecting combines the excitement of discovering valuable items with the joy of learning about history. Among the many types of coins that collectors seek, quarters are special due to their rich history and accessibility. Some quarters, like the Bicentennial Quarter, are particularly valuable, with prices reaching up to $25,000. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of rare quarters, highlighting the Bicentennial Quarter and five other quarters each worth over $1,000.
Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. Most of these quarters are common, but some are exceptionally rare due to a minting error called a double die obverse. This error causes the date and motto on the coin to appear doubled. Because of this mistake, certain Bicentennial Quarters can be worth nearly $25,000. Collectors highly value these quarters not only for their rarity but also for their historical importance. Finding one in perfect condition is a major goal for many collectors.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a key piece for collectors focused on the Washington series. Only 436,800 of these quarters were made, making it one of the rarest quarters of the 20th century. Because of its low mintage, well-preserved examples of this quarter are worth over $1,000. Collectors appreciate the 1932-D for both its rarity and its role in starting the Washington quarter series, adding historical significance to its value.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is highly desirable due to its low production of just 408,000 coins. This rarity makes it another must-have for serious collectors, with prices also exceeding $1,000 for coins in good condition. Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S commemorates the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, making it an important piece in any collection.
1942-S Silver Washington Quarter
The 1942-S Silver Washington Quarter is notable for its low mintage and its silver content. Minted during World War II, this quarter is already valuable, but its rarity makes it even more so. Collectors often pay over $1,000 for a 1942-S in good condition, with higher prices for coins in better grades. The combination of its historical context and silver content makes the 1942-S a sought-after coin.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Washington Quarter
The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter is unique because it has a mintmark error where the D mintmark was stamped over an S mintmark. This overmintmark error is rare and provides insight into the minting process. Quarters with this error, especially those in higher conditions, can sell for over $1,000. This makes them a valuable addition to any collection.
1964-D Washington Quarter
The 1964-D Washington Quarter is rare because of a double die reverse error. This mistake causes doubling on the reverse side of the coin, particularly in the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” As the last year quarters were minted in 90% silver, the 1964-D is appealing to both collectors and investors. Coins with this error can exceed $1,000 in value.
Even though quarters might seem ordinary at first glance, the world of coin collecting reveals that some can be incredibly valuable. The rare Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $25,000, along with the other quarters valued over $1,000, show that there are treasures hidden in plain sight. For collectors, these coins provide a connection to history, a challenging quest for rarity, and the excitement of finding something valuable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, searching for these rare quarters is a fascinating and rewarding experience.
1. Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is valuable because of a rare minting error called the double die obverse, which causes the date and motto to appear doubled. This error makes some quarters worth nearly $25,000.
2. What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter special?
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is special because only 436,800 were minted, making it one of the rarest quarters of the 20th century. Well-preserved examples can be worth over $1,000.
3. Why is the 1932-S Washington Quarter sought after?
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is sought after due to its low mintage of 408,000 coins, making it rare and valuable. It also marks the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
4. What is notable about the 1942-S Silver Washington Quarter?
The 1942-S Silver Washington Quarter is notable for its low mintage and silver content. Minted during World War II, it is rare and can sell for over $1,000 in good condition.
5. What is the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter error?
The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter features a mintmark error where the D mintmark is stamped over an S mintmark. This rare error increases its value to over $1,000, especially in higher conditions.