Quarters are one of the most commonly circulated coins in the United States, but some rare examples are worth far more than their face value.
Whether due to minting errors, low production runs, or historical significance, certain quarters can fetch hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auction.
In this article, we’ll explore three must-see rare quarters, each valued at over $500,000, that have captivated collectors and investors alike.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most coveted and valuable coins in U.S. numismatics. It’s famous for its low mintage and historical significance, as it was one of the first quarters issued after the Washington Quarter series was introduced.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1932-D Washington Quarter was minted in Denver and is one of the first Washington Quarters produced in the series, which replaced the earlier Standing Liberty Quarter. Due to its low mintage (only 436,800 coins were struck), this quarter is extremely rare, especially in high-grade condition.
Value: A highly graded 1932-D Washington Quarter can sell for over $500,000 at auction, depending on its condition. The 1932-D quarter in uncirculated grades like MS-65 or higher has been known to fetch $1 million or more in some cases.
What to Look For:
- The “D” mint mark on the reverse of the coin, indicating it was minted in Denver.
- Coins in high-grade condition, particularly those graded MS-65 or above, can command top dollar.
2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (With Stars)
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a highly sought-after coin for collectors of U.S. silver quarters. The coin’s design flaw, particularly the missing stars on the reverse, has made it one of the most valuable and collectible quarters in U.S. history.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter was the first year the Standing Liberty series was produced. However, a major design issue caused the stars on the reverse of the coin to be struck weakly or absent on many examples.
These coins were struck during a time when the U.S. Mint was transitioning to new designs, and many of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters have noticeable flaws, making them rare. This particular coin has become a must-have for serious collectors, especially in higher grades.
Value: In excellent condition (graded MS-65 or higher), the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter can fetch over $500,000. The highest-quality examples have sold for $1.2 million or more at auction.
What to Look For:
- The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter features a distinctive design of Lady Liberty standing with a shield, and the reverse shows an eagle with a missing star (or poorly struck stars).
- Coins with minimal wear or higher-grade certifications like MS-65 or MS-66 can significantly increase the coin’s value.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel Quarter (Error)
While the Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is technically not a quarter, it has become one of the most famous error coins in U.S. numismatics, and it’s often grouped with rare quarters because of its place in the world of rare coins.
This particular coin is renowned for its minting mistake, which resulted in a missing leg on the buffalo on the reverse.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel was struck with a damaged die that caused the buffalo’s front leg to appear missing. Only a small number of these error coins exist, and those in excellent condition are extremely rare.
While this error happened on a nickel, it is often mentioned in the same breath as rare quarters due to its high value in the coin collecting world.
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Value: A 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel in mint condition (graded MS-65 or higher) can easily be worth over $500,000 at auction, with some examples reaching over $1 million.
What to Look For:
- A 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with a clear missing front leg on the buffalo on the reverse side.
- The coin should be in excellent condition to achieve its maximum value.
| Coin Name | Mint Year | Approx. Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Over $500,000 | Low mintage (436,800 produced) |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | Over $500,000 | Weak or missing stars on the reverse design |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | Over $500,000 | Error coin with missing buffalo leg (front leg) |
What Makes These Quarters Worth So Much?
The value of these rare quarters is primarily driven by rarity, minting errors, and historical significance. Quarters like the 1932-D Washington Quarter are valuable because of their low mintage, while others like the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter are sought after because of design flaws and their place in coin history.
Coins in high-grade condition (MS-65 or higher) will always be worth significantly more than those in lower condition.
How Do I Know If a Quarter Is Rare or Valuable?
To determine if a quarter is rare or valuable, you should look for minting errors, low mintage years, or unique features in the design.
Quarters that are well-preserved and free from major damage will generally have a higher value, especially if they are graded by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
What Is Coin Grading and Why Does It Matter?
Coin grading is the process of evaluating the condition of a coin on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect coin. Coins with higher grades (like MS-65 or MS-67) are generally worth far more than those with lower grades due to their better condition and minimal wear.
How Can I Sell a Rare Quarter?
To sell a rare quarter, you should first have it graded and authenticated by a professional coin grading service. Once graded, you can sell the coin through coin auctions, dealers, or online platforms.
For coins of high value, working with a specialized auction house is often the best option, as they will help you get the highest price possible.