Did you know some rare quarters are worth much more than their face value of 25 cents? Two rare quarters in particular have grabbed the attention of coin collectors because of their high value. If you find these coins, you could be holding onto something worth thousands of dollars! Let’s find out what makes these quarters so special and why they are worth more than a stack of bills.
What Makes a Quarter Valuable?
Not all quarters are valuable, but a few stand out because of their unique features. Quarters become rare and valuable due to:
- Minting errors: Mistakes made during coin production.
- Low mintage: Very few coins were made, making them hard to find.
- Historical significance: Coins tied to special events or periods.
- Condition: Coins in excellent condition are always worth more.
Now let’s take a closer look at two quarters that are worth more than you could imagine.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D quarter is one of the rarest quarters in the United States. Here’s what makes it special:
- Low Mintage: Only 436,800 of these coins were made at the Denver Mint. This is a very small number compared to millions of quarters produced today.
- Historical Background: This coin was released to celebrate the 200th birthday of George Washington.
- Value: In good condition, this quarter can be worth $1000 or more. If it’s in mint condition, collectors may pay even higher—up to $20,000!
If you happen to find a 1932-D quarter, you’ve found a true treasure.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | – Low Mintage: Only 436,800 coins were produced at the Denver Mint. |
| – Historical Significance: Released for George Washington’s 200th birthday. | |
| – Value: Worth $1000+ in good condition, up to $20,000+ in mint state. | |
| – Mint Mark: “D” on the reverse side (below the eagle). | |
| 1970-S Proof Quarter with Error | – Minting Error: Struck over a 1941 Canadian quarter. |
| – Proof Coin: Made with sharper details and a shinier finish for collectors. | |
| – Value: Some error quarters have sold for over $35,000 at auctions. | |
| – Mint Mark: “S” for San Francisco Mint. | |
| What Makes Quarters Valuable? | – Low Mintage: Fewer coins produced make them rare. |
| – Minting Errors: Unique mistakes during production. | |
| – Condition: Coins in excellent condition are worth more. | |
| – Historical Events: Coins tied to important events or anniversaries. | |
| How to Identify These Quarters | – 1932-D: Look for the year 1932 and a “D” mint mark on the reverse. |
| – 1970-S: Look for the “S” mint mark and unusual markings caused by the error. | |
| Steps to Confirm Authenticity | 1. Check the date and mint mark carefully. |
| 2. Inspect the coin for any errors or markings. | |
| 3. Avoid cleaning the coin, as it lowers the value. | |
| 4. Visit a coin dealer or professional grading service for verification. | |
| Where to Sell Rare Quarters | – Local coin shops or dealers. |
| – Online platforms like eBay or auction sites. | |
| – Professional coin auctions. | |
| Other Rare Quarters to Watch For | – 1942-D Doubled Die Quarter |
| – 1950-D/S Overmint Mark Quarter | |
| – 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter | |
| Tips for Coin Collectors | – Always check your spare change and coin rolls. |
| – Keep coins in their original condition—do not clean them. | |
| – Use a coin book or visit experts to identify valuable coins. |
The 1970-S Proof Quarter with Error
This quarter isn’t as old as the 1932-D, but it’s still highly valuable because of a unique error. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Proof Coin: The 1970-S quarter was specially made for collectors. Proof coins are shinier and have better details than regular coins.
- Error: A rare minting mistake caused part of a 1941 Canadian quarter to appear on this coin. These types of errors are extremely rare, making this quarter a valuable find.
- Value: Some versions of this error quarter have sold for over $35,000 at auctions!
If you ever come across a 1970-S quarter with unusual markings, you should get it checked by an expert.
How to Check If You Have a Rare Quarter
Finding a rare quarter might seem like finding a needle in a haystack, but it’s worth checking. Here’s what you can do:
- Look at the Date: Check the year on the quarter. Look for the years 1932-D and 1970-S.
- Check for Mint Marks:
- “D” stands for Denver Mint.
- “S” stands for San Francisco Mint.
- Inspect the Coin: Look for unusual markings, shiny proof details, or errors.
- Consult an Expert: If you think you have a rare quarter, visit a coin dealer or grading service for confirmation.
FAQs
What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter so valuable?
The 1932-D quarter is valuable due to its low mintage—only 436,800 coins were made at the Denver Mint. Its historical significance as part of George Washington’s 200th birthday celebration also adds to its appeal. In excellent condition, it can be worth thousands of dollars.
Why is the 1970-S Proof Quarter with an error so rare?
The 1970-S proof quarter is rare because of a unique minting error. It was struck over a 1941 Canadian quarter, causing parts of the earlier coin’s design to appear on the 1970-S quarter. These kinds of minting errors are extremely unusual and highly prized by collectors.
How much are these rare quarters worth today?
A 1932-D Washington Quarter in good condition can be worth $1000 or more. If it’s in mint condition, it can fetch up to $20,000 or more.
A 1970-S Proof Quarter with the minting error has been known to sell for over $35,000 at auctions.
How can I tell if I have a 1932-D quarter?
Look at the year and mint mark on your coin:
The year should say 1932.
The mint mark “D” for Denver is found on the reverse side (below the eagle).
If you see this, you might have a rare 1932-D quarter!
How do I identify the 1970-S Proof Quarter with an error?
Check for the following signs:
Mint mark: The coin should have an “S” mint mark, meaning it was struck in San Francisco.
Error details: Look for faint markings or parts of another coin’s design (like a 1941 Canadian quarter) on the surface. A coin expert can confirm the error.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter and the 1970-S Proof Quarter with errors are two coins that every collector dreams of finding. Their unique stories, low mintage, and rare features make them worth much more than their face value. In fact, some collectors have paid thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars for these quarters! So the next time you get change, don’t just ignore it. Take a closer look—you might have a hidden treasure in your pocket.
