Top Rare American Quarters
Most people think quarters are just pocket change.
But some American quarter dollars are worth thousands — even tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
In this guide, we break down super rare U.S. quarters, explain why they’re valuable, and show you exactly what to look for. If you have old quarters at home, one of these could already be sitting in your collection 👀
🔥 1. 1928 Standing Liberty Quarter – Worth Up to $43,125
This is one of the most desirable silver quarters in U.S. history.
📜 Why This Coin Is Special
- Minted in 1928, nearly 100 years ago
- Part of the iconic Standing Liberty series (1916–1930)
- Made of 90% silver
- Extremely hard to find in high condition
By 1928, the U.S. Mint recessed the date into the design, protecting it from wear. That’s why a clear, readable date is a major value factor.
🔍 What to Look For (Step-by-Step)
- Check the date: 1928
- Look for sharp details on Liberty’s gown and shield
- Inspect the eagle’s feathers on the reverse
- Higher detail = higher grade = higher value
💵 Real Auction Prices
- Circulated: $8–$15
- MS65 (uncirculated): ~$500
- MS67: $2,000+
- Record sale: $43,125 (PCGS MS67+ CAC)
📌 Only a few dozen examples exist at the highest grades worldwide.
🇺🇸 2. 1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Worth Up to $16,000
Most people have seen these — but few know the valuable versions.
🎨 How to Identify It
- Dual date: 1776–1976
- Reverse shows a colonial drummer
- Minted for America’s 200th birthday
💎 Valuable Versions
- 40% silver (solid silver edge, no copper stripe)
- Double-die errors (doubling on “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST”)
- Wrong planchet errors
- Perfect proof coins (PR70)
💵 Auction Highlights
- Silver proof PR70: $13,500+
- Wrong planchet error: $16,000
- MS68 examples: only 13–15 known worldwide
🔎 Check the edge first — silver edges mean serious money.
⚠️ 3. 1967 Washington Quarter (Silver Error) – Worth $7,000+
This coin exists because of mint chaos.
🏭 What Happened in 1967
- Silver quarters ended in 1964
- A nationwide coin shortage caused rushed production
- Some silver planchets accidentally mixed in
- Result: 1967 quarters struck on silver
🧪 How to Test Yours
- Weigh it – Silver: ~6.25g | Clad: ~5.67g
- Edge check – Solid silver = possible jackpot
- Sound test – Silver rings, clad thuds
💵 Values
- Silver transitional error: $7,000+
- MS68 clad quarter: $8,813
- Double dies & off-center strikes: $50–$500+
📌 Over 1.5 billion minted, but only a handful survive in top condition.
😲 4. 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter (Type 1 & Type 2) – Worth Up to $25,850
This coin literally caused a national scandal.
🔥 The Controversy
- Type 1 (early 1917): Liberty’s breast exposed
- Public outrage forced a mid-year redesign
- Type 2: Liberty covered with chain mail
⭐ Why Collectors Love It
- Two designs in one year
- Historical controversy
- Exceptional artistry
🧠 Key Detail: Full Head
A Full Head (FH) coin shows all three helmet lines clearly — a massive value booster.
💵 Real Prices
- Circulated: $46–$68
- Uncirculated: $290–$415
- MS65+ Full Head: $1,500+
- Record sale: $25,850 (MS67+ FH CAC)
🔎 Check mint marks:
- No mark = Philadelphia
- D = Denver (scarcer)
- S = San Francisco
💡 5. 1974 Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark) – Worth $2,000+
Most are common — but perfect ones are not.
🪙 Why This Coin Can Be Valuable
- Philadelphia mint (no mint mark)
- Mid-1970s coins usually heavily worn
- Mint-state survivors are rare
💎 What Raises the Value
- Deep mirror-like luster
- Sharp facial details on Washington
- No scratches or dull surfaces
- Errors: off-center, double die, wrong planchet
💵 Value Range
- Circulated: 25¢
- High-grade MS examples: $2,000+
📌 Condition alone can turn pocket change into a major payday.
🚨 Final Advice: Always Check Your Quarters
The biggest mistake people make is assuming coins are worthless.
✅ What You Should Do
- Check dates & mint marks
- Inspect edges
- Look for doubling or misalignment
- Never clean rare coins
- Get valuable finds professionally graded
One quarter could be worth more than your monthly salary 💰
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