Have you ever found an old quarter and wondered if it could be worth more than just 25 cents? Well, it’s possible! There are some rare quarters that could be sitting in your pocket, purse, or drawer, and they might be worth a lot more than you think. In this article, we will talk about the top 3 rare quarters you could be holding onto without even knowing it!
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most famous and valuable quarters. This quarter was made to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday. If you have one from 1932 with a mint mark “D” (which stands for Denver), it’s quite rare. Most of these coins were used up, so finding one in good condition can make it worth around $500 or even more, depending on its condition!
2. 1964 SMS Kennedy Quarter
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Quarter is another rare coin. After President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, the U.S. Mint made a special set of coins in 1964 to honor him. The Kennedy Quarter from this set is hard to find because it was never released into regular circulation. If you have one in good shape, it could be worth over $100!
| Rare Quarter | Year & Mint Mark | Features | Estimated Value | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932, D for Denver | Made to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday | $500 or more, depending on condition | Low mintage, rare mint mark, popular among collectors |
| 1964 SMS Kennedy Quarter | 1964, SMS (Special Mint Set) | Special edition coin issued after JFK’s assassination | $100 or more, depending on condition | Limited production, high collector demand |
| 1999 Connecticut State Quarter (Doubled Die) | 1999, D for Denver | Error with a doubled die (blurry design) | $50 to $500, depending on error size | Minting mistake makes it more valuable, sought after by collectors |
| 1937-S Washington Quarter | 1937, S for San Francisco | Rare San Francisco mint mark | $30 to $150, depending on condition | Rare mintage, especially in good condition |
| 1965 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark) | 1965, No Mint Mark | Made without a mint mark (mystery of the missing mint mark) | $50 or more, depending on condition | Unique error, low mintage, missing mint mark is unusual |
| 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf) | 2004, D or S for Denver or San Francisco | Error coin featuring an extra leaf on the corn stalk | $50 to $200, depending on error size | Mistake with the design, rare finding in circulation |
3. 1999 Connecticut State Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse)
The 1999 Connecticut State Quarter features the image of the Charter Oak, a famous tree. Some of these quarters were made with a mistake, called a “doubled die” error. This means the design was printed twice, causing a blurry effect. If you have a 1999 Connecticut State Quarter with this error, it could be worth anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on how noticeable the mistake is!
How to Identify Rare Quarters
If you want to check if you have any of these rare quarters, look closely at the dates and mint marks. Coins with mint marks (like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco) are usually more valuable. The condition of the coin matters too – coins that are well-preserved are worth more than ones that are scratched or worn down.
FAQs
What makes a quarter rare?
A quarter can become rare for several reasons, including:
Limited production (only a few were made)
Mint errors (like doubled dies or missing features)
Special editions, such as those made to mark significant events or anniversaries
How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
To check if your quarter is valuable, look for:
The year it was made (some years have rare editions)
The mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or no mint mark for Philadelphia)
Any unusual features or mistakes, like a doubled die or misprint
The condition of the coin, as coins in good condition are worth more
Which quarters are the most valuable?
Some of the most valuable quarters include:
1932-D Washington Quarter: This is one of the rarest and most valuable quarters.
1964 SMS Kennedy Quarter: Made as a special edition in honor of President Kennedy.
1999 Connecticut State Quarter with a Doubled Die: Features a printing mistake that makes it worth much more.
Can I sell my rare quarter for a lot of money?
Yes, you can! The value of rare quarters can range from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands, depending on factors like rarity, condition, and collector demand. It’s a good idea to have your rare coins appraised by a coin expert to get an accurate value.
How do I keep my rare quarters safe?
To protect your rare quarters, consider:
Storing them in a safe, cool, and dry place
Using protective cases or holders designed for coins
Avoiding touching the coins too much to prevent damage from oils on your fingers
In conclusion, you might be holding onto a rare quarter without even realizing it! The 1932-D Washington Quarter, 1964 SMS Kennedy Quarter, and 1999 Connecticut State Quarter with a doubled die error are all valuable coins that could be worth more than you expect. If you think you have one of these coins, it’s a good idea to keep it safe and see if you can get it appraised. You never know, you could be sitting on a small fortune!
