Did you know that some quarters in your pocket could be worth thousands of dollars? While most quarters are only worth 25 cents, a few rare ones have sold for up to $74,400 at auctions! If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare coins in your spare change, you might be sitting on a small fortune.
In this article, we’ll cover three rare quarters that collectors are hunting for in 2024, how to identify them, and what to do if you think you’ve found one.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter – Worth Up to $74,400
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable quarters in circulation today.
Why Is It Valuable?
- 1932 was the first year the U.S. Mint produced Washington quarters, originally meant to be a one-time commemorative coin.
- Only 436,800 quarters were minted at the Denver Mint (D-mark), making them scarce today.
- Many of these coins were heavily used, so finding one in good condition is extremely rare.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Good Condition: Around $1000+
- Extremely Fine Condition: Around $6,000+
- Mint Condition (Uncirculated): Up to $74,400 at auction!
How to Identify It
- Check the Date: The quarter should be dated 1932.
- Look for the Mint Mark: The letter “D” should be on the back of the coin below the eagle.
- Silver Content: This coin is made of 90% silver, giving it a bright, whitish shine compared to modern quarters.
2. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter – Worth Up to $35,000
At first glance, the 1970-S Proof Quarter may look like an ordinary coin, but it has a fascinating minting error that makes it highly valuable.
Why Is It Valuable?
- Some 1970-S proof quarters were mistakenly struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter instead of a regular U.S. coin blank.
- This error resulted in a rare coin with visible remnants of the 1941 Canadian design underneath the U.S. quarter’s details.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Standard Proof Quarter: Around $10 to $50
- Error Coin (Struck on a Canadian Quarter): Up to $35,000 at auction!
How to Identify It
- Check for the “S” Mint Mark: Located on the front of the coin below the date.
- Look for Overlapping Designs: Some 1970-S proof quarters have traces of the 1941 Canadian quarter’s markings visible under the U.S. design.
- Proof Coins Have a Mirror-Like Finish: These coins were specially made for collectors and have a polished, reflective surface.
3. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter – Worth Up to $10,000
A modern quarter that could be worth thousands? Yes! The 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter is a famous minting error that makes it highly collectible.
Why Is It Valuable?
- In 2004, the U.S. Mint released Wisconsin state quarters, but a small batch contained an unusual extra leaf on the corn stalk featured on the coin’s reverse side.
- There are two varieties of this error:
- “Extra Leaf Low” – The extra leaf appears closer to the bottom of the corn stalk.
- “Extra Leaf High” – The extra leaf appears higher up.
- These errors were likely caused by a mint worker’s accidental re-engraving of the coin die.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Regular 2004 Wisconsin Quarter: 25 cents
- Extra Leaf Low: Up to $6,000
- Extra Leaf High: Up to $10,000
How to Identify It
- Look for the Year 2004 and the “D” Mint Mark: The coin should have a “D” for Denver Mint.
- Examine the Corn Stalk on the Back: If you see an extra leaf below or above the normal one, you’ve got a rare and valuable quarter!
What to Do If You Find One of These Rare Quarters?
If you think you’ve found a rare quarter, follow these steps:
- Handle It Carefully – Don’t clean or polish it, as this can decrease its value.
- Use a Magnifying Glass – Look for mint marks, errors, or unique features.
- Get It Professionally Graded – Contact a reputable coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
- Check Recent Auction Sales – Sites like Heritage Auctions and eBay can give you an idea of current market prices.
- Sell It to a Reputable Coin Dealer or Auction House – This ensures you get the best price for your rare find.
Conclusion
You never know what treasures could be hiding in your spare change! The 1932-D Washington Quarter, 1970-S Proof Quarter, and 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter are just a few examples of valuable coins still in circulation today. If you come across one of these rare quarters, it could be worth thousands of dollars—so always check your change carefully!