Are you rummaging through your spare change, wondering if any of those quarters could be worth more than just 25 cents? The world of coin collecting might seem like it’s all about ancient relics, but surprisingly, modern quarters can also hold significant value. While you might not stumble upon a quarter worth millions, certain modern quarters can fetch hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Let’s delve into the fascinating realm of valuable modern quarters and explore which years and editions are particularly sought after by collectors.
1. 2010-P Hot Springs National Park Quarter
2010 Hot Springs Arkansas NP Washington Quarter
When we talk about “modern” coins in the collecting world, it generally refers to coins minted within the last century. Considering the Washington Quarter series began in 1932, technically, all Washington Quarters fall into the modern category. Our focus will be on quarters from recent decades, highlighting those that have gained numismatic value. The 2010 Hot Springs National Park Quarter, part of the America the Beautiful series, stands out as a valuable example.
- Year: 2010
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Hot Springs Arkansas
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: November 15th, 2012
- Price: $999
This particular quarter, graded as MS 69 (Mint State 69, indicating exceptional condition), sold for nearly a thousand dollars. The America the Beautiful series, which ran from 2010 to 2021, celebrated national parks and monuments across the United States. The Hot Springs quarter, representing Arkansas, is a popular coin within this series, and high-grade examples are especially valuable.
Check More Details About 2010 Quarter
2. 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
2010 Hot Springs Arkansas NP Washington Quarter
George Washington has graced the obverse (heads side) of the quarter since its inception in 1932. While the obverse design has seen minor variations over the years, it’s the reverse (tails side) that has undergone more significant changes, especially with commemorative series. The 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter is valuable not for a special reverse design, but for its condition and “proof” status.
- Year: 1981
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo)
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $2,530
Proof coins are specially minted coins with a sharp strike and镜面-like finish, made for collectors. The “S” mint mark indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint, which primarily produces proof coins. “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) refers to the strong contrast between the mirrored fields and frosted devices (design elements) of the coin, a highly desirable characteristic for proof coins. A perfect grade of PR 70 DCAM makes this 1981 quarter exceptionally valuable.
Check 1981 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
3. 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter Business Strike
1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter Business Strike
The Washington Quarter was initially intended as a one-year commemorative coin for the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. However, its popularity led to its continued production. The 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter highlights that even common “business strike” coins (coins intended for general circulation) can have value based on subtle variations and condition.
- Year: 1984
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: February 4th, 2016
- Price: $1,293
The “Type 2” designation for the 1984 quarter refers to a minor design variation. While not immediately obvious to the casual observer, these subtle differences are significant to collectors. Combined with a high mint state grade of MS 67, this relatively recent quarter becomes quite valuable. This demonstrates that even without errors or precious metal content, condition and subtle varieties can drive up the price of modern quarters.
Check 1984 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
4. 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
1963-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The design of the Washington Quarter involved a competition, and while Laura Gardin Fraser won, her design was initially rejected in favor of John Flanagan’s. Interestingly, Fraser’s design was finally used on the 2022 American Women Quarters series. The 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter is valuable due to its silver content and year of minting, marking a transition period in US coinage.
- Year: 1963
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: August 31st, 2022
- Price: $24,000
Quarters minted in 1964 and earlier were made of 90% silver. The Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from dimes and quarters, switching to a copper-nickel clad composition. Therefore, any pre-1965 silver quarter is inherently valuable for its precious metal content. The 1963-D, in an exceptional MS 68 grade, commands a significant premium, reflecting both its silver value and collector demand for high-grade silver coins.
Check 1963 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
5. 1999-S Proof Deep Cameo Delaware State Quarter
1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
John Flanagan’s Washington portrait, chosen in 1932, remained the standard obverse design until 2021. The reverse designs, however, evolved significantly, especially with the introduction of commemorative series. The 1999-S Proof Deep Cameo Delaware State Quarter represents the beginning of the popular 50 State Quarters program and showcases the value of proof coins from these series.
- Year: 1999
- Series: State Quarters – Delaware
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $1,323
The 50 State Quarters program, launched in 1999, featured unique reverse designs for each state, released in the order of their admission to the Union. This series sparked widespread public interest in coin collecting. The 1999-S Delaware quarter, being the first in the series, is a key coin for collectors. Like the 1981-S proof quarter, its PR 70 DCAM grade makes it highly valuable.
Check 1999 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
6. 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter Business Strike
The position of mint marks on Washington Quarters can vary slightly depending on the design era. Initially on the right side of the obverse, its exact placement relative to Washington’s bust changed over time. The 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter is valuable due to its variety and pristine condition, highlighting the nuances that collectors seek even in post-silver coinage.
- Year: 1965
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Coin Shortage)
- Grade: GEM BU (Gem Brilliant Uncirculated)
- Date of Sale: January 19th, 2005
- Price: $12,650
1965 was a transitional year for US coinage, with the removal of silver and a coin shortage prompting the elimination of mint marks on some coins. The “Type 2” 1965 quarter is a slightly different design compared to the “Type 1,” and examples in Gem Brilliant Uncirculated (GEM BU) condition are scarce and valuable. The lack of a mint mark on this coin is not an error, but rather a historical characteristic of 1965 coinage, adding to its collector interest.
Check 1965 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
7. 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Initially intended for just one year, the Washington Quarter’s success led to its continuous minting from 1934 onwards, with no production in 1933. Early Washington Quarters featured an eagle reverse design. The 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter, like other silver quarters from this era, is valuable for its precious metal content and condition.
- Year: 1962
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: April 18th, 2012
- Price: $18,400
As with the 1963-D quarter, the 1962-D is a 90% silver coin. Its value is driven by its silver content, historical significance as a pre-1965 silver coin, and its high grade of MS 67. Collectors often seek out high-grade examples of silver Washington Quarters to add to their collections, driving up their market price.
Check 1962 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
8. 2017-P Effigy Mounds National Park Quarter
Mint errors can significantly increase the value of coins. While older coins often exhibit errors like doubled dies and re-punched mint marks, modern coins, minted with digital processes, are less prone to these types of errors. However, modern coins can have unique errors like missing clad layers. The 2017-P Effigy Mounds National Park Quarter can be valuable, especially if found with certain errors.
- Year: 2017
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Effigy Mounds Iowa
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 70
- Date of Sale: September 14th, 2021
- Price: $1,806
Circulating US coins since 1965 are typically made of cupronickel clad, with a copper core and nickel coating. Occasionally, the outer clad layer can be missing or partially missing, creating a “clad layer error.” While the listed 2017-P Effigy Mounds quarter is valued for its perfect MS 70 grade, examples with clad layer errors would also be highly sought after by error coin collectors.
Check More Details About 2017 Quarter
9. 2022-P Maya Angelou American Women Quarter
2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The shift from precious metal coinage to base metals in the US was driven by fluctuating precious metal prices. Currency serves two main functions: a reliable medium of exchange and a source of government revenue through seigniorage (the difference between production cost and face value). The 2022-P Maya Angelou American Women Quarter represents a new era in quarter design and potential value for modern collectors.
- Year: 2022
- Series: American Women – Maya Angelou
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67+
- Date of Sale: February 5th, 2023
- Price: $2,735
The American Women Quarters program, starting in 2022 and continuing to 2025, celebrates notable American women. Maya Angelou, a renowned poet and activist, was the first woman featured in this series. The initial release and novelty of this series, combined with high grades like MS 67+, can lead to increased collector interest and value for these modern quarters.
Check More Details About 2022 Quarter Errors List
10. 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter Regular Strike
As economies grew, the intrinsic value of coins decreased relative to their face value. To maintain seigniorage revenue and encourage coin usage and collecting, the US Mint introduced commemorative series like the State Quarters. The 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter represents the last year of 90% silver quarters in circulation, making it a key date for silver coin collectors.
- Year: 1964
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: March 31st, 2021
- Price: $38,400
1964 was the final year of silver quarters. The 1964-D is the Denver minted version, and in MS 68 condition, it is highly prized. The combination of being the last year of silver, the Denver mint mark, and the exceptional grade contributes to its significant value. Many people saved 1964 silver coins when the composition changed, but finding them in such high grades remains challenging.
Check 1964 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
11. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike
1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike
The American Women Quarters series specifically aims to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, featuring women from various minority groups who have made significant contributions to US history and culture. The 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter is a commemorative coin celebrating the US Bicentennial, and the silver version is particularly valuable.
- Year: 1976
- Series: Bicentennial Quarter 1776-1976
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: June 9th, 2019
- Price: $19,200
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the US Mint issued Bicentennial Quarters dated 1776-1976, featuring a special reverse design of a drummer boy. While most Bicentennial Quarters are common, the 1976-S silver version, struck in 40% silver and produced at the San Francisco Mint, is much scarcer and more valuable, especially in high grades like MS 69.
Check 1976 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
12. 1982-P Washington Quarter Regular Strike
1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike
Quarters were chosen for milestone commemorative series due to their widespread use and public familiarity. From their introduction, Washington Quarters were popular and circulated effectively. The 1982-P Washington Quarter again demonstrates that even common circulation coins can achieve high values in exceptional condition.
- Year: 1982
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: September 9th, 2019
- Price: $10,200
Despite being a common year and mint mark, the 1982-P Washington Quarter reached a significant price due to its MS 68 grade. This highlights the importance of condition in coin collecting. Perfectly preserved examples of even relatively modern and common coins can become surprisingly valuable.
Check 1982 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
13. 1943-P DDO Washington Quarter Business Strike
The term “quarter” originates from the decimal system adopted in the US, where 25 cents is a quarter of a dollar. Historically, it also relates to “two bits,” a colloquial term derived from Spanish silver coins that were once commonly used in colonial America. The 1943-P DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter is a classic example of a valuable error coin.
- Year: 1943
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: March 22nd, 2020
- Price: $22,250
A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error occurs when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image, resulting in visible doubling on the coin itself, particularly in the inscriptions. The 1943-P DDO Washington Quarter is a well-known and sought-after error coin. Even in MS 67 grade, which is high but not perfect, the error significantly increases its value.
Check 1943 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
14. 1942 Proof Washington Quarter
Spanish Dollars, used in colonial times, were often cut into eight “bits,” with “two bits” becoming synonymous with a quarter. This historical connection illustrates the evolution of currency and terminology. The 1942 Proof Washington Quarter is a valuable early proof coin from the series.
- Year: 1942
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 69
- Date of Sale: December 1st, 2020
- Price: $16,800
Proof coins from the early years of the Washington Quarter series are relatively scarce and highly valued by collectors. The 1942 proof, graded PR 69, represents a near-perfect example of a vintage proof coin. The combination of its age, proof status, and high grade contributes to its significant value.
Check 1942 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
15. 1932-D Washington Quarter Regular Strike
1932-D Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The historical use of “bits” extended beyond currency, even influencing stock market pricing in fractions of a dollar until relatively recently. The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a key date coin in the series, being from the first year of minting and the Denver Mint, which had a lower mintage than Philadelphia that year.
- Year: 1932
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Grade: MS 66
- Date of Sale: April 1st, 2008
- Price: $143,750
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is considered a key date due to its low mintage. In 1932, fewer quarters were minted overall due to the Great Depression, and the Denver Mint produced significantly fewer than Philadelphia. This low mintage, especially in higher grades like MS 66, makes the 1932-D quarter exceptionally valuable, often considered the holy grail for Washington Quarter collectors.
Check 1932 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
16. 1971-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter
While older coins often appreciate with time, modern coin values are frequently driven by error rarity and early identification. The internet and online marketplaces like eBay have become crucial for trading modern valuable quarters. The 1971-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter, while not as valuable as some others on this list, still represents a significant value for a modern proof coin.
- Year: 1971
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Grade: PR 69 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $7,475
Like other proof coins on this list, the 1971-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter is valuable due to its proof status, deep cameo contrast, and high grade of PR 69 DCAM. While 1971-S proof quarters are not as rare as some earlier dates, examples with exceptional deep cameo contrast and high grades are still sought after by collectors and can command impressive prices.
Check About 1971 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
In Conclusion:
Modern quarters, especially Washington Quarters, can indeed be worth more than their face value. Factors like mint year, mint mark, series, condition (grade), and errors all play a crucial role in determining a quarter’s numismatic value. Whether it’s a silver quarter from the early years, a proof coin with deep cameo contrast, a key date like the 1932-D, or a quarter with a striking error, there’s a wide range of modern quarters that can capture the interest of collectors and potentially increase in value. Keep an eye out for these valuable quarters in your pocket change – you might just find a hidden treasure!
