Quarters are common coins you might find in your wallet, but some are worth way more than 25 cents. Certain rare quarters can be worth thousands because of their history, low numbers, or unique mistakes. In 2025, collectors are eager to find these valuable coins, and you might have one without knowing it. Let’s explore the top US quarter dollar coins that are worth a lot of money and why they’re so special.
Early Coins That Are Super Rare
The first quarters ever made are a big deal for collectors. The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, with only about 6,146 minted, can sell for $15,000 in good condition. The 1807 Draped Bust Quarter, with a small mintage of 220,643, is worth around $2,000 if it’s in decent shape. Another gem is the 1828 Capped Bust Quarter, which can fetch $3,500 because so few were made. These coins are like pieces of early American history, and collectors love them.
Carson City Quarters to Hunt For
Quarters from the Carson City Mint, marked with a “CC,” are hard to find and very valuable. The 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter, with just 8,340 made, can be worth $12,000 in okay condition. The 1871-CC, with 10,890 minted, goes for about $4,000. The 1874-CC Seated Liberty Quarter, with a mintage of 16,000, is valued at around $3,000. These coins are prized because so few were produced, and many didn’t survive over time.
Coin | Year | Value (Good Condition) |
---|---|---|
Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | $15,000 |
Capped Bust Quarter | 1828 | $3,500 |
Seated Liberty Quarter | 1870-CC | $12,000 |
Errors That Make Quarters Valuable
Mistakes at the mint can make a quarter worth a fortune. The 1932-S Washington Quarter, with only 408,000 made, can sell for $250 in good condition. The 1969-D Washington Quarter with a doubled die error, where the design looks doubled, is worth up to $2,000 in great shape. The 2004-D Iowa State Quarter with an extra leaf on the corn is a famous error, fetching up to $1,200 if uncirculated. These errors are exciting for collectors because they’re so unique.
Coin | Year | Value (High Grade) |
---|---|---|
Washington Quarter | 1932-S | $250+ |
Iowa Extra Leaf | 2004-D | Up to $1,200 |
Doubled Die Error | 1969-D | Up to $2,000 |
Modern Quarters with Big Value
Even newer quarters can be worth a lot. The 1999-P Georgia State Quarter with a “spitting peach” error, caused by a die flaw, can sell for $30 to $60. The 2008-D Oklahoma State Quarter with a doubled die error on the text can go for $80 in top condition. Proof coins, like the 1999-S Pennsylvania Quarter, made for collectors, are worth about $50 in perfect shape. These modern coins show that you don’t need an old quarter to strike it rich.
Why These Coins Are Worth So Much
What makes these quarters valuable is their rarity, condition, and how much collectors want them. Coins from before 1965 are often 90% silver, which adds to their worth. Low mintage numbers, like the Carson City quarters, mean fewer exist today. Errors, like doubled dies or extra leaves, make coins one of a kind. Next time you get change, check your quarters for odd dates, mint marks, or designs. You could have a coin worth a lot of money just waiting to be found!