Uncovering Hidden Treasures: The Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation

The condition of a coin often determines its value, but some quarters retain significant worth even when circulated. These coins are prized for their rarity, historical importance, or unique errors. Below, we explore some of the most valuable quarters, why they captivate collectors, and how to identify them.

2019-W and 2020-W Washington Quarters

In 2019, the West Point Mint introduced a groundbreaking concept: minting five quarter designs with a limited mintage of just two million per design. Featuring the unique “W” mintmark, these coins were released directly into circulation rather than being sold to collectors.

Their novelty and limited production make these coins potential future collectibles. No additional “W” quarters have been issued since 2020, adding to their allure.

1932-D Washington Quarter

The Denver Mint struck only 436,800 quarters in 1932, the first year of the Washington quarter series. Approximately 44,000 of these coins survive today.

• Grading and Value:
  • Grade 2: $70
  • About Uncirculated (AU55): $525
  • Grade 1 (rarer): $225

This coin demonstrates how rarity and grading intricacies affect value.

1932-S Washington Quarter

The San Francisco Mint produced just 408,000 quarters in 1932, making it the series’ lowest mintage. Today, only around 40,000 remain, with a mere 500 graded as gem-quality (MS65 or higher).

• Grading and Value:
  • Grade 2: $85
  • AU55: $285

Its scarcity and historical significance contribute to its desirability.

1937-S Washington Quarter

Though minted in smaller quantities than most, the 1937-S quarter remains a sought-after piece. While it is less valuable than the 1932 quarters, it still appeals to collectors.

• Grading and Value:
  • Grade 3: $8
  • AU58: $165

2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf Varieties)

This quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters series, gained fame for an error on its reverse. The corn husk design features an extra leaf, available in two variations: low-leaf and high-leaf.

• Low-Leaf Value:
  • Grade 30: $38
  • Grade 55: $80
• High-Leaf Value:
  • Grade 30: $45
  • Grade 55: $80

These variations showcase the unique appeal of error coins.

1934 Washington Quarter (Double Die Obverse)

This coin is renowned for a striking error where a misaligned die caused doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”

• Grading and Value:
  • Grade 2: $45
  • AU45: $235

The distinct doubling makes this coin a standout.

1943 Washington Quarter (Double Die Obverse)

One of the clearest double-die errors in the series, this coin features doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date.

• Value Range: Significant sums depending on condition.

1950-S/D and 1950-D/S Washington Quarters

These coins feature overpunched mintmarks, with one letter stamped over another.

• 1950-S/D:
  • Values range from $26 (Grade 3) to $325 (higher grades).
• 1950-D/S:
  • Rarer in mint state, with values from $26 (Grade 3) to $220 (Grade 55).

Such mintmark anomalies are fascinating collectibles.

Why Collectors Cherish These Quarters

Collectors prize these quarters for their limited mintage, historical context, or unique errors. Their value underscores the significance of inspecting pocket change closely, as hidden treasures may await.

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