Coin collecting is a timeless hobby that combines history, artistry, and the thrill of discovery—and rare quarters are among the most exciting pieces you can add to your collection. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned numismatist, rare quarters offer both historical significance and potential value. From early U.S. mint issues like the 1796 Draped Bust to modern-day treasures like the 2019-W Washington Quarter, these coins are highly sought after by collectors across the world.
Some are rare due to low mintage, others because of minting errors or unique designs. In this guide, we’ll explore 12 of the rarest and most desirable quarters to look out for. Each one tells a story and could be worth much more than its face value. So grab your coin book and let’s dive into the top quarters you’ll want in your collection today!
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable quarters in U.S. history. It was the very first quarter ever issued by the U.S. Mint. Only 6,146 of these coins were made, and today, only a few hundred are known to still exist. The coin features a portrait of Liberty on the front and an eagle on the back.
This quarter was struck in silver and has no motto on the reverse, making it unique compared to later issues. Because of its historical importance and low mintage, collectors are willing to pay thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars for one in good condition. If you ever come across one, it could be the crown jewel of your collection. Its rarity, age, and classic design make it one of the most sought-after coins in the quarter series.
2. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is another highly valuable coin from the early days of American coinage. Unlike the 1796 version, the 1804 quarter had a slightly higher mintage—just over 6,700 coins—but it is still considered extremely rare today. What makes it special is its historical background and design. The coin features the familiar Draped Bust Liberty on the front and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.
Many of the surviving pieces are heavily worn due to circulation, so a well-preserved example is considered a true prize among collectors. Prices for these quarters vary greatly depending on condition, but even a heavily worn version can sell for several thousand dollars. This coin is especially appealing to those who appreciate the artistry and history of early U.S. Mint issues. It’s a must-have for serious collectors who want to own a piece of early American coin history.
3. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is a rare overdate coin, meaning the date was changed during minting—from 1822 to 1823—and both numbers can still be seen on the coin. These types of errors are highly valued by collectors because they offer a glimpse into the minting process of the 19th century. Only a small number of these coins were produced, and even fewer remain today.
The front of the coin shows Liberty wearing a cap, while the reverse features an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch. What adds to its value is not just the rarity but also the error itself. This kind of minting mistake is considered a treasure in the numismatic world. In decent condition, this coin can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Its unique date and limited availability make it a must-have for those looking to complete an advanced quarter collection.
4. 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter is one of the most famous coins ever minted in Carson City, Nevada. The “CC” mint mark stands for Carson City, a mint that operated only briefly during the silver boom in the American West. Only 8,340 of these quarters were made, and today, only a small number have survived. The Seated Liberty design, showing Lady Liberty sitting on a rock holding a shield and staff, was used on many U.S. coins in the 1800s.
This coin is especially prized because of its limited mintage and historic western origin. Even worn-out examples are highly sought after and can sell for thousands of dollars. If you find one with a clear CC mint mark and visible features, it could be one of the most valuable pieces in your collection. The 1870-CC is an iconic coin for anyone who appreciates Old West history and classic coin design.
5. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is known for being the first year of a beautiful and short-lived design. Only 52,000 were minted, making it one of the rarest 20th-century quarters. This coin features Liberty standing in a gateway, holding a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The 1916 version is especially rare because the design was quickly changed the following year to cover Liberty’s exposed breast due to public complaints.
That makes the original version both scarce and historically significant. Collectors value the coin not only for its rarity but also for its artistry. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 depending on the coin’s condition. It’s a key date for anyone collecting Standing Liberty Quarters, and owning one is considered a major accomplishment in the numismatic world.
6. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter was one of the first quarters to feature George Washington’s profile, marking the 200th anniversary of his birth. The “D” mint mark indicates it was made in Denver, and it had a very low mintage of only 436,800 coins. Because it was the first year of the Washington Quarter series, and Denver produced so few, this coin is highly valuable to collectors. Even in lower grades, the 1932-D quarter can sell for hundreds of dollars, while high-grade versions can easily reach thousands.
It remains a key date for anyone building a complete set of Washington Quarters. Its historical value, combined with low production numbers, makes it a must-have coin. Many people who collected these quarters as children or received them in change have no idea how rare this specific coin really is—so it’s worth checking your old change jars!
7. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is extremely valuable and highly sought after. It was minted in San Francisco and had a slightly higher mintage than the Denver version—about 408,000 coins. Still, it is considered rare, especially in excellent condition. The quarter carries the same George Washington design and is also part of the first year the Washington Quarter was issued. For collectors aiming to complete the 1932 set, having both the “D” and “S” versions is crucial.
The 1932-S can fetch high prices even in circulated grades, and well-preserved examples can be worth several thousand dollars. If you’re collecting quarters based on mint marks or looking for key dates in the series, this coin is a must. Because so many quarters were saved during the Great Depression, finding one in uncirculated condition is especially rare and adds significant value.
8. 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter
The 1943-S Washington Quarter is made of 90% silver and was produced during World War II. While it may not be as rare as others on this list in terms of mintage, its silver content and historical timing make it valuable. The “S” mint mark indicates it was made in San Francisco. Many of these quarters were used in everyday commerce, and those that have survived in mint condition are especially prized. During the war, metals were in high demand, and many silver coins were melted down or heavily worn from use.
A well-preserved 1943-S quarter has collector value due to its precious metal content and historical connection to wartime America. Although common in lower grades, finding one in brilliant uncirculated condition can bring a nice price. It’s a great coin for those just getting into silver coin collecting and looking for something affordable yet significant.
9. 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter features a rare mint error known as an overmintmark. This means a coin originally stamped with an “S” for San Francisco was later struck again with a “D” for Denver. These types of errors are rare and fascinating for collectors because they show how minting mistakes can increase a coin’s value. The overmintmark is visible with a magnifying glass and adds a layer of interest and rarity to what would otherwise be a common coin.
Not many were made, and even fewer have been identified. In circulated condition, these coins already carry a premium, and in mint state, they can sell for several hundred dollars or more. This coin is a favorite among error coin collectors and adds variety to any quarter collection. It also helps remind us that even government processes can produce rare and valuable mistakes!
10. 1964-D Washington Quarter (High-Grade)
The 1964-D Washington Quarter is made of 90% silver and was the last year silver quarters were issued for general circulation. While millions were made, high-grade uncirculated examples with strong details and mint luster are becoming harder to find. This is especially true for coins that have not been cleaned or damaged over the years. The “D” mint mark indicates it was produced in Denver. Because of its silver content and place in history, this quarter holds both collector and bullion value.
Many were melted down in later years, especially during the silver booms, making uncirculated pieces more scarce. If you’re collecting silver quarters or looking for transitional year coins, the 1964-D is a smart choice. Prices rise significantly with condition, so coins in mint state (MS65 and above) are particularly valuable. It’s a great addition for collectors who love both history and precious metals.
11. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf)
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is famous for its unusual error—an extra leaf on the corn stalk. There are two versions of this error: the “extra leaf high” and the “extra leaf low.” These extra leaves were likely the result of accidental die damage or alteration, but they created a major stir among collectors. Thousands of these coins were discovered in circulation, but they are still considered rare.
They were only minted in Denver, and the mistake was quickly corrected. Because of their novelty and scarcity, these error quarters can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on condition and demand. They’re among the most famous modern error coins, making them an exciting find for new and seasoned collectors alike. If you’re collecting state quarters, keep an eye out for this rare variety—it could be worth far more than its face value.
12. 2019-W Washington Quarter
The 2019-W Washington Quarter was the first quarter ever struck with a “W” mint mark, representing the West Point Mint. The U.S. Mint released only 2 million of each of the five designs issued that year, placing them randomly into circulation. That means only 10 million W quarters were ever made, making them quite scarce compared to regular issues.
These quarters were created to encourage coin collecting and celebrate the American Memorial Park, Lowell, River of No Return, San Antonio Missions, and War in the Pacific designs. Finding one in circulation is rare and exciting, and uncirculated versions or those graded highly can command strong prices from collectors. Because they are still relatively new, prices may rise over time as fewer remain in good condition. If you’re lucky enough to find one, hold onto it—it’s already a modern treasure in the world of coin collecting.
Conclusion
Collecting rare quarters is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to own pieces of history. From the early 1800s to special modern releases, each rare quarter has a story that adds depth to your collection.
Whether you’re in it for the historical journey, the potential value, or the simple joy of collecting, these 12 quarters are essential additions that stand out for their uniqueness and rarity. Keep your eyes open—you never know when a valuable coin might land in your hands.
What makes a quarter rare?
A quarter becomes rare due to factors like low mintage, minting errors, historical significance, or unique designs that were only produced for a limited time.
Are old quarters always valuable?
Not always. While older quarters are more likely to be valuable, condition, rarity, mint mark, and demand among collectors also play major roles in determining value.
How can I tell if my quarter is rare or valuable?
Look for key dates, mint marks, and unique features like overstrikes or errors. Consulting a coin guide or getting it professionally appraised can also help.
Where can I sell rare quarters?
You can sell rare quarters at coin shops, auctions, coin shows, or online platforms like eBay. For the best value, consider getting the coin graded first.
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