The 17 Most Valuable Quarters: Price List With Pictures
The 17 Most Valuable Quarters
Complete price guide to America's rarest quarters from 1796 to 1937 - values ranging from $150 to $25,000+
Introduction
The quarter dollar was first put into production in 1796, beginning a fascinating numismatic journey that spans more than two centuries. Since then, it has seen more than a dozen distinct types and major subtypes issued as circulation money, creating an incredibly rich collecting field for numismatists.
Modern Collecting Appeal
Quarters are also a favorite denomination for new United States Mint design programs, which has drawn millions to coin collecting. In 1999, the quarter became the canvas for the 50 State Quarters program, and more recently, the America The Beautiful Quarters series in 2010.
Treasure Hunting Potential
There are many excellent rarities to be found among quarters. Like pennies, some valuable Washington quarters and proof coins can on rare occasions still be found in pocket change, making quarter collecting both accessible and potentially rewarding.
Silver Quarter Heritage
Looking back over the long history of the quarter, a numismatist will easily spot perhaps 50 to 100 significant semi-key dates and popular varieties. The major rarities—silver quarters worth serious money—include several valuable coins that rank among America's greatest numismatic treasures.
So many valuable quarters exist that coin collectors stay quite busy chasing them down for their albums and sets. This comprehensive guide examines 17 of the most valuable quarters, ranging from quarters dated 1796 to 1937, listed in chronological order with current market values.
Table of Contents
- Early Federal quarters: The foundation rarities (1796-1805)
- Capped Bust quarter treasures: Overdates and varieties (1823-1828)
- Liberty Seated rarities: Carson City and San Francisco keys
- Barber quarter key dates: 19th and 20th century classics
- Standing Liberty treasures: First-year and overdate rarities
- Early Washington quarters: 1932 key dates and varieties
- Professional collecting strategies and market timing
- Investment outlook and market trends
Early Federal Quarters: The Foundation Rarities (1796-1805)
The earliest quarters represent some of America's most historically significant and valuable coins. These Federal-era rarities showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the early United States Mint while commanding prices that reflect their extreme scarcity.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter, Small Eagle Reverse
Mintage: 6,146 pieces
Significance: First-year issue for the quarter denomination
Rarity: Extremely rare in all grades
Value: Starting around $10,000 in Good-4
This early Federal-era quarter is popular as both a first-year issue and as a considerable rarity, sought by all who collect classic United States coinage.
1804 Draped Bust Quarter, Heraldic Eagle Reverse
Mintage: 6,738 pieces
Production Gap: Following a hiatus that began in 1797
Rarity: Extremely scarce in all grades
Value: $3,500+ in Good-4
Quarters were once again issued in 1804, the denomination's second year of production. Examples in lightly circulated grades and all Mint State levels are exceedingly rare.
1805 Draped Bust Quarter
Mintage: 121,394 pieces
Relative Rarity: More available than 1796 and 1804
Condition Rarity: Extremely hard to find uncirculated
Value: Over $500 in Good-4, five figures in pristine condition
Although not quite as expensive as its predecessors, the 1805 quarter remains a rare coin worth serious money to collectors.
Early Quarter Significance
These early quarters represent the foundation of American silver coinage and the artistic vision of the young republic. The small mintages reflect the limited silver available and the nascent state of American commerce. For collectors interested in historic silver coins, these represent the pinnacle of American numismatic achievement.
Capped Bust Quarter Treasures: Overdates and Varieties (1823-1828)
The Capped Bust quarter series produced some of the most fascinating and valuable varieties in American numismatics. These coins showcase the hand-punched die techniques of the 19th century, which occasionally resulted in remarkable errors that are treasured by collectors today.
Hand-Punched Die Era
During the 19th century, all inscriptions were punched into coin dies by hand, a process that occasionally resulted in errors when dates or denominations were corrected. These mistakes, rather than being discarded, often made it into production, creating some of the most valuable American coins.
- 1823 3 Over 2 Overdate: Perhaps 30-35 examples known
- 1828 25 C. Over 50 C.: Denomination correction variety
- Hand-Punched Technique: Source of fascinating varieties
- Extreme Rarity: Most varieties have tiny populations
1823 3 Over 2 Capped Bust Quarter
Total Mintage: 17,800 pieces (regular 1823)
Variety Population: Perhaps 30-35 examples known
Proof Status: No known proof Capped Bust quarters exist
Starting Value: More than $20,000 in Good-4
This overdate variety is exceptionally rare, with prices increasing dramatically at each grading threshold. The number of known examples makes this one of America's great numismatic rarities.
1828 25 C. Over 50 C. Capped Bust Quarter
Error Type: Denomination "25 C." punched over "50 C."
Regular Mintage: 102,000 pieces (1828 total)
Variety Rarity: Small fraction of total mintage
Value Range: About $250 in Good-4 to $25,000 in Mint State
This fascinating variety shows how the denomination "25 C." was repunched over the original incorrect "50 C." marking, creating a highly collectible error.
Variety Collecting
Capped Bust quarter varieties represent some of the most dramatic and valuable errors in American numismatics. The hand-punched die techniques of the era created unique opportunities for such mistakes, making these coins fascinating both from historical and collecting perspectives. They're particularly appealing to advanced collectors who appreciate the technical aspects of early American minting.
Liberty Seated Rarities: Carson City and San Francisco Keys
The Liberty Seated quarter series includes some of the most coveted branch mint issues in American numismatics. The Carson City Mint, operating in the heart of Nevada's silver mining country, produced several quarters that rank among the rarest and most valuable in the series.
Carson City Mint Legacy
The Carson City Mint is one of the most storied coin production facilities of all branch mints outside of the "Mother Mint" in Philadelphia. This is partly due to the low mintages of coins struck at this mint, which operated in Nevada's silver mining heartland.
San Francisco Rarities
The San Francisco Mint also produced several key date Liberty Seated quarters, with the 1872-S ranking among the most valuable. These West Coast issues are essential for complete collections.
Silver Content Appeal
All Liberty Seated quarters contain substantial silver content, adding intrinsic value to their numismatic worth. This dual appeal makes them attractive to both collectors and precious metals investors interested in historic silver coins.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Mintage: 8,340 pieces
Mint: Carson City, Nevada
Value Range: $10,500+ in Good-4 to six figures in uncirculated
Significance: Among the most sought-after CC-mint coins
This rare date represents the Carson City Mint's limited quarter production and is worth substantial values across all grades.
1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Mintage: 10,890 pieces
Collector Appeal: Top coin sought by Liberty Seated enthusiasts
Survival Rate: Fraction of original mintage exists
Starting Value: Approximately $7,500 in Good-4
Another rare Carson City issue that ranks among the most important dates in the Liberty Seated quarter series.
1872-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Mintage: 22,850 pieces
Relative Rarity: More common than 1870-CC and 1871-CC
Value: Around $2,000 in Good-4
Status: Still rare despite higher mintage
While more available than its CC predecessors, this date remains a significant rarity in the quarter series.
1872-S Liberty Seated Quarter
Mintage: 83,000 pieces
Mint: San Francisco
Value: Around $1,750 for Good-4
Significance: Key San Francisco issue
This S-mint rarity from San Francisco is desirable in all grades and essential for date-and-mintmark collectors.
Branch Mint Significance
Carson City and San Francisco quarters represent the expansion of American coinage to the western frontier. The low mintages reflect the limited commercial needs of these regions and the logistical challenges of operating mints far from the eastern population centers. Today, these coins are among the most prized examples of 19th-century American silver coinage.
Barber Quarter Key Dates: 19th and 20th Century Classics
The Barber quarter series, designed by Charles E. Barber and spanning 1892 to 1916, is one of the most widely collected types that bridge the 19th and 20th centuries. Several notable key and semi-key dates make this series both challenging and rewarding for collectors.
Barber Quarter Collecting Appeal
The Barber quarter series offers an excellent balance of availability and challenge, making it ideal for collectors seeking a manageable yet rewarding project. The series includes several key dates that provide significant collecting challenges while remaining within reach for dedicated collectors.
- Series Span: 1892-1916 (25 years of production)
- Design Consistency: Stable design throughout the series
- Key Date Variety: Several significant rarities from different decades
- Collecting Challenge: Balanced between available and rare dates
1896-S Barber Quarter
Mintage: 188,039 pieces
Status: Popular semi-key coin
Value: Around $850 in Good-4
Significance: Important 19th-century San Francisco issue
Among the notable key and semi-key dates in the Barber series, the 1896-S represents an excellent entry point into key date collecting.
1901-S Barber Quarter
Mintage: 72,664 pieces
Status: Major 20th-century rarity
Value: Starting at $4,000 for Good-4
Significance: One of the most important rarities of the 20th century
Only 72,664 examples were made, making this coin vigorously pursued by collectors and ranking as a major objective for Barber quarter enthusiasts.
1913-S Barber Quarter
Mintage: 40,000 pieces
Distinction: Lowest-mintage regular-issue business-strike quarter of the 20th century
Value: $1,550 in Good-4
Paradox: Lowest mintage but not most valuable
While this holds the distinction of being the lowest-mintage quarter struck in the 1900s, it's not necessarily the most valuable due to survival rates and collector demand patterns.
Mintage vs. Value
The 1913-S Barber quarter demonstrates an important numismatic principle: lowest mintage doesn't always equal highest value. Factors such as survival rates, hoarding patterns, and collector demand all influence modern values. The 1901-S, despite a higher mintage than the 1913-S, commands significantly higher prices due to lower survival rates and stronger collector demand.
Standing Liberty Treasures: First-Year and Overdate Rarities
The Standing Liberty quarter series, though brief (1916-1930), produced some of the most beautiful and valuable quarters in American numismatics. The series includes both an iconic first-year rarity and one of the most important overdate varieties of the 20th century.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Mintage: 52,000 pieces
Status: Key date of the Standing Liberty series
Historical Significance: First-year-of-issue coin
Design Controversy: Shows Miss Liberty's exposed right breast
Value: $2,250 in Good-4
This coin is one of the most sought-after rarities of the 20th century and offers a touch of controversy that led to a design revision in 1917.
1918-S 8 Over 7 Standing Liberty Quarter
Error Type: Overdate variety (8 punched over 7)
Rarity: Perhaps a few thousand specimens exist
Collector Demand: Far exceeds available supply
Value: Around $1,800 in Good-4
Significance: Major prize for Standing Liberty quarter enthusiasts
This rare overdate error represents one of the most important varieties in the Standing Liberty quarter series.
Design Evolution
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter's controversial design showing Miss Liberty's exposed breast led to a revision in 1917 that covered her front with chain mail. This addition also symbolically signaled the entrance of the United States into World War I, making the 1916 design both artistically and historically significant. The design controversy adds to the coin's mystique and collector appeal.
Artistic Achievement
The Standing Liberty quarter is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful American coin designs. Hermon A. MacNeil's artistic vision created a dynamic, flowing design that broke from earlier static portraits.
Short Series Appeal
The relatively short series (1916-1930) makes it manageable for collectors while still providing significant challenges with key dates like the 1916 and various overdates and varieties.
Historical Context
Standing Liberty quarters span World War I and the Roaring Twenties, making them witnesses to dramatic changes in American society and culture during this transformative period.
Early Washington Quarters: 1932 Key Dates and Varieties
The Washington quarter series began in 1932 with the commemoration of George Washington's 200th birthday. The first year of this design, which continues today, offers two scarce key-date coins and an important variety that round out our list of the most valuable quarters.
Washington Quarter Foundation
The 1932 Washington quarter was originally intended as a one-year commemorative issue but proved so popular that it became the regular quarter design. The first year produced two key dates that remain essential for any serious Washington quarter collection.
- 1932-D Denver: 436,800 mintage
- 1932-S San Francisco: 408,000 mintage
- Commemorative Origin: Originally intended for one year only
- Design Longevity: Continues in use today with modifications
1932-D Washington Quarter
Mintage: 436,800 pieces
Mint: Denver
Value: Around $160 in Good-4
Collector Appeal: Sought in any grade
The first of the two first-year key dates, this Denver issue saw a relatively small mintage and is pursued by collectors across all grading levels.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Mintage: 408,000 pieces
Mint: San Francisco
Value: About $150 in Good-4
Status: Remarkably scarce and highly popular
The second of the two first-year key dates, this San Francisco issue is slightly scarcer than the 1932-D and equally popular with collectors.
1937 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
Error Type: Doubled die obverse variety
Series Context: One of several doubled die varieties in the Washington series
Rarity: Among the scarcest and most valuable varieties
Value: About $600 in Very Fine-20 and up
Key Diagnostic: Most significant doubling visible in the date
The final valuable quarter in our survey, this variety showcases the hub doubling most prominently in the date numerals.
Variety Recognition
The 1937 doubled die obverse Washington quarter requires careful examination to authenticate. The most significant evidence of hub doubling appears in the date, where the numbers show clear separation. Other Washington quarter varieties exist throughout the series, making variety collecting a rewarding specialty within the broader Washington quarter field.
Professional Collecting Strategies and Market Timing
While these 17 valuable quarters represent some of the most expensive and rare United States quarters, there are many more scarce coins throughout the quarter series. A dedicated numismatist may spend several years and considerable resources to assemble a complete collection of rare and valuable quarters.
Budget Planning
Plan your quarter collecting budget around the most expensive pieces first. Early Federal quarters will likely represent your largest single investments, so understanding their market cycles helps with timing purchases.
Series Selection
Consider focusing on specific series rather than attempting to collect all valuable quarters. Barber quarters or Washington quarters offer manageable scope with clear key dates and reasonable completion goals.
Grade Standards
Establish consistent grade standards early in your collecting journey. The premium differences between grades can be substantial, so understand your comfort level with various condition levels before making major purchases.
Advanced Collecting Considerations
- Authentication Priority: Third-party certification essential for expensive quarters
- Market Timing: Monitor precious metals markets for optimal buying opportunities
- Dealer Relationships: Build relationships with reputable dealers for access to quality material
- Portfolio Balance: Balance quarter collecting with other numismatic and precious metals investments
- Exit Strategy: Understand resale markets for major purchases
Remember that current silver spot prices provide a base value for pre-1965 quarters, while numismatic premiums drive values for the rarities discussed in this guide.
Authentication Importance
For quarters valued at hundreds or thousands of dollars, professional authentication and grading becomes essential. The prevalence of counterfeits and altered coins in the rare quarter market makes third-party certification a wise investment protection strategy. Never compromise on authentication when dealing with high-value quarters.
Investment Outlook and Market Trends
Still, the search for these coins can be thrilling, and the completion of such a collection truly rewarding and worth the time. The quarter series offers one of the most diverse and challenging collecting experiences in American numismatics.
Market Stability
Rare quarters have shown remarkable price stability over decades of collecting interest. The combination of historical significance, artistic merit, and genuine scarcity supports long-term value appreciation across most key dates in the series.
Silver Content Foundation
Pre-1965 quarters contain 90% silver, providing an intrinsic value floor that supports numismatic premiums. This dual appeal to both collectors and precious metals investors creates broader market demand for quality examples.
Collector Base Growth
Modern mint programs like the 50 State Quarters and America the Beautiful series have introduced millions of new collectors to quarter collecting, expanding the potential market for classic rarities and key dates.
Future Considerations
The quarter denomination's continued popularity through modern mint programs ensures ongoing collector interest in the classic series. Early Federal quarters will likely remain the province of advanced collectors and institutions, while 20th-century key dates offer more accessible entry points for building meaningful collections. Consider exploring silver coin collecting as part of a broader strategy that includes both classic numismatic pieces and modern precious metals investments.
Whether you're attracted to the historical significance of early Federal quarters, the artistic beauty of Standing Liberty designs, or the accessibility of Washington quarter key dates, the pursuit of valuable quarters offers both intellectual satisfaction and potential financial rewards. The key is developing a systematic approach that balances collecting goals with budget realities while maintaining focus on quality and authenticity.
Disclaimer: This price guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Coin values can fluctuate based on market conditions, silver prices, and numismatic factors. Grading and authentication opinions may vary between services. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with qualified numismatic professionals before making significant purchases.