If you’re a coin collector, you’ve probably dreamed of discovering a rare coin worth a fortune. While many coins hold sentimental value, some, like rare quarters, can offer significant financial rewards. These seemingly ordinary coins can carry immense historical value, scarcity, or unique minting flaws, making them highly sought after by collectors.
In this article, we’ll highlight five extraordinary quarters that every collector wishes to find. From limited production runs to fascinating errors in minting, these coins have captivated numismatists for decades. You might want to double-check your coin collection (or your pockets) after reading this!
A Quick Look at 5 Rare Quarters and Their Key Details
Quarter | Year | Mintage | Unique Features | Estimated Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | 436,800 | Low mintage from Denver Mint | $1,000+ |
1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | 408,000 | Lowest production in the series | $1,000+ |
1942-S Silver Quarter | 1942 | Limited | 90% silver content, minted during WWII | $1,000+ |
1950-D/S Overmintmark Coin | 1950 | Unique Error | D/S overmintmark, Denver over San Francisco | $1,000+ |
1964-D Washington Quarter | 1964 | Moderate | Double die reverse error, last 90% silver coin | $1,000+ |
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter: A True Rarity
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most prized coins for collectors. With only 436,800 minted in Denver, it’s one of the rarest coins in the Washington Quarter series. As the first year George Washington appeared on U.S. quarters, this coin has both historical and monetary significance.
Its value is even higher when in excellent condition. A mint-state example could easily fetch over $1,000, making it a must-have for collectors due to its rarity and its place in American coin history.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter: A Depression-Era Treasure
Minted in San Francisco, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is even rarer than its Denver counterpart, with only 408,000 coins produced. The fact that it was struck during the Great Depression adds to its historical allure, symbolizing resilience during tough times.
High-grade versions of the 1932-S are particularly valuable and can easily be worth over $1,000. It’s a combination of rarity, history, and intrigue, making it a highly sought-after item in the world of coin collecting.
3. 1942-S Silver Quarter: A Coin from Wartime America
The 1942-S Silver Washington Quarter holds special value due to both its silver content and its historical context. Produced during World War II, this coin is made of 90% silver, adding to its intrinsic worth. Its relatively low production number makes it even more desirable.
As a reflection of the wartime economy, where materials were often reallocated for the war effort, this coin has a unique place in American history. Coins in good condition are often worth over $1,000, demonstrating that this coin is more than just pocket change.
4. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter: A Unique Minting Error
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a perfect example of how imperfections can make a coin more valuable. This rare error features a Denver Mint mark over a San Francisco Mint mark, creating a distinctive “D/S” feature. These types of errors happened due to the manual minting process used at the time.
Such error coins are highly prized for their uniqueness, making them incredibly desirable to collectors. A high-quality example can sell for over $1,000, making it a prized find for any numismatist.
5. 1964-D Washington Quarter: The Last of the Silver Coins
The 1964-D Washington Quarter holds significance for multiple reasons. It marks the final year that quarters were made from 90% silver, making it a pivotal coin in the history of U.S. currency. It also features a rare double die reverse error, where parts of the design, such as the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” appear doubled.