This post may contain affiliate links.
Quarters, those shiny 25-cent coins that have been a staple of American currency since their introduction in 1796, hold more than just monetary value; they carry stories and history in their little metallic bodies. Made primarily of copper and nickel, a standard quarter weighs about 5.67 grams and has a 24.26 mm diameter.
The U.S. quarter has undergone numerous transformations over the years, featuring various designs that reflect the nation’s heritage. Due to minting errors or limited production, some rare editions can fetch eye-popping prices among collectors. Read on to find out if you have these 17 rare quarters, which might just be your ticket to the Bahamas.
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
The rarity of this Quarter stems from a fascinating mishap during the minting process. The coin’s obverse (or front side) features a delightful doubling of the inscriptions. Look closely, and you’ll see that “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” are highlighted with unusual depth and clarity, giving this coin an almost three-dimensional effect.
An estimated 24,000 of these quarters were minted, yet only a fraction have survived in circulation today. Depending on its condition, the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse quarter can fetch anywhere from $2,000 to a jaw-dropping $5,000 or more.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter
Minted in Denver, only 436,800 of these quarters found their way into circulation, making them a rare find. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), uncirculated examples can fetch upwards of $7,000 at auction, while circulated pieces generally command prices starting around $900, depending on their condition.
The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
The “doubled die” phenomenon occurs when the coin’s design is impressed into the die more than once, leading to a strikingly noticeable doubling of the inscriptions and the image. In this Quarter, you’ll notice the tell-tale signs on the word “Liberty” and George Washington’s profile.
A pristine example of this Quarter can fetch upwards of $35,000 at auction. Even those in the lower grades, like A.U. or X.F., can bring in significant sums, ranging from $500 to over $3,000.
The 1872-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Minted at the famed Carson City Mint, this Quarter is a piece of history and a testament to the art of coinage. The 1872-CC is renowned for its rarity; only around 22,850 pieces were ever struck.
Depending on its condition, an 1872-CC Liberty Seated Quarter can fetch between $4,000 and $25,000 or more at auctions! For example, in 2019, a well-preserved specimen graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) sold for a staggering $22,725.
1844 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter
Struck in a limited quantity specifically for wealthy collectors, the 1844 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter features the elegant Liberty seated on a rock. Only a few of these coins were minted, with estimates suggesting that as few as 20 examples exist today.
In recent auction records, the 1844 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter has sold for amounts ranging from $10,000 to over $20,000, depending on its condition and grading. An exceptionally well-preserved specimen graded PR-66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) brought in a staggering $322,000 at auction.
The 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter Extra Leaf High Regular Strike
Minted as part of the 50 State Quarters Program, this Quarter features the iconic image of the Badger State’s dairy heritage. However, a tiny detail catapults this coin into the realm of rare collectibles: an extra leaf on the ear of corn depicted on the reverse side.
According to the certified grading service, PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), the high extra leaf variety can fetch anywhere from $500 to over $1,500, depending on its condition! Pristine examples graded MS-65 can command prices surpassing $$2,530 at auctions.
The 2009-D District of Columbia DDR Quarter Business Strike
Initially released in 2009, this Quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters program, features an intriguing doubling effect on the reverse side, specifically on the inscriptions “District of Columbia” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
Uncirculated examples of the 2009-D DDR Quarter can command prices upwards of $200 or more at auctions. Those in pristine condition graded by professional grading services can fetch even higher—over $3,055.
The 2005-P Minnesota Double Die Extra Tree Quarter
Initially, it was supposed to feature a simple design showcasing the state’s iconic North Star. However, a delightful quirk in the minting process led to an extra tree being stamped on the reverse side. Only about 1,000 to 2,000 of these coins exist in circulation today.
Depending on the condition, these quarters can fetch anywhere from $300 to $4,000! The most valuable specimens are those graded by reputable bodies like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as ‘Mint State 67’ or higher. Records show that a pristine example sold in a 2018 auction for an astonishing $7,500.
The 1896-S Barber Quarter
Struck at the San Francisco Mint during an immense change in American coinage, the 1896-S Barber Quarter boasts a minuscule mintage of only 1,450,000 pieces. Many were lost in circulation or fell victim to the melting pot during the Great Depression.
Furthermore, its design, created by the talented Charles E. Barber, features Liberty in a classic freedom cap adorned with a wreath. Depending on the condition, an 1896-S Barber Quarter can fetch anywhere from $1,200 to an impressive $10,000 or more at auction.
2000-P Maryland Quarter Muled with Sacagawea Dollar
Minted in Philadelphia, this particular Quarter wasn’t intended for release. The rarity stems from a misalignment in the minting process where the Quarter and the Sacagawea dollar were struck using the same planchet—essentially a blank coin disk. The result?
A quarter featuring the iconic Maryland state design on one side and the Native American Sacagawea on the other. Only about 100 to 200 of these coins exist. Depending on the condition, a single specimen of the 2000-P Maryland Quarter mulled with Sacagawea can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to over $10,000.
1822 Capped Bust Quarter 25/50c Regular Strike
Struck when the U.S. Mint was refining its processes, the Capped Bust design featured Liberty draped in a stylish cap, representing enlightenment and freedom. Only 1,055 coins are believed to have made it into circulation.
Pristine examples of the 1822 Capped Bust Quarter have fetched staggering amounts, often exceeding $15,000 and, in some cases, breaching the $184,000 mark.
1927-S Full Head Standing Liberty Quarter
Minted in San Francisco, this Quarter is rare for several reasons, primarily its low mintage – only about 396,000 were produced. Coins from the Standing Liberty series often exhibit wear that obscures Lady Liberty’s head. When found in high grades, this particular issue showcases the intricate features sharply defined, hence the term “Full Head.”
Values for the 1927-S can vary dramatically, but in recent auctions, pieces in mint state (M.S.) grades have fetched upwards of $20,000. A flawless specimen graded MS-66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) sold for an astounding $175,000 at auction.
The 2020-W Salt River Bay Quarter
The United States Mint produced a limited run of these quarters, with only around 2 million made bearing the “W” mint mark, indicating their production in West Point. This was in celebration of the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Its striking reverse design features a stunning scene of a person kayaking in the vibrant waters near lush tropical greenery. Currently, these quarters can fetch anywhere from $8 to over $100, depending on their grade—proof coins can command even higher prices.
The 1840-O Seated Liberty No Drapery Quarter
Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this Quarter is notable for its unique absence of drapery on Lady Liberty’s arm. Initially, these quarters were minted during a transitional phase when the design was refined, and only about 76,000 beauties were produced.
In high grades, the 1840-O No Drapery can fetch anywhere from $1,500 to over $329,000 at auction, depending on its condition. Coins in uncirculated condition have been known to sell for over $10,000.
The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Quarter
Minted at the Carson City Mint, only about 12,000 of these quarters were struck, and many were quickly circulated, leading to a scarcity that drives its value up significantly. The ‘No Arrows’ designation refers to the absence of arrows on each side of Liberty’s head.
Post-1873, quarters were marked with arrows to indicate a weight change, but this particular year was an anomaly. An 1873-CC No Arrows quarter can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to over $20,000, depending on its condition. The highest-graded examples are so rare that they can command prices well into six figures.
1983-P Spitting Eagle Type 2 Clad Quarter Business Strike
This elusive Quarter earned its name due to a curious and distinct die error. The error creates the eagle’s appearance on the reverse, spewing a sort of “spit” as it takes flight. Many of these quarters were minted during the 1983 production year, but only a tiny fraction displayed this peculiar defect.
A well-preserved 1983-P Spitting Eagle Type 2 quarter can fetch anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on its condition and grading. For instance, a specimen graded at M.S. 66+ was sold for $504 on 13th March 2018.
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) DDO Regular Strike
The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter, or the “double-die obverse” (DDO) regular strike, is distinctive due to its double image on the obverse side, particularly noticeable on the word “LIBERTY.” A well-preserved MS 66 grade DDO specimen was sold for $8,400 on 7th May 2023.
Other Posts You Might Like
- 20 Collectibles in Your Parents’ House That Could Be Worth a Fortune
- 13 Random Items in Your Home That Could Be Worth Thousands
- From Oil Lamps to Porcelain Pigs, These Are the Strangest Things People Collect
- 13 Garage Sale Items That Collectors Actively Look For (and Pay Well For)
- 17 Everyday Items in Your Kitchen That Are Secretly Valuable
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
