Introduction
Do you find yourself wondering which quarters are worth money and which ones can be kept in your pocket change? It’s important to be able to identify rare quarters because some can be worth more than their face value. In this article, we’ll show you the top six rare quarters, how to identify valuable quarters in your pocket change, tips on collecting quarters for profit, and more to help you make money with your spare change.
Top 6 Rare Quarters That Can Help You Earn Money
The following six quarters are ranked from most valuable to least valuable:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is the rarest and most valuable nickel, with only five known to exist. The design features Lady Liberty on the front and a Roman numeral V on the back. In September 2010, a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold for over $3.7 million.
2. 1870 CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870 CC Liberty Seated Quarter is a rare coin produced at the Carson City Mint in Nevada. Fewer than 10 are known to exist, and one sold at auction in 2012 for over $400,000. The design features Lady Liberty seated on the front and an eagle on the back.
3. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is the first quarter dollar ever issued by the United States Mint. The design features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on one side and an eagle on the back. This coin can be worth anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000 depending on its condition and rarity.
4. 1932 D Washington Quarter
The 1932 D Washington Quarter is the second key date in the Washington Quarter series. The design features George Washington on the front and an eagle on the back. It can be worth anywhere from $250 to $4,000 depending on its condition.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
A mistake at the Denver Mint in 2004 resulted in the release of Wisconsin State Quarters with an extra leaf on the corn stalk. These quarters can be worth up to $300, depending on the condition and how prominent the extra leaf is.
6. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is a well-known error coin that can be worth up to $1,800. The design features Abraham Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back. The coin’s date and lettering appear doubled, creating a distorted image.
How to Identify Valuable Quarters in Your Pocket Change
There are several features to look for when trying to identify valuable quarters. One of the most important things to look for is the year the quarter was minted. Here are some examples of valuable quarters by year:
- 1932 D Washington Quarter
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- 1965 Silver Quarter
- 1970 Quarter with a small “D” Mintmark above the “R” in “Quarter”
Another important feature to look for is the condition of the coin. Valuable coins will be in better condition than most coins in circulation. Look for coins with no signs of wear and tear, such as scratches or dents.
Finally, pay attention to any errors or unusual markings on the coin. An error coin can be worth thousands of dollars.
Collecting Quarters for Profit: A Beginner’s Guide
Coin collecting can be a fun and profitable hobby. If you’re interested in collecting quarters, here are some tips to get started:
- Buy a coin guidebook to learn more about rare quarters and their value.
- Consider joining a coin collecting club or organization.
- Visit coin shows to meet other collectors and find rare coins.
- Invest in a safe and sturdy way to store your coins.
- Handle your coins with care to avoid damage or scratches.
- Be cautious of scams and counterfeit coins.
The Real Story Behind the 50 States Quarters Program
The 50 States Quarters Program was a 10-year initiative that began in 1999 to honor each of the 50 states. Each state was featured on a quarter, with the design chosen by the state. While most of these quarters are only worth their face value, some are more valuable. The most valuable coins from this program include:
- 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
- 2008 Hawaii State Quarter with Extra Images
- 2004-D Texas State Quarter with Extra Leaf
These coins can be worth up to $300.
Unexpected Quarters That Could Be Worth Hundreds
There are several unexpected quarters that could be worth more than you think. Here are some examples:
- 1970 Quarter with a small “D” Mintmark above the “R” in “Quarter”
- 1965 Silver Quarter
- 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
- 1968-S Proof Washington Quarter with No Mintmark
- 1982-P Roosevelt Dime with No Mintmark
These coins can be worth hundreds of dollars, especially if they’re in good condition. Be on the lookout for them in your pocket change.
The Future of Valuable Quarters: Which Coins to Look Out For
Speculating on the potential for future valuable quarters can be difficult, but some factors may indicate a coin’s potential future value. Look out for these:
- Commemorative or special edition coins
- Low mintage numbers
- Coins with errors or unusual markings
- Coins with historical significance
- Coins with popular designs or themes
Remember, the value of a coin depends on many factors, including rarity, condition, and demand.
Conclusion
Now that you know which quarters are worth money and how to identify them, you can start looking for rare coins in your pocket change. Whether you’re a coin collector or just enjoy making a little extra money, identifying valuable quarters can be a fun and rewarding hobby.