When you flip a quarter to decide between heads or tails, you usually only care about which side it lands on. However, if you take a closer look, that seemingly ordinary quarter stuck between the cushions of your couch might actually be far more valuable than you’d expect. Some quarters may appear ordinary at first glance, but their age, scarcity, and distinctive features can transform them into significant treasures in the world of coin collecting. For those interested in owning a piece of this valuable collection, here’s a list of some of the most valuable American quarters to look out for.
The Most Expensive U.S. Quarters Ever Auctioned
| Quarter | Record Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | $1.74 million |
| 1901 S Barber Quarter | $550,000 |
| 1804 Draped Bust Quarter | $345,000 |
| 1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter With Arrows | $336,000 |
| 1870 Liberty Seated Quarter | $188,000 |
American quarters, with their bold designs and significant history, are among the most enjoyable coins to collect. While not all quarters are worth more than 25 cents, a select few have risen in value within collectors’ circles, fetching prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. These rare, unique, and antique quarters are some of the most prized coins in the world today.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
In the early days of the United States, when the country was still finding its footing and developing its financial systems, it introduced its first coins. Among these was the 25-cent quarter that has endured to this day. Designed by Robert Scot, the coin features a profile of Liberty surrounded by 15 stars, symbolizing the states at the time. With only 6,416 of these quarters minted in 1796, finding one in decent condition today is incredibly rare.
Despite the odds, some of these coins have survived the centuries, fetching astonishing prices at auction. In 2022, one such quarter sold for an eye-popping $1.74 million, making it one of the most expensive American quarters ever sold.
1901 S Barber Quarter
The 1901 S Barber quarter, minted in San Francisco, is another highly sought-after coin in the collecting world. Composed mainly of silver, this quarter is part of the famed Barber series, which features a portrait of Liberty surrounded by 13 stars. Only 72,664 of these quarters were minted, making them a rare find.
Even in average condition, a 1901 S Barber quarter can fetch between $20,000 and $50,000. However, the true value of this coin skyrockets in pristine condition. The most perfect example ever found sold for $550,000 in 1990, setting a record for its time.
1804 Draped Bust Quarter
In 1804, the memory of Liberty was still fresh in the minds of Americans, just 21 years after the end of the American Revolution. The country’s financial systems were still in their early stages, and coins from this time are incredibly rare particularly in excellent condition.
The 1804 Draped Bust quarter is one such coin that remains highly valuable, often selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars when found in top condition. One example sold for $345,000 in 2011, reflecting a massive 99% increase over its original face value.
1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter With Arrows
Carson City, Nevada, no longer houses a U.S. Mint, so coins bearing the “CC” mintmark are highly prized by collectors. Among these Carson City coins, the 1873 Liberty Seated quarters stand out as some of the most valuable.
Look for the two arrows positioned next to the date on the front of the coin this design feature signifies a lower mintage, with all of these coins struck using a single die, which was a remarkable accomplishment for the time. Well-preserved 1873-CC quarters have been known to fetch prices between $100,000 and $300,000. In fact, one sold for a remarkable $336,000 in 2022.
1870 Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870 Liberty Seated quarter, minted during the Reconstruction Era, is an exceptionally rare coin with only 8,340 ever produced. Made primarily of silver, these quarters are difficult to find in pristine condition, as most will show some level of patina.
Even in the lowest grades, they can fetch around $5,000 at auction, but their value increases significantly with higher-grade examples. For instance, one particularly well-preserved 1870 Liberty Seated quarter sold for $188,000 at auction in 2015, showcasing its impressive market value among collectors.
Other Old Quarters You Can Collect
While modern quarters may be visually appealing, they aren’t typically considered valuable collectibles. The further back in time you go, the rarer these coins become, especially in good condition. Many older quarters are difficult to find, with their designs often worn down over time.
For beginners in the world of coin collecting, the distinctive designs on these older quarters can serve as an easy indicator of their age and potentially their value. These older, rarer pieces often hold significant worth, making them a great starting point for anyone looking to build a collection.
Draped Bust Quarters (1796-1807)
Although the Mint Act of 1792 established the U.S. minting system, the first quarters were not released until 1796, featuring the “Draped Bust” design. The obverse of these quarters showcases a portrait of Liberty with long, flowing hair, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original states.
The reverse side features the iconic heraldic eagle, with its wings spread wide and body forming a shield, symbolizing strength and unity. These early quarters are highly collectible due to their historical significance and intricate design.
Capped Bust Quarters (1815-1838)
After a brief hiatus in quarter production between 1807 and 1815, the U.S. Mint introduced a new and striking design in 1815 the “Capped Bust” quarter. This design featured Liberty’s portrait facing the opposite direction compared to the previous series, with her head adorned by a stylish cap tied with a ribbon bearing the word “Liberty.”
On the reverse, the heraldic eagle remains, but with its wings at rest and its head in profile, offering a refined update to the previous design. The Capped Bust quarters are sought after by collectors for their distinct appearance and historical value.
Liberty Seated Quarters (1838-1891)
The “Liberty Seated” design became incredibly popular and was used across multiple denominations, including the dime, half dollar, dollar, and quarter, all at the same time. This design marked the first time Liberty was depicted in full-body form. She is seated on a rock, holding a pole with a cap resting on top, symbolizing freedom.
The reverse side features the same heraldic eagle as the previous designs, maintaining the traditional emblem of strength. The Liberty Seated quarters are highly regarded for their iconic design and historical significance, making them a prized addition to any collection.
Barber Quarters (1892-1916)
Charles Barber’s design for the quarter marked a shift from the full-body Liberty imagery to a more traditional side-profile portrait. In this version, Liberty is shown wearing a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom, adorned with a laurel wreath.
The reverse side features a heraldic eagle, reminiscent of the Draped Bust quarters, but with a significant update: the eagle is now surrounded by a background of stars. The Barber Quarters, produced from 1892 to 1916, are celebrated for their elegant design and are a staple in any serious coin collection.
Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)
The “Standing Liberty” quarter is one of the most controversial designs in American coin history. The initial design depicted Liberty standing in a gateway, holding a branch in one hand and a shield in the other, with her right breast exposed. This depiction sparked a significant outcry, leading to a quick redesign where chain mail was added to cover her chest.
The reverse side of the coin also underwent a notable change, with the eagle now shown in flight for the first time in U.S. mint history, symbolizing freedom and strength. The Standing Liberty Quarters, minted from 1916 to 1930, are highly sought after due to their striking design and the historical changes they represent.
Valuable Things to Look for in American Quarters
American quarters are among the most recognizable coins globally and have been a popular choice for collectors for generations. You don’t need to be a seasoned collector to stumble upon something valuable in your pocket change. With a little knowledge and patience, you can easily spot quarters worth more than their face value.
- Look for Dates Before 1965
One of the most notable features of American quarters minted before 1965 is that they were made with 90% silver. This makes any pre-1965 quarter valuable for its silver content alone, aside from any potential rarity or collector interest. - Inspect for Mistakes/Errors
Collectors are always on the hunt for rare coins with minting mistakes. Because quarters are larger than other coins, they’re more likely to feature noticeable errors. Keep an eye out for extra images, doubled letters, or indentations, as these can significantly increase a coin’s value. - Check for Mint Marks
The mint mark, typically a single capital letter, tells you where a coin was produced. Some mints, such as those in Carson City or New Orleans, are no longer in operation, making coins from these mints particularly valuable. Additionally, mints that primarily produced collector coins or proof sets are also of special interest. Finding coins with visible mint marks can be a great place to start your search.
Values You Won’t Want to Flip For
It’s always surprising how something as small as a coin can hold such high value, particularly when it’s still technically money. Old American quarters are frequently featured in auctions, often fetching impressive prices and attracting large crowds. So, the next time you receive change, it’s worth taking a closer look you might just find a hidden treasure in those handfuls of coins.
FAQs
What makes a US quarter valuable?
A US quarter’s value increases based on its rarity, age, condition, and unique features, such as mint errors or limited production runs.
How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Look for coins with pre-1965 dates (90% silver), mint errors, or distinctive mint marks, especially from rare mints like Carson City or New Orleans.
What is the most expensive US quarter ever sold?
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holds the record, selling for $1.74 million in 2022.
Are quarters from before 1965 worth more?
Yes, because they contain 90% silver, pre-1965 quarters are worth more than their face value based on their silver content alone.