Usually, when we think about valuable coins, our minds wander to ancient relics and centuries-old treasures. But the world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and you might be overlooking hidden gems right in your pocket change. As a modern coin enthusiast, you might not have access to historical rarities, but the truth is, modern coins can hold significant value too. We’re not talking millions, but some modern quarters can fetch hundreds, even thousands of dollars – a remarkable return for pocket change! Let’s delve into the captivating world of the most valuable modern quarters, exploring their stories and the artistry that makes them “Money Of Pictures” worth seeking.
1. 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas NP Washington Quarter
When we talk about “modern” coins in the collecting sphere, it’s important to set some boundaries. Antiques are generally defined as items over a century old, while vintage collectibles fall between 50 and 99 years. Interestingly, all Washington Quarters technically fit the “modern” category, as the series only began in 1932. For our exploration, we’ll focus on these Washington Quarters and even consider coins as recent as 2022 and 2023 if exceptional examples surface. We’ll journey through various series, including the visually stunning America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments series, the empowering American Women series, the nostalgic 50 State Quarters, and the distinctive DC + Territories Quarters.
- 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
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2. 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
Close up view of a 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter, showcasing its mirrored fields and frosted devices, highlighting the artistic details and high quality of proof coinage.
Since their inception in 1932, every Washington Quarter has featured the iconic portrait of George Washington on the obverse (heads side). This consistent depiction anchors the series, but the reverse (tails side) has undergone fascinating transformations, reflecting America’s evolving story and artistic expressions. Even the Washington portrait itself has seen three distinct iterations, each with a compelling backstory, adding layers to the “money of pictures” concept. Let’s begin to uncover these visual narratives.
- Year: 1981
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $2,530
For coin enthusiasts, understanding the terminology is key to appreciating the nuances of “money of pictures.” The image, whether it’s a person, animal, or symbol, is called the device, while the words are known as mottos or legends. Interestingly, the very first George Washington design, created in 1931, became the most recent! It wasn’t until 2022 that this original artwork finally graced the quarter.
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3. 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter Business Strike
Back in the 1920s, the idea of commemorating national milestones through coinage was gaining traction. In both 1924 and 1930, Congress assembled committees to orchestrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. This bicentennial was a significant moment, celebrating a Founding Father who became the first US President. The public desire for a commemorative coin was strong, seeing coinage as “money of pictures” that could honor historical figures.
- Year: 1984
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: February 4th, 2016
- Price: $1,293
However, the enthusiasm was met with fiscal concerns. Commemorative coins were proving expensive, and President Herbert Hoover vetoed the proposal. A compromise was reached: instead of a commemorative half dollar, a circulating quarter would be issued for a single year, a testament to the power of “money of pictures” even in everyday currency.
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4. 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Detailed image of a 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike, highlighting the luster of the silver and the crisp details of Washington's portrait and the eagle, emphasizing the coin's precious metal content and historical significance.
To design this important coin, the mint and the bicentennial committee launched a competition. The winning artist was Laura Gardin Fraser, a talented sculptor whose husband was none other than her former art teacher, the renowned James Earle Fraser, celebrated for his Buffalo Nickel design. Laura’s artistic vision aimed to create “money of pictures” that would be both beautiful and historically resonant.
- Year: 1963
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: August 31st, 2022
- Price: $24,000
Laura Gardin Fraser was an accomplished sculptor in her own right. She had previously designed the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar in 1926 and frequently collaborated with her husband on various coins and medals. Yet, despite her win, her Washington design was initially rejected for the quarter, a curious twist in the story of “money of pictures.”
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5. 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
Close-up shot of a 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter, part of the State Quarters Program, displaying the intricate design representing Delaware and the proof finish that enhances the visual appeal of this "money of pictures".
Instead of Fraser’s design, Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon selected a design by John Flanagan. This Flanagan portrait graced the Washington Quarter until 2021. However, in 2022, with the launch of the American Women Quarters series, Laura Gardin Fraser’s original 1931 design finally found its place on the 25-cent coin, a long-awaited recognition of her artistic contribution to “money of pictures.”
- Year: 1999
- Series: State Quarters – Delaware
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $1,323
In the interim years, William Cousins subtly modified Flanagan’s design to accommodate additional elements on the coin. While most quarters credit Flanagan with the initials ‘JF’ on the obverse, coins from 2022 onwards feature ‘LGF’ for Laura Gardin Fraser, and those minted between 1999 and 2021 display both ‘JF’ and ‘WC.’ The reverses, of course, vary dramatically, showcasing the diverse “money of pictures” across different series.
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6. 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter Business Strike
The beauty of commemorative coins lies in the diverse artistry they showcase. Almost every milestone coin was designed by a different artist, and the initials on the reverse of these coins are a testament to this creative variety, ranging from Elana Hagler to Charles L. Vickers. These design changes also impacted the placement of mint marks on Washington Quarters, a detail that collectors keenly observe in their pursuit of “money of pictures.”
- Year: 1965
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Coin Shortage)
- Grade: GEM BU
- Date of Sale: January 19th, 2005
- Price: $12,650
The mint mark was consistently positioned on the lower right obverse, but its specific location varied based on the Washington bust design. It could be found to the right of Washington’s ponytail, under the date beneath his chin, or below the motto ‘In God We Trust.’ As you delve deeper into the world of valuable modern quarters, paying attention to these subtle positioning nuances becomes part of the exciting hunt for “money of pictures.”
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7. 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image showing a 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike, emphasizing the silver composition and the classic design elements of the Washington Quarter series, valuable for both its material and collectible aspects as "money of pictures".
Let’s explore the evolution of the Washington Quarter series further. Initially intended as a one-year commemorative coin, no quarters were minted in 1933. However, its immense popularity led to its reintroduction in 1934, and it has been a continuous part of American coinage ever since. The earliest coins featured a majestic eagle on the reverse, a classic example of “money of pictures” reflecting national symbolism.
- Year: 1962
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: April 18th, 2012
- Price: $18,400
Over time, the reverses of Washington Quarters have showcased a diverse array of designs, each telling a story and contributing to the rich tapestry of “money of pictures.” These include a drummer boy, the iconic crossing of the Delaware (2021), symbols representing the 50 states (1999-2008), imagery for Washington DC and five US territories (2009), sites of 56 national parks and monuments (2010-2021), and, most recently, tributes to American Women (from 2022).
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8. 2017-P Effigy Mounds Iowa NP Washington Quarter
In the realm of older Washington Quarters, mint errors like DDOs (Doubled Die Obverses) and RPMs (re-punched mint marks) significantly boost a coin’s value. These imperfections, often visible under magnification, are eagerly sought after by collectors as unique variations in “money of pictures.” However, modern coin production is largely digital, minimizing these traditional types of errors.
- 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
In modern coinage, a different type of error has emerged as a source of value: missing metal layers. Since 1965, most circulating American coins are made of clad cupronickel, featuring a copper core encased in nickel. Pennies, on the other hand, have a zinc core plated with copper. Occasionally, the outer clad layer can detach during the minting process, resulting in striking two-tone coins. These visually distinct errors are highly prized as unique examples of modern “money of pictures” gone awry, yet becoming valuable.
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9. 2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The shift in coin composition from precious metals to base metals is a crucial aspect of understanding modern “money of pictures.” Early coins were crafted from gold or silver, but as the prices of these metals became volatile, using less expensive base metals became economically necessary. This change is tied to the dual function of currency in any economy.
- Year: 2022
- Series: American Women – Maya Angelou
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 67+
- Date of Sale: February 5th, 2023
- Price: $2,735
Firstly, currency serves as a reliable and consistent tool for trade. Secondly, it generates revenue for governments through seignorage, the difference between the production cost and the face value of a coin or note. This seignorage acts as a form of tax revenue for the mint. Maximizing seignorage is economically beneficial, influencing the evolution of “money of pictures” towards more cost-effective materials.
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10. 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image of a 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike, showcasing its silver content and the enduring appeal of the Washington Quarter design, a valuable piece of "money of pictures" from the silver era.
As economies grew, the purchasing power of individual coins diminished. However, the US government still relied on seignorage revenue. To encourage coin usage and modern coin collecting, innovative strategies were needed. The State Quarters program emerged as a brilliant solution, transforming “money of pictures” into collectible art.
- Year: 1964
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: March 31st, 2021
- Price: $38,400
The State Quarters initiative successfully encouraged Americans to collect at least 50 new and distinct coins, generating substantial revenue for the government. This concept of collectible “money of pictures” was further expanded with the National Parks + Monuments series (adding 56 coins), the DC + Territories coins (6 coins), and the American Women series (potentially adding 20 or more).
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11. 1976-S Silver Washington Quarter Business Strike
The American Women Quarters program specifically aimed to celebrate notable women from diverse backgrounds. It marked a significant step in inclusivity, featuring the first African American, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ women on US currency. These coins served as “money of pictures” that promoted social awareness and celebrated women’s achievements.
- Year: 1976
- Series: Bicentennial Quarter 1776-1976
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: June 9th, 2019
- Price: $19,200
Launched in 2022 and continuing until 2025, the program has already selected and confirmed the first fifteen women honorees, with the initial ten coins in circulation. These remarkable women represent a wide spectrum of fields, from writers and astronauts to judges, activists, film stars, and ballerinas, each contributing to the rich tapestry of “money of pictures” on American coinage.
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12. 1982-P Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image of a 1982-P Washington Quarter Regular Strike, a common coin but valuable in high grades, showing the standard Washington Quarter design and its place in everyday currency as "money of pictures".
Why were quarters chosen for these milestone series, while other denominations largely retained their original designs? From their introduction in 1932, Washington Quarters resonated with the public. Initially hoarded, they eventually became the most widely circulated US coin. This public acceptance made the quarter an ideal canvas for “money of pictures” designed to reach a broad audience.
- Year: 1982
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: September 9th, 2019
- Price: $10,200
Even today, the quarter remains the most frequently used coin in daily transactions. This widespread use ensured that milestone quarters would achieve consistent and broad circulation, maximizing seignorage revenue and guaranteeing greater visibility for the causes and individuals celebrated through these “money of pictures.”
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13. 1943 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter Business Strike
Image of a 1943 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter Business Strike, highlighting the doubled die error on the obverse, a sought-after variety that increases the value of this "money of pictures" for collectors.
Have you ever wondered why it’s called a quarter? Historically, during the colonial era, British currency was prevalent, with a complex system of pounds, shillings, and pence. The American system adopted decimals – fractions of a hundred – later embraced by the UK and other nations. Thus, 100 cents became a dollar, making 25 cents a quarter of a dollar, hence the name “quarter.” This was linked to the common term “Two Bits of Silver,” reflecting the historical connection between “money of pictures” and silver coinage.
- 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
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14. 1942 Proof Washington Quarter
Historically, Spanish Dollars, eight-sided silver coins, were widely used in the colonies. These coins could be physically divided into eight “bits.” “Two Bits” or “Two Pieces of Eight” became a popular price point, a term that persisted even after the introduction of American Dollars. This historical context enriches our understanding of the quarter’s value and its place as “money of pictures” rooted in colonial trade.
- Year: 1942
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 69
- Date of Sale: December 1st, 2020
- Price: $16,800
The phrase “Two Bits” is even rumored to be the origin of a common knocking pattern: one tap, four shorter taps, a pause, and then two final taps, mimicking the rhythm of “Shave and a haircut, two bits.” Whether this is true or folklore, it highlights how deeply ingrained coinage and its associated phrases are in cultural memory, shaping our perception of “money of pictures.”
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15. 1932-D Washington Quarter Regular Strike
Image of a 1932-D Washington Quarter Regular Strike, a key date coin and the first year of the Washington Quarter series, highly valuable and historically significant as the original "money of pictures" in this iconic series.
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Following this logic, a dime (10c) was sometimes called a “Short Bit,” and 15c was a “Long Bit.” While “One Bit” or “One Piece of Eight” existed in Spanish coinage, it lacked a direct equivalent in the American system. Quarters, therefore, became the preferred denomination, solidifying their place as essential “money of pictures” in everyday commerce.
- Year: 1932
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 66
- Date of Sale: April 1st, 2008
- Price: $143,750
Interestingly, while “bits” faded from everyday coin usage, they persisted in the Stock Exchange. Until June 1997, the NYSE listed prices in 1/8 of a dollar, or “One Bit.” This changed to 1/16 of a dollar (“half a bit”) in July 1997, and finally, decimal units were adopted in 2001, marking the complete transition to a decimal-based financial system, though the legacy of “bits” remains woven into the history of “money of pictures.”
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16. 1971-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter
With older coins, time often increases value. Key dates and anniversaries can be strategic moments for reselling. However, valuable modern quarters, often lacking precious metals and intrinsic value, frequently find their market on platforms like eBay. Their value is often tied to rarity, condition, and, importantly, the story and artistry they represent as “money of pictures.”
- Year: 1971
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 69 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29th, 2007
- Price: $7,475
Therefore, spotting errors early is crucial. Upon a new coin release, acquiring coin rolls, identifying mint mistakes, and listing them promptly can be advantageous. Once a significant number of coins with the same error emerge, prices tend to decline. The savvy collector understands that in the realm of modern “money of pictures,” early detection and appreciation of unique variations are key to uncovering hidden value.
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