Modern Quarters Worth Money: Prices & Collecting Tips
Modern Quarters Worth Money: Prices & Collecting Tips
Discover valuable quarters still in circulation and learn professional collecting strategies for building a profitable quarter collection
Introduction
Are you curious what modern quarters are worth money? Many valuable quarters still circulate and can be found by those lucky enough to land them. However, collectors hoping to score some of these coins from circulation today need to keep a keen eye on every piece of pocket change going through their hands. They also need to know what to be looking for!
Understanding quarter values requires knowledge of precious metal content, key dates, mint marks, and error varieties. While modern quarters may seem commonplace, certain dates and varieties command significant premiums above face value. This comprehensive guide will help you identify valuable quarters and understand the factors that drive their worth in today's market.
Table of Contents
1932–1964 Silver Washington Quarters
The Washington quarter design, introduced in 1932, followed the Standing Liberty quarter, which had replaced the unpopular Barber quarters in 1916. They were intended to be one-year commemorative coins, but the public liked the design of the first president so much that it became a permanent fixture.
Silver Content Value
All Washington quarters dated before 1965 are made from a 90% silver composition. Each pre-1965 quarter contains roughly 0.18 troy oz of pure silver (about 5.6 grams). At current silver spot prices, this gives each quarter a melt value significantly above its 25-cent face value.
Silver Quarter Value Calculator
Current silver spot price × 0.18 troy oz = Melt value per quarter
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The last year the United States Mint struck the Washington quarter made with silver was 1964. By this time, rising silver bullion prices began pushing the intrinsic metal content of these coins to values beyond their face value. This helped fuel a coin shortage that prompted U.S. Mint officials to make major changes in coin policy, including the debasement of silver dimes, quarters, and half dollars in 1965.
Why Collect Silver Quarters
- Guaranteed precious metal content
- Hedge against inflation
- Historical significance
- Recognizable and liquid
What to Look For
- Dates 1932-1964
- Sharp details indicate higher grades
- Original mint luster
- Minimal wear and scratches
1932-D and 1932-S Key Date Quarters
Key Date Rarities
Collectors should be searching for any and all pre-1965 Washington quarters. However, two deserve special attention for their exceptionally low mintages and corresponding high values.
1932-D Washington Quarter
What makes this coin so special is not just its status as a first-year issue for the Washington quarter series but also its remarkably low mintage. It represents the second-lowest production among all circulating Washington quarters.
1932-S Washington Quarter
The lowest mintage for the Washington quarter series. This coin boasts the lowest business-strike production figure of any quarter going back to the ultra-rare 1916 Standing Liberty quarter.
Mint Mark Note
All valuable quarters on this list were made at the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark), San Francisco Mint (S), or Denver Mint (D). You will not find them with a W mint mark for the West Point Mint, nor with an O mintmark for the defunct New Orleans Mint or "CC" for the Carson City Mint.
1982 and 1983 Washington Quarters
We skip ahead a half-century to the early 1980s when one of the gravest recessions since the Great Depression hit the United States hard. Unemployment levels were at their highest point in generations, and the economy was suffering.
The United States Mint struck a fairly ordinary number of quarters in 1982 and 1983. However, with many unemployed individuals scraping together their change to pay rent or buy groceries, not many of these quarters were left behind in change jars and sock drawers. Relatively few people were saving rolls of uncirculated 1982 and 1983 quarters at all—they were being spent as much-needed money.
Economic Impact on Collecting
This economic hardship led to an eventual collector shortage of uncirculated quarters from those two years. Well-circulated specimens are quite common, but examples in upper-circulated grades and throughout the Mint State spectrum remain relatively scarce compared to quarters from surrounding years.
| Date & Mint | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value | Rarity Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-P | Face Value | $5-10+ | Scarce in uncirculated condition |
| 1982-D | Face Value | $5-10+ | Scarce in uncirculated condition |
| 1983-P | Face Value | $20+ | Rarest in uncirculated condition |
| 1983-D | Face Value | $5-10+ | Scarce in uncirculated condition |
Collector Insight
The 1983-P Washington quarter proves the rarest in uncirculated condition and is worth about $20 and up in those grades. This demonstrates how economic conditions can unexpectedly create numismatic rarities decades later.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters
The 50 Statehood Quarters series began with the Delaware quarter in 1999. After a decade and over 34 billion quarters minted, the result was a number of valuable error coins, with Wisconsin leading the way.
Some 2004-D Wisconsin 50 State Quarters feature not just one but two significant and unusual die varieties. Both show an extra leaf on the corn stalk that rises above the wheel of cheese on the reverse side (tails side).
Extra High Leaf Variety
One variety reveals what appears to be an extra high leaf rising above the cheese wheel. This variety is more prominent and easier to spot with the naked eye.
Extra Low Leaf Variety
The other depicts a leaf arcing just above the cheese. This variety requires closer inspection but is equally valuable to collectors.
Mystery Origins
Some have suggested the extra leaves are the result of serendipitous die cracks. Others believe they may be the work of a mischievous engraver. The origins of the extra leaves remain a numismatic mystery, but the demand for these coins is crystal clear. Examples of this 2004 Wisconsin state quarter variety trade for $50 to $100 in higher grades.
What Makes These Special
- Only known on 2004-D Wisconsin quarters
- Two distinct varieties exist
- Error occurred during die preparation
- Strong collector demand drives values
- Relatively easy to authenticate
2005 Minnesota Doubled Die Quarters
Minnesota may be known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," yet more than five dozen different kinds of reverse doubled dies are known among the 2005-P Minnesota quarters.
Most of these error quarters involve apparitions of a superfluous spruce tree to the right of the state outline on the coin's reverse side (tails side). You may need to use your magnifying glass to spot some of the more subtle varieties.
Identification Tips
Coin collectors desire all these doubled dies, with the most desirable showing a heavy doubling of the spruce about four trees to the right of the state outline. The extra tree appears as a ghostly image, creating the impression of additional forest depth.
Variety Spectrum
Values range widely for the various 2005-P Minnesota quarter doubled dies, but the most prominent of these sell for $50 and up in good condition. The variety you find will determine its specific value, with some minor doubled dies worth only a few dollars while major varieties command significant premiums.
Major Doubled Dies
- Prominent extra tree visible
- Clear to naked eye
- Values $50+ in decent condition
- Most sought after by collectors
Minor Doubled Dies
- Subtle doubling effects
- Magnification usually required
- Values $5-25 typically
- Still collectible and valuable
What to Do If You Find Valuable Washington Quarters
Did you find one of these cool quarters? Awesome! It looks like you've had good luck and hit the big money. Now, what to do? Why not sell your coins to a dealer who will pay you what your coins are really worth?
Professional Evaluation
The experts at Gainesville Coins are true blue numismatists. They not only know what your quarters are worth, but they will pay you a fair amount for them, too. Gainesville Coins has been serving collectors since 2006 and is one of the most trusted bricks-and-mortar and online coin dealers.
Beyond Washington Quarters
In addition to collectible Washington quarters, consider the America the Beautiful quarters program. These designs were also made in 5 oz silver bullion versions and are commonly referred to as "ATB" quarters. You might also explore silver bullion investments as a complement to your coin collecting.
Historical Context
Older designs before the 20th century include Bust quarters (Draped Bust, Capped Bust) and Seated Liberty quarters. These can be worth hundreds of dollars or more. As always, the coin's value will depend on its condition.
Precious Metals Portfolio
Consider diversifying into other precious metals. While tracking silver prices for your quarter collection, you might also monitor gold market trends for broader investment opportunities.
Why Choose Gainesville Coins
Gainesville Coins handles a wide array of United States coins, including silver quarters, 90% junk silver coins, gold coins, mint sets, proof sets, key dates, American Eagle silver and gold bullion coins, and so much more.
- Expert numismatic knowledge and evaluation
- Fair market pricing for your valuable coins
- Trusted dealer since 2006
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Professional authentication services
When you choose to sell your coins to Gainesville Coins, you can rest assured you're getting the right price for your valuable coins. All our professionals are happy to help educate you on what you have and will be glad to evaluate the coins you wish to sell.
Take Action
Contact Gainesville Coins today to find out more about what your modern quarters are worth and to speak with somebody about selling your coins for money. Whether you're looking to sell valuable quarters or expand into precious metals investing with gold or silver purchases, our experts are here to help.
Conclusion
Finding valuable modern quarters requires knowledge, patience, and a keen eye for detail. From silver Washington quarters with their precious metal content to rare error varieties like the Wisconsin Extra Leaf, these coins represent tangible pieces of American history that continue to reward diligent collectors.
Remember that coin values fluctuate with precious metal prices, market demand, and rarity. Whether you're just starting your collection or looking to sell valuable finds, working with experienced professionals ensures you understand true market values and make informed decisions about your numismatic investments.
Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, precious metal prices, and individual coin conditions. This guide provides general information and should not be considered definitive pricing. Always consult with qualified numismatic professionals for accurate valuations and market advice.