In the world of numismatics, rare quarters have become some of the most sought-after treasures. While most quarters are worth just 25 cents, a select few have skyrocketed in value due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical significance.
These quarters, which can fetch hundreds of thousands — or even millions — of dollars, are highly coveted by collectors and investors alike.
In this article, we’ll explore three must-see rare quarters, each valued at over $700,000, and discover what makes these coins so incredibly valuable.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter – $7.8 Million
The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the most famous and valuable quarters in U.S. history. It was struck in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. However, due to a limited mintage, it has become an extremely rare and valuable coin today.
Why It’s Valuable:
The rarity of the 1932-D Washington quarter stems from the fact that only 436,800 were minted, making it one of the lowest mintage quarters ever produced by the U.S. Mint. Moreover, the coin features a clean, bold design of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, making it a significant historical piece.
In 2018, one of these quarters was sold at auction for an impressive $7.8 million. Its value is primarily driven by its scarcity, historical context, and the condition of the particular coin in question. Well-preserved examples in mint condition can command astronomical prices.
2. 1964 Peace Quarter – $1.9 Million
The 1964 Peace quarter is another incredibly rare coin that commands a hefty price tag. This coin was never intended for circulation, as the U.S. Mint had already transitioned to a different design by 1965.
However, a small number of 1964 Peace quarters were accidentally struck, making them some of the most sought-after error coins in numismatic history.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1964 Peace quarter is extremely rare, with only a handful of known examples still in existence. The coin was meant to feature a Peace Dollar design but was struck with the wrong dies. This error made the coin incredibly unique and highly valuable. In 2016, one of these error coins was sold for $1.9 million, setting a record for its type.
Collectors and investors are particularly drawn to the 1964 Peace quarter for its unique backstory and the rarity of its minting error. As one of the most significant U.S. coin errors, it continues to be highly sought after in the numismatic community.
3. 1950-D Washington Quarter – $1.3 Million
The 1950-D Washington quarter is another rare and valuable coin that often flies under the radar. While the 1950-D quarter itself is relatively common, certain high-grade examples of this coin are exceptionally rare and valuable.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1950-D Washington quarter’s value comes from its extraordinary rarity in higher grades. The “D” mintmark indicates that it was minted at the Denver Mint, and while millions were struck, finding one in exceptional condition is extremely difficult.
Over the years, a few well-preserved examples have surfaced, and these have sold for well over $1 million at auction.
In 2021, a pristine 1950-D quarter fetched $1.3 million, marking its place among the most valuable quarters ever sold. Its value is attributed to its rarity in top-tier condition and its place in the larger context of U.S. coinage.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Close to $67 Million USD: 4 Other Coins Over $600,000
| Coin Name | Year | Auction Price (USD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | $7.8 million | Low mintage, historical significance, rare condition |
| 1964 Peace Quarter | 1964 | $1.9 million | Minting error, extremely rare |
| 1950-D Washington Quarter | 1950 | $1.3 million | High-grade condition, low mintage at Denver Mint |
What makes a coin like the 1932-D Washington quarter worth millions?
The 1932-D Washington quarter is valuable due to its extremely low mintage (only 436,800 coins were struck). With such a small number in circulation and many of those coins being lost or damaged, high-quality examples are rare and command a premium price.
How can I tell if my quarter is worth a lot of money?
To determine if your quarter is valuable, you need to consider its rarity, condition, and any potential minting errors. Coins in excellent condition (often graded by services like PCGS or NGC) and those with unusual features or low mintage are typically worth more. Having your coin appraised or graded by a professional can give you an accurate idea of its worth.
Why are minting errors so valuable?
Minting errors make coins unique because they deviate from the intended design. These errors can range from off-center strikes to incorrect die combinations, and because only a small number of these coins are produced, they are often highly prized by collectors.