Collecting quarters from the 20th century is not just an interesting hobby; it can also lead to big money! Some quarters are rare or have special features, making them very valuable to collectors. In this article, we’ll look at ten of the most valuable quarters from the 20th century. Some of these coins can be worth thousands of dollars!
10 Most Valuable 20th Century Quarters
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest quarters ever made. Only 436,800 of these coins were minted in Denver. In mint condition (graded MS65), this quarter can sell for as much as $143,750. Because of its low mintage, collectors are always on the lookout for this coin.
2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is highly desired by collectors because only 52,000 coins were made that year. As the first year of this design, it holds historical importance. In perfect condition, this coin can be worth $25,000.
3. 1913-S Barber Quarter
The 1913-S Barber Quarter is another rare find, with only 40,000 coins minted. Even worn-out coins can be worth around $1,550, while well-preserved pieces are valued much higher. The limited number of these coins makes them very desirable.
4. 1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is from San Francisco and has a mintage of 72,664 coins. A heavily worn version of this coin can still fetch around $4,000. In better condition, its value increases, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
5. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
With only 396,000 coins minted, the 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter is the least produced in its series. Even circulated coins can be valuable, but in mint condition, this quarter can be worth up to $10,000.
6. 1943 Washington Quarter (Double Die Error)
The 1943 Washington Quarter has a minting error, which means that it features double engravings on the inscriptions “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.” Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be worth between $142 and $17,400.
7. 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
This quarter has a unique error where the “D” mint mark was struck over an “S” mint mark. This D/S designation makes it popular among error coin collectors. In uncirculated condition, it can be worth as much as $29,375.
8. 1962-D Washington Quarter
While not rare due to its high production, the 1962-D Washington Quarter is valuable in perfect condition. Coins with no wear can be worth up to $18,400, making it a surprising find for collectors.
9. 1937 Washington Quarter (Double Die Error)
The 1937 Washington Quarter features a double die error on the date and the words “In God We Trust.” Because of this flaw, coins in premium condition can sell for up to $21,150.
10. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
This modern quarter is valuable because of a minting error that includes an extra leaf on the corn stalk design. Depending on its condition, this quarter can be worth between $1,000 and $6,000.
Summary Table of Valuable Quarters
| Quarter Name | Year | Mint Location | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Denver | Low mintage | $143,750 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | Philadelphia | Low mintage | $25,000 |
| 1913-S Barber Quarter | 1913 | San Francisco | Low mintage | $1,550+ |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | 1901 | San Francisco | Low mintage | $4,000+ |
| 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter | 1927 | San Francisco | Lowest mintage in series | $10,000 |
| 1943 Washington Quarter (Double Die) | 1943 | Philadelphia | Double die error | $17,400 |
| 1950-D/S Washington Quarter | 1950 | Denver/SF | D over S mint mark error | $29,375 |
| 1962-D Washington Quarter | 1962 | Denver | High-grade mint state | $18,400 |
| 1937 Washington Quarter (Double Die) | 1937 | Philadelphia | Double die error | $21,150 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf) | 2004 | Denver | Extra leaf on corn stalk error | $1,000 – $6,000 |
Conclusion
Collecting quarters from the 20th century is not only fun but can also lead to finding coins worth much more than their face value. Whether you are searching for rare minting errors or low-mintage coins, there are many valuable quarters out there. Knowing which coins to look for can help you become a successful collector and maybe even make a profit in the process! So, keep your eyes open for these rare quarters, as they hold a special place in many collections.
FAQs
What makes a quarter valuable?
Valuable quarters often have unique features such as low mintage numbers, historical significance, or minting errors.
How can I tell if my quarter is rare or valuable?
To determine if your quarter is rare, look for specific features like the year of minting, the mint mark (such as “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco), and any unique errors.
Are all quarters from the 20th century valuable?
Not all quarters from the 20th century are valuable. While some have significant worth, many common quarters have little or no premium over their face value.
How should I store my valuable quarters?
To protect valuable quarters, store them in a cool, dry place. Use coin holders or albums to prevent scratches and tarnishing.