Coin collecting has fascinated people for centuries, offering a unique blend of history, artistry, and the excitement of discovering coins that are worth far more than their face value. Among these gems is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, with rare versions fetching up to $40,000 at auctions. But this isn’t the only valuable quarter out there—some others, particularly from the 1930s and 1940s, are valued at over $2,000, making them highly prized among collectors. Let’s dive into the stories behind these valuable coins and what makes them so special.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence and is a favorite among collectors. While millions were produced for general circulation, special editions were struck in 40% silver specifically for collectors. These feature a distinctive colonial drummer design on the reverse, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies.
What sets the rarest Bicentennial Quarters apart is their condition and the absence of an ‘S’ mint mark, despite being struck in San Francisco. Perfect, uncirculated examples can fetch close to $40,000. Their combination of historical significance, rarity, and flawless preservation makes them a standout in any collection.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is valuable not only for its rarity but also for its historical importance, as it was the first coin in the Washington quarter series. Only 436,800 were minted, making it one of the lowest production runs in the series and a highly coveted piece for collectors.
This coin was minted in Denver to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, adding to its historical appeal. Well-preserved examples can sell for more than $2,000, with the value increasing significantly for coins in top condition. Its rarity and significance make it one of the most sought-after coins in U.S. history.
1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is another treasure from the first year of the Washington quarter series. With only 408,000 produced, it’s even rarer than the 1932-D. Collectors consider this coin a must-have, especially those building a complete Washington quarter collection.
In fine condition, these coins typically sell for more than $2,000, but those in higher grades can command even more. Its scarcity and the demand for early Washington quarters make the 1932-S one of the most valuable coins of its era.
1943-S Washington Quarter
The 1943-S Washington Quarter holds a special place in U.S. history. Minted during World War II, it’s composed of 90% silver. Silver quarters generally have higher value because of their metal content, but the 1943-S is particularly sought after due to its low mintage and rarity in high-grade conditions.
This coin was minted in San Francisco, and while it had a lower production run than other quarters, well-preserved examples are highly prized by collectors. Coins in excellent condition often sell for more than $2,000, and their value continues to increase as fewer high-quality specimens remain.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a fascinating error coin that collectors love. Initially stamped with a San Francisco mint mark (S), it was later punched with a Denver mint mark (D), creating the rare overmintmark error. These types of minting mistakes are quite rare, making this coin highly collectible.
Well-preserved examples of this coin can easily exceed $2,000 in value. This unique minting error provides insight into the U.S. minting process and is a prized piece for collectors of error coins.
1964-D Washington Quarter with Doubled Die Reverse
The 1964-D Washington Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse is another example of how minting errors can dramatically increase a coin’s value. This error occurred when the die used to strike the coin was doubled, creating a noticeable doubling effect on the reverse, particularly in the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscription and the eagle’s feathers.
Since the 1964-D quarter was one of the last U.S. quarters made from 90% silver, its intrinsic value is already high. But the doubled die error makes it stand out to collectors. High-grade examples of this rare mint error can sell for over $2,000, making it a valuable and sought-after piece.
Valuable Quarters Breakdown
| Quarter | Key Feature | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Special Mint) | Struck in 40% silver, no ‘S’ mint mark | Nearly $40,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Low mintage (436,800) | Over $2,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Low mintage (408,000) | Over $2,000 |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | Silver composition, WWII era | Over $2,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | Denver mint mark over San Francisco mint mark | Over $2,000 |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Washington Quarter | Doubled die error, 90% silver composition | Over $2,000 |
While quarters might seem like everyday pocket change, certain editions are highly valuable collectibles. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, especially those struck in 40% silver and in pristine condition, can fetch nearly $40,000 at auction. Other quarters, like the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters, are worth more than $2,000 due to their low mintages and historical importance. Error coins, such as the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter and the 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse, further add to the appeal and value of these coins.
For collectors, these quarters offer both a piece of history and a potentially valuable investment. If you happen to have any of these rare quarters in your collection, their worth might surprise you.
FAQs
- What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $40,000?
Special editions struck in 40% silver, especially those without an ‘S’ mint mark and in flawless condition, are highly valuable. - How rare is the 1932-D Washington Quarter?
With only 436,800 minted, it’s one of the rarest Washington quarters and can sell for over $2,000 in good condition. - Why is the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter valuable?
It features a minting error where a Denver mint mark was punched over a San Francisco mint mark, making it a rare collectible. - What’s special about the 1964-D Washington Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse?
- The coin’s reverse features a doubling error, and being one of the last quarters made from 90% silver, it’s especially valuable.
- How much can the 1943-S Washington Quarter be worth?
- Well-preserved examples can easily exceed $2,000 due to their silver content and rarity during WWII.
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