“$17 million dollar quarter” are sensationalized, they are rooted in the reality of coins that are exceptionally rare due to low mintages, unique circumstances, or striking errors.
This guide will break down the top rare Washington quarters you should be looking for, from classic key dates to modern errors.
1. The 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters
The Washington quarter series began in 1932, a time of economic hardship during the Great Depression. Because of this, the U.S. Mint produced a very low number of quarters that year, particularly at its branch mints in Denver (“D”) and San Francisco (“S”).
- The 1932-D quarter had a mintage of only 436,800, the lowest in the entire series. A circulated 1932-D quarter is worth between $65 and $875, but in pristine, uncirculated condition, it can sell for as much as $90,000. A certified MS-66 grade example sold for $143,750 at auction in 2008.
- The 1932-S quarter is also a key date, with a mintage of only 408,000. Circulated examples are worth between $65 and $375, and uncirculated coins can sell for up to $27,500.
Both coins derive their immense value from their scarcity, making them the ultimate prize for collectors of the Washington quarter series.
2. The 1965 Silver Washington Quarter
The year 1965 was a transitional period for U.S. coins, as the Mint switched from a 90% silver composition to a copper-nickel clad composition due to rising silver prices. However, a small number of quarters were accidentally struck on leftover silver planchets from 1964.
These 1965 silver quarters are considered a rare transitional error. To identify one, check the coin’s edge. A regular 1965 quarter has a visible copper stripe, while the rare silver quarter will have a solid silver rim. The silver quarter will also be slightly heavier.
While the ” $10 Million” figure in the image is a massive overstatement, authenticated 1965 silver quarters can sell for thousands of dollars. They are considered one of the most valuable errors of the Washington quarter series.
3. Modern Errors and Varieties
The images also highlight that some modern quarters can be surprisingly valuable. While not reaching million-dollar values, specific errors can still fetch thousands of dollars.
- 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse”: The first year of the 50 State Quarters program saw a unique error on the Delaware quarter. A die crack created a line extending from the horse’s mouth, making it appear as if it is spitting. While common circulated examples of this error are not worth much, a high-grade example can sell for a significant premium.
- 2004-D Wisconsin “Extra Leaf”: Some quarters from this year have a small die variety that appears as either a “High Extra Leaf” or “Low Extra Leaf” on the ear of corn on the coin’s reverse. These are highly sought after by collectors.
- Other Rare Finds: Other valuable modern quarters include the 1982-P Washington Quarter and the 1982-D Washington Quarter, which are rare in high grades because the U.S. Mint did not issue uncirculated sets in 1982 and 1983. A 1982-P quarter graded MS68 was sold for $9,000.
The pursuit of these rare quarters is what makes coin collecting an exciting adventure. The true value lies in the hunt for a coin that, due to a unique story or a simple mistake, has become a rare and valuable piece of American history.
Millionaire Washington Quarter Dollar Coins | The Most Expensive Quarters Ever Sold at Auction! This video is relevant because it discusses some of the most expensive Washington quarter dollar coins ever sold at auction, addressing the theme of the provided images.
