Ever wonder if the quarters rattling around in your pocket might be worth more than 25 cents? It turns out, some of them could be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Rare quarters often slip through unnoticed, their true value hidden behind subtle details or fascinating minting errors. Let’s explore the top three rare quarters that could be lurking in your coin jar right now.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a true icon among coin collectors. This quarter marked the debut of the Washington design, introduced to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. What sets this coin apart is its scarcity. The Denver Mint struck only 436,800 of these coins, a remarkably low number compared to modern-day mintages.
Collectors prize this coin for its rarity and historical significance. Even well-circulated examples can fetch hundreds of dollars, while uncirculated specimens in pristine condition can command thousands.
How to Identify It
- Look for the small “D” mintmark on the reverse side, just below the eagle’s tail feathers.
- The date 1932 should appear on the obverse side.
If you happen to find one of these gems, you might be holding onto a valuable piece of history.
2. 1970-S Proof Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
Proof coins are known for their crisp details and mirror-like finishes, but the 1970-S Proof Quarter stands out for an intriguing error: a doubled die obverse. This error occurs when the coin is struck twice by the die at slightly different angles, resulting in a doubling effect on parts of the design.
The doubling on this quarter is most noticeable in the inscriptions, especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Errors like this are particularly rare in proof coins, as their production process involves stricter quality control.
Value Estimate
- Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000+.
How to Identify It
- Use a magnifying glass or loupe to inspect the text on the obverse side for signs of doubling.
- Look for the “S” mintmark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.
If you come across one of these error coins, it’s worth having it professionally appraised—you could be sitting on a valuable collector’s item.
3. 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter
As the first coin in the 50 State Quarters series, the 1999 Delaware Quarter was eagerly collected by millions of Americans. But what makes some of these coins truly special is a unique minting error known as the “Spitting Horse” effect.
This error is caused by a die crack near Caesar Rodney’s mouth on the reverse side, creating the illusion that the horse is spitting. The quirkiness of this mistake has made it a favorite among collectors, and its value reflects that demand.
Value Estimate
- Circulated Condition: $10–$75
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $500
How to Identify It
- Examine the reverse side of the coin for a raised line extending from the horse’s mouth.
- Coins with sharper details and minimal wear will fetch higher prices.
This error may seem small, but its rarity makes it a potential goldmine for collectors.
Conclusion
That jar of spare change on your counter might be worth a lot more than you think! Rare quarters like the 1932-D Washington Quarter, the 1970-S Proof Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse, and the 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter are proof that hidden treasures exist in the most unexpected places.
So, the next time you sort through your quarters, take a closer look. You never know—you could uncover a rare piece of history worth far more than its weight in silver. Happy hunting!