Usually, when we think about valuable coins, our minds drift towards ancient relics or coins from centuries past. The allure of age often equates to higher prices in the numismatic world. But what if you’re a budding coin collector without access to these historical treasures? The good news is that modern coins, the very change jingling in your pocket, can also hold surprising value. While you might not strike gold with every quarter, some can fetch hundreds, even thousands of dollars – a significant return for a 25-cent piece.
Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the most valuable modern quarters, delving into the fascinating stories behind them and what makes them prized by collectors.
1. The Natural Beauty of the 2010 Hot Springs National Park Quarter
2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Quarter
First, let’s clarify what we mean by “modern coins.” In the realm of collectibles, an antique typically refers to an item over 100 years old, while vintage items are between 50 and 99 years. Therefore, all Washington Quarters, introduced in 1932, technically fall under the “modern” category. Our focus will be even narrower, exploring quarters from recent decades and series.
- Year: 2010
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia Mint)
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: November 15, 2012
- Price: $999
We’ll be examining coins as recent as 2022 and even venturing into 2023 if notable examples exist. Our exploration will encompass various quarter series, including the popular America the Beautiful series (also known as National Parks and Monuments), the inspiring American Women series, the nostalgic 50 State Quarters program, and the often-overlooked DC & Territories Quarters.
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2. The Striking Contrast of the 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Quarter
2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Quarter
Since their inception in 1932, every quarter has featured George Washington on the obverse (heads side). However, the reverse (tails side) has undergone several design changes, adding to the variety and collectibility of these coins. Even the depiction of Washington himself has evolved through three distinct versions, each with its own story.
- Year: 1981
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco Mint)
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo)
- Date of Sale: November 29, 2007
- Price: $2,530
In numismatic terms, any image, figure, or design on a coin is referred to as a “device,” while the words are known as “mottos” or “legends.” Interestingly, the earliest George Washington design, created in 1931, wasn’t actually used on the quarter until the American Women Quarters series launched in 2022.
Check 1981 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
3. The Elusive 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter
In 1924 and again in 1930, the US Congress established committees to organize events for the Washington Bicentennial, marking 200 years since the birth of George Washington, the first US President and a Founding Father. The public desired a commemorative coin to honor this significant anniversary.
- Year: 1984
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia Mint)
- Grade: MS 67 (Mint State 67)
- Date of Sale: February 4, 2016
- Price: $1,293
However, during that period, commemorative coins were deemed too costly for the government. President Herbert Hoover vetoed the commemorative coin idea. A compromise was reached: a circulating coin, initially intended as a Half Dollar, was instead decided to be a Quarter, but only for a single year.
Check 1984 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
4. The Precious Metal Value of the 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter
Obverse of a 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter showcasing the iconic portrait of George Washington
The US Mint and the Bicentennial committee held a competition to design the new coin. The winning design came from Laura Gardin Fraser, whose husband was her former art teacher, the renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, famous for designing the Buffalo Nickel, among other notable works.
- Year: 1963
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver Mint)
- Grade: MS 68 (Mint State 68)
- Date of Sale: August 31, 2022
- Price: $24,000
Laura Gardin Fraser was a respected sculptor in her own right, having designed the Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar in 1926 and collaborated with her husband on numerous coins and medals. Despite her winning Washington Quarter design, it was, surprisingly, rejected for the circulating coin at the time.
Check 1963 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
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5. The Deep Mirror Finish of the 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Quarter
Reverse side of a 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Quarter, part of the State Quarters Program
Instead of Fraser’s design, Andrew W. Mellon, the Treasury Secretary at the time, selected a design by John Flanagan. This Flanagan portrait graced the Washington Quarter until 2021. However, in 2022, with the introduction of the American Women Quarters series, Laura Gardin Fraser’s original 1931 design finally found its place on the 25-cent coin.
- Year: 1999
- Series: State Quarters – Delaware
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco Mint)
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo)
- Date of Sale: November 29, 2007
- Price: $1,323
In the interim, Flanagan’s design was modified by William Cousins to accommodate additional elements on the coin. While most quarters credit Flanagan with the initials “JF” on the obverse, coins from 2022 onwards bear “LGF” (Laura Gardin Fraser), and those minted between 1999 and 2021 display both “JF” and “WC.” The reverses, of course, vary significantly across the different series.
Check 1999 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
6. The Scarce 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter
Almost every commemorative coin series has featured designs from different artists. The initials found on the reverse of these quarters reflect this diversity, ranging from Elana Hagler to Charles L. Vickers. These design changes sometimes impacted the placement of mint marks on Washington Quarters, leading to some confusion.
- Year: 1965
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Due to Coin Shortage)
- Grade: GEM BU (Gem Brilliant Uncirculated)
- Date of Sale: January 19, 2005
- Price: $12,650
Initially, the mint mark was consistently located on the lower right obverse. Depending on the specific bust design, this placement could be to the right of Washington’s ponytail, beneath the date under his chin, or below the motto “In God We Trust.” As you explore valuable modern quarters, paying attention to mint mark positioning can be insightful.
Check 1965 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
7. Another Silver Gem: The 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter
Reverse of a 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter, featuring the classic eagle design
Let’s delve deeper into the various Washington Quarter series. Originally intended as a one-year commemorative coin in 1932, no quarters were minted in 1933. However, the coin’s popularity led to its reintroduction in 1934, and it has been minted continuously ever since. The earliest Washington Quarters featured an eagle on the reverse.
- Year: 1962
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver Mint)
- Grade: MS 67 (Mint State 67)
- Date of Sale: April 18, 2012
- Price: $18,400
Subsequent reverse designs have included a drummer boy (for the Bicentennial in 1976), Washington crossing the Delaware River (in 2021), symbols representing the 50 states (State Quarters, 1999-2008), images representing Washington D.C. and five U.S. territories (2009), sites of 56 national parks and monuments (America the Beautiful Quarters, 2010-2021), and portraits of American Women (American Women Quarters, starting in 2022).
Check 1962 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
8. The Intriguing Error of the 2017-P Effigy Mounds National Park Quarter
On older Washington Quarters, minting errors such as DDOs (Doubled Die Obverses) and RPMs (Re-Punched Mint marks) significantly increased a coin’s value. However, modern coin minting processes, which are largely digital, have virtually eliminated these types of errors. Instead, modern error coins are more likely to exhibit missing metal layers or other striking malfunctions.
- Year: 2017
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Effigy Mounds National Park, Iowa
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia Mint)
- Grade: MS 70 (Mint State 70)
- Date of Sale: September 14, 2021
- Price: $1,806
Since 1965, most circulating US coins are made of clad cupronickel – a copper core sandwiched between layers of nickel. Pennies, on the other hand, have a zinc core plated with copper. In clad coins, the outer layer can sometimes detach or slip off during the minting process, creating distinctive two-toned coins. These error coins, while unintended, can be surprisingly valuable!
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Image of a coin dealer's shop, suggesting places to find valuable quarters
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9. Celebrating an Icon: The 2022-P Maya Angelou Quarter
Why did the appearance of contemporary coins change so dramatically over time? Early coinage was primarily made of gold or silver. However, as the market prices of these precious metals became volatile, using base metals became a more economical approach for circulating currency. This shift is crucial because currency serves two primary functions in any economy.
- Year: 2022
- Series: American Women – Maya Angelou
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia Mint)
- Grade: MS 67+ (Mint State 67+)
- Date of Sale: February 5, 2023
- Price: $2,735
Firstly, currency provides a reliable and consistent medium for trade. Secondly, it generates revenue for governments through seigniorage. Seigniorage is the difference between the production cost of a coin or banknote and its face value. This profit effectively acts as a tax for the minting authority. Higher seigniorage is financially beneficial for the government.
Check More Details About 2022 Quarter Errors List
10. The Last of the Silver: 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter
Close-up of a 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter, highlighting its silver composition
As economies grew, the purchasing power of coins diminished. However, the US government still recognized the value of seigniorage. To encourage continued coin usage and collection, innovative programs like the State Quarters were developed.
- Year: 1964
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver Mint)
- Grade: MS 68 (Mint State 68)
- Date of Sale: March 31, 2021
- Price: $38,400
The State Quarters initiative alone encouraged Americans to collect at least 50 new coins, generating substantial revenue for the government. The America the Beautiful series added another 56 coins to collect, and the DC & Territories Quarters contributed six more. For those with a social consciousness, the American Women series is set to add 20 more collectible quarters.
Check 1964 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
11. Celebrating the Nation’s Birthday: 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter
The American Women Quarters program specifically aims to celebrate notable women from diverse backgrounds, including pioneering figures from African American, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities. These coins serve to educate and inspire Americans by highlighting the significant achievements of these women.
- Year: 1976
- Series: Bicentennial Quarter 1776-1976
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco Mint)
- Grade: MS 69 (Mint State 69)
- Date of Sale: June 9, 2019
- Price: $19,200
Launched in 2022 and scheduled to continue until 2025, the American Women Quarters program has already selected and confirmed the first fifteen honorees. The initial ten coins are currently in circulation, celebrating women from diverse fields, including writers, astronauts, judges, activists, film stars, and ballerinas.
Check 1976 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
12. A High Grade Example: 1982-P Washington Quarter
Obverse image of a 1982-P Washington Quarter, graded MS 68
Why were quarters chosen for these milestone programs while other denominations retained their traditional designs? From their introduction in 1932, Washington Quarters resonated with the public. Initially hoarded, they eventually became the most actively circulated coin denomination.
- Year: 1982
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: P (Philadelphia Mint)
- Grade: MS 68 (Mint State 68)
- Date of Sale: September 9, 2019
- Price: $10,200
Even today, the quarter remains the most commonly used coin in everyday transactions. This widespread use ensured that milestone quarters would achieve broad and consistent circulation, maximizing seigniorage revenue and broadening the reach of the causes and individuals these coins celebrated.
Check 1982 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
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13. The Double Vision of the 1943 DDO Washington Quarter Error
A 1943 DDO Washington Quarter error coin, showing the doubling effect on the obverse design
Have you ever wondered why a 25-cent coin is called a “quarter”? Historically, during the colonial era, British currency was prevalent. The British system was quite complex, with units like pounds, shillings, pence, and florins.
- Year: 1943
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia Mint)
- Error: Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Grade: MS 67 (Mint State 67)
- Date of Sale: March 22, 2020
- Price: $22,250
The American monetary system adopted a decimal system – based on fractions of one hundred. Thus, 100 cents equaled one dollar, making 25 cents a quarter of a dollar, hence the name “quarter.” This value was also historically linked to the colloquial term “Two Bits.”
Check 1943 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
14. The Lustrous 1942 Proof Washington Quarter
To further explain “bits,” in colonial times, Spanish Dollars were widely used. These silver coins, sometimes eight-sided, could be physically cut into eight pieces, known as “bits.” “Two Bits,” or “Two Pieces of Eight,” became a common price reference that carried over when American Dollars were introduced.
- Year: 1942
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia Mint)
- Grade: PR 69 (Proof 69)
- Date of Sale: December 1, 2020
- Price: $16,800
Legend has it that a haircut in those days cost “two bits.” This is purportedly the origin of the distinctive “shave and a haircut, two bits” knocking pattern – often represented as one tap, four quick taps, a pause, and then two final taps.
Check 1942 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
15. The Rarity of the 1932-D Washington Quarter
A prized 1932-D Washington Quarter, known for its low mintage
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Following this logic, a dime (10-cent coin) was sometimes called a “Short Bit,” while 15 cents was a “Long Bit.” While “One Bit” or “One Piece of Eight” existed in the Spanish coin system, it lacked a direct coin equivalent in the American system. Quarters became the preferred denomination representing a significant portion of a dollar.
- Year: 1932
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: D (Denver Mint)
- Grade: MS 66 (Mint State 66)
- Date of Sale: April 1, 2008
- Price: $143,750
Interestingly, while “bits” faded from everyday coin usage, they persisted in the stock exchange. Until June 1997, the New York Stock Exchange listed prices in fractions of 1/8 of a dollar, equivalent to “One Bit.” In July 1997, this changed to 1/16 of a dollar, or “half a bit.” Finally, in 2001, the stock exchange fully transitioned to decimal pricing.
Check 1932 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
16. The Proof Perfection of the 1971-S Deep Cameo Quarter
With older coins, time often increases value. Studying key dates and selling during anniversaries can be advantageous. However, the value of modern quarters often lies in identifying errors or exceptional grades, as they generally lack precious metal content or significant intrinsic value. Online marketplaces like eBay are popular venues for trading these valuable modern quarters.
- Year: 1971
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco Mint)
- Grade: PR 69 DCAM (Proof 69 Deep Cameo)
- Date of Sale: November 29, 2007
- Price: $7,475
Therefore, proactively searching for errors on newly released coins can be profitable. Upon a new coin release, consider acquiring coin rolls, examining them for minting mistakes, and listing any finds quickly before they become widely recognized. Once a particular error becomes common, with hundreds of examples discovered, its market price will likely decrease.
Check About 1971 Quarter History, Variety Price Chart, and Errors List
