Coin collectors are always on the lookout for rare quarters that could fetch a significant amount of money. Some quarters, due to their rarity, historical value, or unique characteristics, have the potential to be worth over $750,000.
In this article, we will explore five such rare quarters that are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. These quarters might just be hiding in your collection or even in your pocket!
5 Rare Quarters That Could Be Worth a Fortune
As with all valuable coins, rarity plays a key role in determining their worth. Some of these rare quarters were produced with unique features or errors, making them desirable to numismatists. Let’s dive into the details of these rare quarters and how they came to be worth more than $750,000.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Rarity: Only 436,800 of these quarters were minted.
- Significance: The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the rarest coins in U.S. history. The low mintage makes it extremely rare, and even slightly worn versions of this coin can sell for thousands of dollars.
- Why It’s Valuable: As one of the first years of the Washington quarter series, collectors pay top dollar for this piece. Coins in excellent condition can fetch upwards of $750,000 at auction.
2. 1950-D Washington Quarter (D over D Mintmark Error)
- Rarity: The 1950-D quarter is known for a unique mintmark error where the “D” is over another “D”.
- Significance: This error makes it a prized item for collectors. The mistake happened during production and went unnoticed until years later, which makes it a sought-after coin in the numismatic world.
- Why It’s Valuable: If found in mint state, the 1950-D with a mintmark error can be sold for over $500,000. Its unique feature ensures that it’s worth much more than the typical Washington quarters from that year.
3. 1873 Seated Liberty Quarter (No Arrows)
- Rarity: There are only a few surviving examples of this particular quarter.
- Significance: The 1873 Seated Liberty quarter is rare due to a unique design and a mistake in the production process. The absence of arrows around the date is what makes this coin highly valuable.
- Why It’s Valuable: Its historical significance and the unique design error make it extremely collectible. Well-preserved examples of the 1873 Seated Liberty quarter can sell for more than $1 million.
4. 1937-S Washington Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
- Rarity: Only a few of these quarters exist, making it one of the rarest Washington series coins.
- Significance: The 1937-S double die obverse has a prominent doubling effect, especially noticeable on the date and the motto “In God We Trust.”
- Why It’s Valuable: Collectors are willing to pay huge sums for this double die error, with prices often reaching over $100,000 in good condition. Higher-quality versions can approach the $750,000 mark.
5. 1943 Walking Liberty Quarter (Silver Planchet Error)
- Rarity: The 1943 Walking Liberty quarter was minted on a silver planchet, making it rare.
- Significance: During 1943, most quarters were made of a different metal, but a small batch of them was mistakenly minted with silver. This error gives it a higher value among collectors.
- Why It’s Valuable: The silver composition and rarity make it a desirable piece. Some of these quarters can sell for over $750,000, especially those in pristine condition.
FAQs
1. What makes a quarter rare?
A quarter is rare when it has unique features, minting errors, or was produced in limited quantities.
2. How much is a 1932-D Washington quarter worth?
The 1932-D Washington quarter can be worth up to $750,000 or more depending on its condition.
3. What is a mintmark error?
A mintmark error occurs when the mintmark (the letter identifying the mint facility) is placed incorrectly or doubled.
4. How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Look for rare mint marks, unique design errors, and check the condition of the coin. Consult with a coin expert for a professional appraisal.
5. Can I find rare quarters in circulation?
While it’s unlikely, rare quarters may occasionally be found in circulation. Check your quarters regularly to spot any that may be valuable.
