If you’ve ever casually looked through your spare change, you may have missed out on a treasure worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars! While most quarters are valued at just 25 cents, some rare quarter errors can fetch shocking amounts at auction due to their minting mistakes. These errors happen when the coins are improperly struck, causing them to stand out from the rest. Some of these errors have fetched prices upwards of $100,000!
In this article, we’ll reveal the 5 rarest quarter errors and their jaw-dropping values, along with tips on how to spot them in your pocket change.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter (With Missing Mintmark) – Valued at $500,000
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a rare coin due to its low mintage. However, a certain subset of these quarters is even rarer: the ones missing the “D” mintmark. These errors were created when the die used to mint the coins was worn or defective, causing the mintmark to not appear on the coin.
How to Spot It:
- Look for the 1932 date.
- Check the reverse side of the coin to see if the mintmark (typically “D” for Denver) is missing.
Value: This error coin can be worth $500,000 or more in excellent condition, depending on the quality of the coin.
2. 1970-S Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse) – Valued at $30,000
The 1970-S Washington Quarter is famous for its doubled die obverse error. This occurs when the coin is struck more than once, causing the image to appear as though it’s doubled. On the 1970-S quarter, this error is especially visible in the wording on the obverse, such as “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
How to Spot It:
- Examine the obverse closely, looking for doubling in the letters.
- Use a magnifying glass to see if the lettering looks blurred or doubled.
Value: If your 1970-S quarter has this error, it could be worth $30,000 or more, depending on its condition.
3. 1964 Quarter (Struck on a Dime Planchet) – Valued at $50,000
Some 1964 quarters were struck on a dime planchet, a mistake that occurs when the wrong metal blank is fed into the coin press. Since a dime planchet is smaller and thinner than a quarter planchet, the resulting coin is undersized and often displays distortion in its design.
How to Spot It:
- Check the diameter of the coin. A 1964 quarter struck on a dime planchet will be noticeably smaller than a typical quarter.
- Examine the design closely for any signs of distortion.
Value: This error coin can be worth up to $50,000 depending on its condition, due to the rarity of the mistake.
4. 1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Quarter – Valued at $30,000
The 1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Quarter is a coin featuring a wide separation between the letters A and M in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the coin. This error was caused by a die clash, and only a small number of these coins were struck before the die was fixed. This is different from the regular 1999 quarter, which has close AM letters on the reverse.
How to Spot It:
- Look at the reverse side of the coin, focusing on the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA”.
- If the gap is unusually wide, you could have a rare coin on your hands.
Value: The 1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Quarter is worth around $30,000, depending on its condition.
5. 1982 No Mintmark Washington Quarter (Proof Coin Error) – Valued at $75,000
The 1982 No Mintmark Washington Quarter is an error where the mintmark was missing on a proof coin that should have had the “S” mintmark for San Francisco. Proof coins are usually carefully struck for collectors, but this minting mistake slipped through. The error is quite rare and highly sought after by collectors.
How to Spot It:
- Look for the 1982 date on the coin.
- Examine the reverse to see if the mintmark is completely missing where it would normally appear.
Value: A 1982 No Mintmark Washington Quarter can be worth up to $75,000, depending on its grade and rarity.
Why Are These Quarter Errors So Valuable?
You might wonder why these quarter errors are worth so much. Here are some reasons:
- Minting Errors: Coins with minting errors are highly prized because they are unique and not meant to be in circulation. The rarer the error, the higher the value.
- Rarity: The rarity of certain errors makes them attractive to collectors. Even a small mistake in production can create a coin that is much rarer than other coins.
- Historical Significance: Coins that have historical value, such as those with major errors, are often seen as more valuable due to the story behind their creation.
- Condition: The condition of the coin plays a big role in determining its value. Coins that are well-preserved or graded highly by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC will fetch a higher price.
How to Check if You Have a Rare Quarter
- Examine the Date and Mintmark: Look for the year and mintmark on the coin. Some errors occur in specific years, so make sure to check the details closely.
- Look for Distortions: Errors like doubled die, missing mintmarks, and wrong planchets usually involve distortions in the design. Use a magnifying glass to check for doubling or unusual spacing.
- Weigh the Coin: If you suspect the coin was struck on the wrong planchet (like a dime planchet), weigh it and compare it to the standard weight of a quarter.
- Get it Graded: For the best chance of getting top dollar for your coin, have it graded by a professional service to confirm its authenticity and condition.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my quarter is rare?
Look for minting errors, such as missing mintmarks, doubled die, or wrong planchets. If you find any of these issues, your coin may be worth a lot more than face value.
2. What’s the most valuable quarter error?
The 1932-D Washington Quarter missing its mintmark is one of the most valuable, with a potential worth of $500,000.
3. Where can I sell my rare quarters?
You can sell rare quarters at auction houses, through coin dealers, or on online marketplaces like eBay. Make sure to get your coin graded to ensure its value.
4. How much is a 1970-S doubled die quarter worth?
A 1970-S Washington Quarter with a doubled die obverse can be worth up to $30,000, depending on its condition.
Conclusion
If you have any older quarters in your collection or scattered around your house, now is the time to take a closer look! The 5 rarest quarter errors highlighted here can potentially make you a lot of money. If you spot any of these errors, get your coins evaluated and start reaping the rewards of these valuable treasures!