Usually, when we think about valuable coins, images of ancient relics or centuries-old treasures come to mind. But what if we told you that the spare change jingling in your pocket might actually be worth more than face value? It’s true! As a modern coin collector, you don’t need to hunt for antiques to find valuable pieces. Modern quarters, those minted in recent decades, can also hold significant worth, sometimes reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While it might not be a fortune, discovering a quarter worth hundreds of dollars is certainly an exciting find for any coin enthusiast.
So, let’s delve into the fascinating world of numismatics and explore a Quarters Worth Money List, focusing on modern quarters that could be surprisingly valuable. We’ll uncover the stories behind these coins, what makes them special, and how to identify them.
Exploring the Realm of Valuable Modern Quarters
What exactly qualifies as a “modern” coin? In the world of collectibles, antiques are generally defined as items over 100 years old, while vintage items are between 50 and 99 years. Considering this, the Washington Quarter series, which began in 1932, technically falls into the modern category. Therefore, our focus will be primarily on Washington Quarters and their various iterations since their inception.
Throughout this guide, we’ll examine quarters minted as recently as 2022 and even some from 2023, if noteworthy examples exist. Our exploration will encompass various quarter series, including:
- America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments Quarters: Celebrating the nation’s natural and historical landmarks.
- American Women Quarters: Honoring pioneering women in American history.
- 50 State Quarters Program: A commemorative series celebrating each of the 50 states.
- DC and Territories Quarters: Extending the statehood program to include Washington D.C. and U.S. territories.
Let’s embark on our journey to uncover the quarters worth money list, starting with some remarkable examples.
1. 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Washington Quarter
Kicking off our list is a coin from the America the Beautiful Quarters series. This series is popular among collectors due to its diverse designs and limited mintages for certain issues.
- Year: 2010
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Hot Springs Arkansas
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: November 15th, 2012
- Price: $999
This particular 2010 Hot Springs Quarter, graded MS 69 (Mint State 69), represents a coin in exceptional condition, almost flawless even under magnification. The high grade significantly contributes to its value.
Check More Details About 2010 Quarter
2. 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
Close-up of a 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter, showcasing its mirrored fields and frosted devices.
Every Washington Quarter since 1932 features George Washington on the obverse (heads side). While the obverse design has seen minor variations over the years, the reverse (tails side) has undergone more significant changes, especially with the commemorative series. Even the Washington portrait itself has an interesting design history.
- Year: 1981
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $2,530
This 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter, graded PR 70 DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo), is a stunning example of a proof coin. Proof coins are specially minted for collectors, and Deep Cameo designation indicates a strong contrast between the mirrored fields and frosted devices (the design elements) of the coin, enhancing its visual appeal and value.
Check 1981 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
3. 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter Business Strike
The story of the Washington Quarter began with the Washington Bicentennial. In both 1924 and 1930, Congress formed committees to plan celebrations for the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The idea of a commemorative coin to mark this milestone was proposed.
- Year: 1984
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: February 4th, 2016
- Price: $1,293
Initially, a commemorative Half Dollar was considered, but eventually, a circulating Quarter was chosen instead. This 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter, graded MS 67, represents a business strike coin (coins intended for general circulation) in high mint state condition. The “Type 2” designation might refer to a minor design variation, which can sometimes influence collector interest.
Check 1984 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
4. 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image highlighting the date and mint mark of a 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter, emphasizing its silver composition.
A design contest was held for the new coin, and sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser emerged as the winner. Interestingly, her husband was her former art teacher, the renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, famous for designing the Buffalo Nickel.
- Year: 1963
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: August 31st, 2022
- Price: $24,000
This 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter, graded MS 68, commands a significant price due to its silver composition. Prior to 1965, U.S. quarters were made of 90% silver. Coins from this era, especially in high grades, are highly sought after by collectors for their precious metal content and historical significance.
Check 1963 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
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5. 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
Detailed image of a 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Quarter, showcasing the Delaware State design and proof finish.
Despite Laura Gardin Fraser’s winning design, Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon ultimately selected a design by John Flanagan. Flanagan’s portrait of Washington graced the quarter until 2021. However, in 2022, with the introduction of the American Women Quarters series, Fraser’s design was finally used on the 25-cent coin.
- Year: 1999
- Series: State Quarters – Delaware
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $1,323
This 1999-S Delaware State Quarter Proof Deep Cameo, graded PR 70 DCAM, is another example of a highly graded proof coin. The State Quarters series, launched in 1999, was immensely popular, sparking renewed interest in coin collecting.
Check 1999 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
6. 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter Business Strike
Over time, Flanagan’s design was slightly modified by William Cousins to accommodate the various reverse designs of the commemorative series. While most quarters feature Flanagan’s “JF” initials, coins from 2022 onwards bear “LGF” for Laura Gardin Fraser, and those from 1999-2021 display both “JF” and “WC.”
- Year: 1965
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Coin Shortage)
- Grade: GEM BU
- Date of Sale: January 19th, 2005
- Price: $12,650
This 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter, graded GEM BU (Gem Brilliant Uncirculated), is valuable due to its condition and the “Type 2” designation, which could indicate a subtle design variation from the standard 1965 quarters. 1965 was also the year the US Mint transitioned from silver to clad coinage due to rising silver prices, making silver quarters from 1964 and earlier more desirable.
Check 1965 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
7. 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The reverse designs of Washington Quarters have evolved significantly. The initial reverse featured an eagle. Later series showcased a drummer boy (for the Bicentennial), Washington crossing the Delaware (2021), state symbols (1999-2008), DC and territory images (2009), national park and monument sites (2010-2021), and American Women (from 2022 onwards).
- Year: 1962
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: April 18th, 2012
- Price: $18,400
This 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter, graded MS 67, is another valuable silver quarter from the pre-1965 era. Its high grade and silver content contribute to its impressive value.
Check 1962 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
8. 2017-P Effigy Mounds Iowa National Park Washington Quarter
Traditionally, errors like Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and Repunched Mint Marks (RPM) increased the value of older Washington Quarters. However, modern digital minting techniques have minimized these types of errors. Instead, modern coins are more prone to errors like missing clad layers.
- Year: 2017
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Effigy Mounds Iowa
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 70
- Date of Sale: September 14th, 2021
- Price: $1,806
This 2017-P Effigy Mounds Iowa National Park Quarter, graded MS 70, represents a perfect grade coin from the America the Beautiful series. While not error-related, its perfect condition makes it valuable to collectors seeking the highest quality examples.
Check More Details About 2017 Quarter
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9. 2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Why the shift from precious metals to clad compositions in modern coinage? Early coins were made of gold or silver. However, fluctuations in precious metal prices made base metals a more economical choice. Currency serves two key functions in an economy.
- Year: 2022
- Series: American Women – Maya Angelou
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 67+
- Date of Sale: February 5th, 2023
- Price: $2,735
This 2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter, graded MS 67+, is from the American Women Quarters series. This series celebrates notable women and has garnered significant attention, making even non-error coins from this series potentially valuable, especially in high grades.
Check More Details About 2022 Quarter Errors List
10. 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image highlighting the full obverse of a 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter, showcasing the iconic Washington portrait.
Firstly, currency provides a reliable medium for trade. Secondly, it generates revenue for governments through seigniorage – the difference between the cost of production and the face value of the coin. Seigniorage acts as a form of tax revenue for the mint.
- Year: 1964
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: March 31st, 2021
- Price: $38,400
This 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter, graded MS 68, represents the last year of 90% silver quarters in circulation. Coins from 1964 are highly sought after as the final examples of silver quarters, and high-grade specimens like this one command premium prices.
Check 1964 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
11. 1976-S Silver Washington Quarter Business Strike
As economies grew, the purchasing power of coins diminished. To maintain seigniorage revenue and encourage coin usage, the US government introduced initiatives to promote coin collecting. The State Quarters program was a prime example.
- Year: 1976
- Series: Bicentennial Quarter 1776-1976
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: June 9th, 2019
- Price: $19,200
This 1976-S Silver Washington Quarter, graded MS 69, is a Bicentennial Quarter minted in silver (40% silver composition). While most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are common, the silver versions, especially in high grades, are significantly more valuable.
Check 1976 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
12. 1982-P Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image of a 1982-P Washington Quarter, highlighting its standard design and potential for high grade value.
The State Quarters program encouraged Americans to collect at least 50 new coins, generating substantial revenue for the government. Subsequent programs like National Parks and American Women Quarters further expanded collecting opportunities and revenue streams.
- Year: 1982
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: September 9th, 2019
- Price: $10,200
This 1982-P Washington Quarter, graded MS 68, might seem unremarkable at first glance. However, even common date quarters in exceptionally high mint state grades can become surprisingly valuable due to their pristine condition and scarcity in such grades.
Check 1982 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
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13. 1943 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter Business Strike
Image clearly showing the doubled die obverse error on a 1943 Washington Quarter, emphasizing the doubled features.
The American Women Quarters series specifically aims to celebrate notable women from diverse backgrounds, including minorities. These coins honor the achievements of women like the first African American, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ women on US currency, promoting awareness of their contributions.
- Year: 1943
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Doubled Die Obverse
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: March 22nd, 2020
- Price: $22,250
This 1943 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter, graded MS 67, is a prime example of an error coin. A doubled die occurs when the die used to strike the coins receives a double impression, resulting in doubled features on the coin. This error significantly increases a coin’s value.
Check 1943 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
14. 1942 Proof Washington Quarter
The American Women Quarters program, launched in 2022 and continuing until 2025, has already selected and confirmed fifteen women to be honored, with the first ten coins in circulation. These women represent diverse fields, from writers and astronauts to judges, activists, film stars, and ballerinas.
- Year: 1942
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 69
- Date of Sale: December 1st, 2020
- Price: $16,800
This 1942 Proof Washington Quarter, graded PR 69, is a proof coin from an earlier era. Proof coins from the 1930s and 1940s are generally scarcer and more valuable than later proof coins, especially in high grades.
Check 1942 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
15. 1932-D Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image of a 1932-D Washington Quarter, highlighting its historical significance as the first year of the series and its Denver mint mark.
Why were quarters chosen for these commemorative programs while other denominations retained their original designs? From their introduction in 1932, Washington Quarters gained public favor. They were initially hoarded but later became the most widely circulated coin.
- Year: 1932
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 66
- Date of Sale: April 1st, 2008
- Price: $143,750
This 1932-D Washington Quarter, graded MS 66, is a key date coin and one of the most valuable quarters. 1932 was the first year of Washington Quarters, and the Denver mint produced a significantly lower mintage than Philadelphia, making the 1932-D a highly sought-after rarity in any condition, especially in mint state.
Check 1932 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
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16. 1971-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter
Even today, the quarter remains the most commonly used coin in everyday transactions. This ensures that commemorative quarters achieve broad and consistent circulation, maximizing seigniorage and broadening the reach of the causes they celebrate.
- Year: 1971
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 69 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $7,475
This 1971-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter, graded PR 69 DCAM, is another valuable proof coin. While 1971-S proof quarters are not rare, Deep Cameo examples in high grades are less common and thus more valuable to collectors.
Check About 1971 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
Understanding “Quarters Worth Money”: More Than Just Face Value
You might wonder about the term “quarter.” Its origin traces back to colonial times and British currency. The complex British system included pounds, shillings, and pence.
The American decimal system simplified things, with 100 cents equaling a dollar. Thus, 25 cents became a “quarter” of a dollar, echoing the old Spanish Dollar system where “two bits” or “two pieces of eight” (quarters of the Spanish Dollar) were common units.
In colonial times, Spanish Dollars were widely used and could be physically divided into eight “bits.” “Two bits” became a popular price point and was adopted into American vernacular even after the introduction of the US Dollar. Legend has it that the common knocking pattern – one long tap, four short taps, pause, and two taps – represents “Shave and a haircut, two bits.”
Following this logic, a dime (10 cents) was sometimes called a “Short Bit,” and 15 cents a “Long Bit.” While “bits” faded from everyday coin usage, they persisted in stock exchange terminology until the late 20th century.
Spotting Valuable Modern Quarters: A Collector’s Strategy
With older coins, value often increases with age and key dates. Anniversaries can also be opportune times to resell. However, for modern quarters, many of which lack precious metal content, value often hinges on condition, errors, and series popularity.
eBay has become a significant marketplace for valuable modern quarters. Since intrinsic metal value is often minimal, spotting errors early is crucial. When new coins are released, consider acquiring rolls, examining them for errors, and listing any finds promptly. The value of error coins can decrease as more examples are discovered.
By understanding the nuances of quarters worth money, from key dates and series to grades and errors, you can transform your spare change into a potentially rewarding collection. Happy coin hunting!
