Usually, when you think of valuable coins, images of ancient relics and centuries-old treasures might spring to mind. However, the world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and you might be overlooking some potential riches right in your pocket change! If you’re wondering, “What Quarters Are Worth Money?”, you’re in the right place. While antique coins certainly hold significant value, many modern quarters, minted from 1932 onwards, can also be surprisingly valuable. You might not stumble upon a quarter worth millions, but discovering one worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars is a very real possibility. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of valuable modern quarters and uncover which ones to keep an eye out for.
1. 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Washington Quarter
First, let’s clarify what we mean by “modern” in the context of coins. In numismatic terms, antiques are typically over 100 years old, and vintage items range from 50 to 99 years. Therefore, technically, all Washington Quarters, which have been minted since 1932, fall into the “modern” category. Our focus will be on these Washington Quarters, exploring various series and key dates that collectors covet.
- Year: 2010
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Hot Springs Arkansas
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: November 15th, 2012
- Price: $999
We will be examining quarters as recent as 2022 and even venturing into 2023 if noteworthy examples exist. Our exploration will cover prominent series like the America the Beautiful (National Parks + Monuments), American Women, 50 State Quarters, and DC & Territories Quarters, revealing the hidden values within these modern coin sets.
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2. 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
Since 1932, every quarter has proudly displayed George Washington on the obverse (heads side). While the obverse design remained consistent, the reverse (tails side) has undergone several changes over the years, adding to the variety and collectibility of Washington Quarters. Even the Washington portrait itself has seen three distinct versions, each with its own story. Let’s begin our journey into the world of valuable quarters.
- Year: 1981
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $2,530
For coin enthusiasts, understanding coin terminology is essential. The image, symbol, or portrait on a coin is called its “device,” while the words are referred to as “mottos” or “legends.” Interestingly, the earliest George Washington device, designed in 1931, was actually the most recent to appear on the quarter, finally being used in 2022.
Check 1981 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
3. 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter Business Strike
In 1924 and again in 1930, Congress established committees to organize events for the Washington Bicentennial, marking 200 years since the birth of George Washington, the first US President and a Founding Father. The public desired a commemorative coin to celebrate this significant milestone.
- Year: 1984
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: February 4th, 2016
- Price: $1,293
However, at that time, commemorative coins were deemed too expensive for the government. President Herbert Hoover vetoed the commemorative coin idea. A compromise was reached: a circulating coin would be produced. While a Half Dollar was initially considered, they settled on a Quarter, intended for just one year of minting.
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4. 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The mint and the committee launched a contest to design the new coin, and the winning design came from Laura Gardin Fraser. Intriguingly, her husband was her former art teacher, the renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, famous for designing the Buffalo Nickel, among other notable works.
- Year: 1963
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: August 31st, 2022
- Price: $24,000
Laura Gardin Fraser was a respected sculptor in her own right. She had designed the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar in 1926 and collaborated with her husband on numerous coins and medals. Despite her impressive credentials and winning design, her Washington sculpture was initially rejected for the quarter.
Check 1963 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
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5. 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
Instead of Fraser’s design, Andrew W. Mellon, the Treasury Secretary at the time, selected a design by John Flanagan. This Flanagan portrait graced the Washington Quarter until 2021. However, in 2022, with the introduction of the American Women Quarters series, Laura Gardin Fraser’s design finally found its place on the 25-cent coin.
- Year: 1999
- Series: State Quarters – Delaware
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $1,323
In the interim, Flanagan’s design was refined by William Cousins to accommodate additional elements on the coin. While most quarters credit Flanagan with “JF” on the obverse, coins from 2022 onward feature “LGF,” and those minted from 1999 to 2021 display both “JF” and “WC.” The reverses, of course, vary significantly depending on the series.
Check 1999 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
6. 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter Business Strike
Almost every commemorative coin series has involved different artists, reflected in the initials found on the reverse of these coins. These initials range from Elana Hagler to Charles L. Vickers. The design changes also impacted the sometimes confusing placement of mint marks on Washington Quarters.
- Year: 1965
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Coin Shortage)
- Grade: GEM BU
- Date of Sale: January 19th, 2005
- Price: $12,650
Originally, the mint mark was consistently located on the lower right obverse. Depending on the specific bust design, this placement could be to the right of Washington’s ponytail, below the date under his chin, or beneath the motto “In God We Trust.” As you explore valuable modern quarters, pay attention to this positioning detail, as mint mark variations can influence value.
Check 1965 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
7. 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Let’s briefly discuss the different series of Washington Quarters. Initially intended for only one year of minting, no Washington Quarters were produced in 1933. However, the coin’s popularity led to its reintroduction in 1934, and it has been minted continuously ever since. The earliest Washington Quarters featured an eagle on the reverse.
- Year: 1962
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: April 18th, 2012
- Price: $18,400
Later reverse designs included a drummer boy, Washington crossing the Delaware River (2021), symbols representing the 50 states (1999-2008), images of Washington D.C. and five U.S. territories (2009), sites of 56 national parks and monuments (2010-2021), and finally, the American Women series (from 2022 onwards).
Check 1962 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
8. 2017-P Effigy Mounds Iowa National Park Washington Quarter
Older Washington Quarters can gain value from minting errors like DDOs (Doubled Die Obverses) and RPMs (Re-Punched Mint Marks). However, modern coin production is largely digital, minimizing these types of errors. Instead, modern errors are more likely to involve missing metal layers or clad layer issues.
- Year: 2017
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Effigy Mounds Iowa
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 70
- Date of Sale: September 14th, 2021
- Price: $1,806
Since 1965, most circulating American coins are made of clad cupronickel, consisting of a copper core coated in nickel. Pennies, on the other hand, have a zinc core plated with copper. In clad coins, the outer layer can sometimes detach or slip off during minting, resulting in striking two-toned modern coins that can be quite valuable!
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9. 2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Why did the composition of contemporary coins change? Early coins were made of gold or silver. However, as the prices of precious metals fluctuated, using base metals became a more cost-effective option. This shift is crucial when considering the dual function of currency in any economy.
- Year: 2022
- Series: American Women – Maya Angelou
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 67+
- Date of Sale: February 5th, 2023
- Price: $2,735
Firstly, currency serves as a reliable and consistent tool for trade. Secondly, it generates revenue for governments through seigniorage, which is the difference between the coin’s production cost and its face value. Seigniorage acts as a form of tax revenue for the mint, and higher seigniorage is financially beneficial for the government.
Check More Details About 2022 Quarter Errors List
10. 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
As economies grew, the purchasing power of coins diminished. Yet, the U.S. government still benefited from seigniorage and sought ways to encourage coin usage and collecting. The State Quarters program was the first initiative designed to boost coin circulation and collectibility.
- Year: 1964
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: March 31st, 2021
- Price: $38,400
The State Quarters program encouraged Americans to collect at least 50 new coins, generating substantial revenue for the government. The National Parks & Monuments series added another 56 coins to collect, followed by the 6 DC & Territories quarters. More recently, the American Women series, focused on social consciousness, added 20 more collectible quarters.
Check 1964 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
11. 1976-S Silver Washington Quarter Business Strike
The American Women Quarters series specifically aims to celebrate notable women from underrepresented groups. It features the first African American, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ women to appear on US currency, inviting Americans to learn about their significant contributions.
- Year: 1976
- Series: Bicentennial Quarter 1776-1976
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: June 9th, 2019
- Price: $19,200
Launched in 2022, the American Women Quarters program is scheduled to continue until 2025. The first fifteen women have been selected, and the initial ten coins are already in circulation, honoring figures from diverse fields like writers, astronauts, judges, activists, film stars, and ballerinas.
Check 1976 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
12. 1982-P Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Why were quarters chosen for these commemorative milestones while other denominations retained their original designs? From their introduction in 1932, Washington Quarters resonated with the public. Initially hoarded, they eventually became the most actively circulated coin denomination.
- Year: 1982
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: September 9th, 2019
- Price: $10,200
Even today, the quarter remains the most commonly used coin in everyday transactions. This widespread use ensured that milestone quarters would achieve broad and consistent circulation, maintaining healthy seigniorage revenue. It also guaranteed greater public awareness for the causes and individuals celebrated on these special coins.
Check 1982 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
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13. 1943 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter Business Strike
Have you ever wondered why it’s called a “quarter”? Historically, when the US was still a British colony, British currency was used, featuring a complex system of pounds, shillings, and pence.
- Year: 1943
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Doubled Die Obverse
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: March 22nd, 2020
- Price: $22,250
The American system adopted decimals – fractions of one hundred – a system later embraced by the UK and other nations. One hundred cents equaled a dollar, making 25 cents a quarter of a dollar, hence “quarter.” This amount was also equivalent to the common term “Two Bits of Silver.”
Check 1943 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
14. 1942 Proof Washington Quarter
To elaborate on “bits,” during colonial times, Spanish Dollars, eight-sided silver coins, were widely used. These coins could be physically divided into eight pieces, known as “bits.” “Two Bits” or “Two Pieces of Eight” became a common price reference point, which carried over when American Dollars were introduced.
- Year: 1942
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 69
- Date of Sale: December 1st, 2020
- Price: $16,800
Legend has it that a haircut cost “two bits” in those days. This is believed to be the origin of the famous knocking pattern: one tap, followed by four quicker taps, a pause, and then two final taps, representing the phrase “Shave and a haircut, two bits.”
Check 1942 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
15. 1932-D Washington Quarter Regular Strike
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Following this “bits” logic, a dime (10c coin) was sometimes called a “Short Bit,” while 15c was a “Long Bit.” Although “One Bit” or “One Piece of Eight” existed for Spanish coins, there was no direct equivalent in the American Exchange System, making Quarters the preferred denomination.
- Year: 1932
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 66
- Date of Sale: April 1st, 2008
- Price: $143,750
Interestingly, while “bits” faded from everyday coin usage, they persisted in the Stock Exchange. Until June 1997, the NYSE quoted prices in eighths of a dollar (One Bit). This changed to sixteenths of a dollar (half a bit) in July 1997, and finally, in 2001, the stock exchange fully transitioned to decimal units.
Check 1932 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
16. 1971-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter
With older coins, value often increases with age and rarity. Key dates and selling coins during anniversaries can also boost their prices. However, the value of most modern quarters, especially those without precious metal content, is primarily driven by factors like errors and condition, making online marketplaces like eBay important for sales.
- Year: 1971
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 69 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $7,475
Therefore, spotting valuable errors early is crucial for modern coin collectors. When new coins are released, consider acquiring coin rolls, examining them for mint errors, and listing any finds quickly before the market becomes saturated. Once a particular error becomes widespread, its price tends to decrease significantly.
Check About 1971 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
