What Year of Quarters are Worth Money: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Are you curious about what year of quarters are worth more than their face value? Many collectors and even casual coin enthusiasts would love to know which quarters are worth collecting and which are worth holding onto. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the top valuable years of quarters and rare quarters to look out for.

Before diving in, it’s important to define what makes a quarter valuable. Generally, there are a few factors that contribute to a quarter’s value, including the year it was minted, the rarity of its design or mintmark, any errors or misprints, and the condition or grading of the coin.

Top 5 Most Valuable Year of Quarters: A Comprehensive Guide

Starting off our list is the 1932-D Washington quarter. This was the first year of the Washington quarter, and it’s considered one of the most valuable because of its low mintage and unique design. If you can find one in good condition, it could be worth upwards of $2500.

Next up is the 1955 doubled die quarter. This rare error quarter features a double image on Washington’s face and is highly sought after by collectors. It’s estimated that only a few thousand were minted before the die was fixed, making it one of the rarest quarters in existence.

The 1966 SMS Washington quarter is another valuable quarter due to its rarity and unique minting process. These coins were only produced at the San Francisco Mint in a special mint set, and fewer than 20,000 sets were made. This makes the 1966 SMS Washington quarter one of the rarest in circulation, with values ranging from $2,000 to as much as $15,000 for pristine examples.

The 1970-S small date Washington quarter is another rarity due to a minting error. These quarters were meant to have a larger date, but a few were struck with the smaller date used in 1969. The 1970-S small date is estimated to be worth around $1000, with higher values for coins in better condition.

Finally, the 1995-W proof Washington quarter is considered one of the most valuable modern quarters due to its rarity and unique mintmark. These quarters were only available in special proof sets and are highly sought after by collectors. If you have one of these quarters in pristine condition, it could be worth upwards of $2,000.

The Ultimate List of Rare Quarters: What Years to Look Out For

While the top 5 valuable quarters are certainly worth looking out for, there are many other rare quarters that are worth more than their face value. Here is a list of some of the most valuable quarters by year:

1932-D Washington quarter
1932-S Washington quarter
1937-S Washington quarter (with doubled die obverse)
1942-D Washington quarter (with doubled die obverse)
1955-S Washington quarter (with doubled die obverse)
1956-D Washington quarter (with doubled die reverse)
1969-S Washington quarter (with doubled die obverse)
1976-S Washington Bicentennial quarter (with doubled die obverse)
1982-P Washington quarter (with missing mintmark)
1999 Delaware quarter (with rotated die)

Each of these quarters is unique in its rarity and design, and many have values ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the condition and rarity of the coin.

Money in Your Pocket: How to Identify Valuable Quarters by Year

Now that you know which quarters to look out for, it’s important to know how to identify them. Here are a few tips for identifying valuable quarters by year:

Check for errors or misprints: Many valuable quarters are rare due to errors or misprints during the minting process. Look for any double images or misaligned elements on the coin.
Inspect the design and mintmark: Some quarters are valuable simply because of their unique design or mintmark. For example, the 1995-W proof quarter has a unique “W” mintmark that sets it apart from other modern quarters.
Consider the condition and grading: Even a rare quarter may not be worth much if it’s in poor condition. Look for well-preserved, high-quality coins for the best value.

It’s also important to understand the grading process for coins, as this can have a significant impact on a quarter’s value. There are a variety of grading systems used by coin collectors and dealers, but the most common is the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. Higher grades generally correspond to higher values, with coins graded 70 (perfect) being the most valuable.

From 1976 to 2019: Which Quarters Could Be Worth Hundreds?

While some of the most valuable quarters are from earlier decades, there are still valuable quarters to be found from recent years. Here is a list of some of the most valuable quarters from different years between 1976 and 2019:

1976-S Washington Bicentennial quarter
1983-P Washington quarter (with doubled die reverse)
1992-D Washington quarter (with close AM design)
2004-D Wisconsin quarter (with extra leaf)
2019-W San Antonio Missions quarter (with “W” mintmark)

While these quarters may not be as rare as some of the older coins on this list, they are still worth looking out for and could fetch a few hundred dollars or more depending on the condition and rarity of the coin.

Unearthing Hidden Gems: The Most Valuable Quarters from Different Decades

If you’re interested in collecting quarters from different decades, there are certainly valuable coins to be found. Here are some of the most valuable quarters from different decades:

1930s: 1932-D (first year), 1932-S, 1937-S (with doubled die obverse)
1940s: 1942-D (with doubled die obverse), 1943-S (with doubled die reverse)
1950s: 1955 doubled die, 1955-S (with doubled die obverse), 1956-D (with doubled die reverse)
1960s: 1966 SMS, 1969-S (with doubled die obverse)
1970s: 1970-S small date, 1976-S Washington Bicentennial (with doubled die obverse)
1980s: 1982-P (with missing mintmark), 1983-P (with doubled die reverse)
1990s: 1992-D (with close AM design), 1995-W proof

These quarters span several decades and include a variety of designs, errors, and rarities. Each has its own unique story and value, making them exciting additions to any coin collection.

Is Your Collection Worth More Than You Think? The Secret to Finding Valuable Quarters by Year

If you already have a collection of quarters and are wondering if they’re worth more than their face value, there are a few steps you can take to evaluate their worth. First, gather all of your quarters and organize them by year and mintmark. Then, use a guide like this one to determine which coins may be valuable due to their rarity, errors, or unique designs.

Next, you may want to consider having your collection appraised or graded by a professional coin dealer or grading service. This will give you a more accurate idea of the value of your coins and can help you determine if any are worth selling or trading for more valuable coins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many years of quarters that are worth more than their face value due to rarity, unique designs, and other factors. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or a casual enthusiast, it’s worth keeping an eye out for these valuable quarters as you search through your change. By following the tips in this guide and using a reliable guide or appraiser, you can uncover hidden gems and build a valuable coin collection that will be appreciated for years to come.