These 9 Rare Washington Quarters Could Be Worth Up to $26,000 – Check Your Change!
Most people don’t think twice about spending a quarter, but some of these small coins could actually be worth thousands of dollars. That’s right—some rare Washington quarters have sold for as much as $26,000 each!
These valuable coins aren’t just old—they usually have something special about them, like a minting mistake, low production numbers, or silver content. If you’ve got a coin jar at home or some change in your pocket, it might be worth taking a closer look.
Why Are Some Quarters So Valuable?
The U.S. Mint started making Washington quarters in 1932 to honor the 200th birthday of George Washington. Most quarters are common and only worth 25 cents. But a few have rare features that collectors go crazy for—things like:
- Minting errors (like a double stamp)
- Being made from silver
- A very limited number produced
Even a small detail like a mint mark can make a big difference.
9 Rare Quarters Worth Up to $26,000
| Year | Mint Mark | Why It’s Rare | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | D (Denver) | Low mintage | Up to $26,000 |
| 1932-S | S (San Francisco) | Also low mintage | Over $25,000 |
| 1943-S | S | Double die error | $15,000–$26,000 |
| 1950-D | D | Repunched mint mark | $10,000–$20,000 |
| 1964 | No mint mark | Silver + error | $12,000–$26,000 |
| 1965 | No mint mark | Silver blank error | $15,000–$20,000 |
| 1970-S | S | Overstruck on Canadian coin | $20,000–$26,000 |
| 1983-P | P | Double die + no mint set | $10,000–$25,000 |
| 2004-WI | No official mark | Extra leaf error | $6,000–$26,000 |
The Most Valuable Quarters Explained
1932-D and 1932-S – Rare First Editions
These were the very first Washington quarters. Both the Denver and San Francisco mints made less than half a million of them. They’re very hard to find and extremely valuable—especially in good condition.
1964 & 1965 Quarters – Silver Surprises
In 1964, quarters were made of 90% silver. The next year, the U.S. switched to cheaper metals. A few 1965 quarters were accidentally made from leftover silver, making them very rare.
Tip: Silver quarters are heavier and don’t stick to magnets.
Error Coins – Mistakes Worth Money
Some of the most valuable quarters come from minting errors, like:
- Double die coins (the design looks doubled)
- Repunched mint marks (a letter stamped more than once)
- Wrong coin blanks (like a U.S. design on a Canadian coin)
The 1970-S quarter over a 1941 Canadian quarter is one of the most famous and rare examples.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter – The Extra Leaf Error
This modern coin has an odd mistake: an extra leaf on the corn stalk. It wasn’t part of the design, but a few coins with this error made it into circulation—and now they’re worth thousands.
1983-P Quarter – No Mint Set + Double Die
In 1983, the Mint didn’t create official mint sets, so finding a quarter in good condition is already tough. Some coins from that year also have a double die reverse, making them even more valuable.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my quarter is rare?
Look at the year, mint mark, and design details. Check for any unusual features like doubling, extra marks, or odd materials. Compare your coin to known rare types online or through a coin guide.
2. Where is the mint mark located on a quarter?
On most quarters, it’s a small letter behind Washington’s neck. On older coins (before 1968), it may be on the back under the eagle.
3. Can I still find rare quarters in my change?
Yes! It’s rare, but people do find valuable coins in their everyday change or in old coin collections. Check jars, rolls, or inherited collections.
4. Should I clean my quarter before trying to sell it?
No. Cleaning can lower its value. Collectors want coins in their original, untouched condition—even if they’re dirty or worn.