Quarters are a staple of U.S. currency, introduced way back in 1796. While most are worth their face value, some rare quarters have made a name for themselves and are now valued highly by collectors.
Why? Because of their unique designs, limited production, or even accidental minting errors. These rare finds hold stories of American history and craftsmanship, making them worth a lot more than just 25 cents.
Here’s a list of 17 rare quarters that collectors prize. Who knows—you might have one of these valuable coins in your change jar!
1. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
This quarter is famous for a minting error on its front side, known as the “doubled die” effect. If you look closely, you’ll see a doubling on the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust,” giving this coin a unique three-dimensional effect. With only about 24,000 minted, a well-preserved 1955 Doubled Die Obverse quarter can sell for $2,000 to $5,000!
2. 1932-D Washington Quarter
Only 436,800 of these quarters were minted in Denver, making this edition incredibly rare. Uncirculated versions can command up to $7,000 at auction, while worn pieces still sell for around $900.
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3. 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
Another “doubled die” quarter, this one shows doubled inscriptions, particularly on “Liberty” and Washington’s profile. Even a circulated coin in good condition can sell for up to $3,000, while pristine examples might fetch over $35,000.
4. 1872-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
With only 22,850 produced at the Carson City Mint, this quarter is an exciting find for any collector. Its value can range from $4,000 to as much as $25,000, depending on the condition. In 2019, one example sold for over $22,000.
5. 1844 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter
Minted in limited numbers for collectors, only about 20 examples of this quarter exist today. The coin has a seated Liberty design, and in top condition, it has sold for $10,000 to over $20,000. In fact, one pristine version brought in an incredible $322,000 at auction!
6. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter with Extra Leaf
This quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters Program, has a unique “extra leaf” on the corn stalk. Depending on condition, these quarters can be worth from $500 to over $2,500 in top-grade examples.
7. 2009-D District of Columbia Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Quarter
Released as part of the state quarters series, this 2009 quarter has doubling on its reverse side, specifically on “District of Columbia” and “E Pluribus Unum.” These quarters, when uncirculated, can fetch prices over $200, with pristine examples bringing in more than $3,000.
8. 2005-P Minnesota Extra Tree Quarter
Minted with a design error showing an extra tree on the reverse, this quarter is scarce with only about 1,000 to 2,000 in circulation. Depending on condition, values range from $300 to $4,000, with some sold at auction for up to $7,500.
9. 1896-S Barber Quarter
Struck in San Francisco, this Barber quarter is rare with only 1,450,000 produced. Most are well-worn due to circulation, but even in fair condition, these can bring in $1,200, while high-quality examples have sold for $10,000 or more.
10. 2000-P Maryland Quarter with Sacagawea Dollar Mule
This unusual quarter was accidentally struck using the wrong blank, resulting in a quarter with the Maryland design on one side and a Sacagawea dollar image on the other. With only 100-200 known, these quarters can fetch $1,000 to over $10,000, depending on condition.
11. 1822 Capped Bust Quarter 25/50c
This early U.S. Mint creation was made in very limited quantities, with only 1,055 entering circulation. Pristine examples have sold for $15,000, while some exceptional specimens can bring in as much as $184,000.
12. 1927-S Full Head Standing Liberty Quarter
Minted in San Francisco with only about 396,000 produced, this quarter is valuable for its detailed “full head” on Lady Liberty. Quarters in mint condition sell for $20,000 or more, and a flawless specimen sold for $175,000.
13. 2020-W Salt River Bay Quarter
Produced with the rare “W” mint mark from West Point, only about 2 million were made. Celebrating the Salt River Bay National Historical Park, this quarter is worth $8 to $100 depending on condition, with proof coins fetching even more.
14. 1840-O Seated Liberty No Drapery Quarter
Minted in New Orleans, this quarter lacks the drapery design that appeared later on Lady Liberty’s arm. With only about 76,000 minted, these quarters in high grades can sell for $1,500 to over $10,000, with some uncirculated coins valued over $329,000.
15. 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Quarter
Only 12,000 of these quarters were struck at the Carson City Mint. It’s unique due to the absence of arrows around Liberty, a feature added later. Depending on condition, these quarters can fetch $10,000 to over $20,000, with top-quality pieces selling for six figures.
16. 1983-P Spitting Eagle Type 2 Quarter
This quarter has a distinct die error, giving the eagle on the reverse side a “spitting” appearance. A well-preserved 1983-P Spitting Eagle quarter can bring in between $2,000 and $5,000, with top-grade examples selling for even more.
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17. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (DDO)
This double-die quarter from 1976 celebrates the U.S. Bicentennial with a unique doubling on the word “Liberty.” A well-preserved specimen graded MS-66 sold in 2023 for $8,400.
Why Are Some Quarters So Valuable?
Rare quarters often have special qualities, like design variations, minting errors, or limited production runs. Collectors value these differences as they add uniqueness to each coin, making them a tangible part of history.