What Quarters Are Worth Money? Discover the Top Rare Finds
If you’ve wondered which quarters might be more valuable than their face amount, you’re not alone. While many assume only older coins are worth more, some newer quarters also hold considerable value. Several sought-after quarters still circulate today due to their condition, series, or mint year. To help you figure out which quarters might be worth collecting, here are ten post-1965 coins that stand out. Keep reading to explore these hidden treasures.
Rare Quarters
Collectors are often drawn to rare quarters because of their unique history, limited numbers, or unusual features. These include quarters with low mintages, minting mistakes, or special designs. Notable examples are the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters, the 1896-S Barber Quarter, and the 1970-S Proof Quarter with doubled die obverse. Their value may range from several hundred to thousands, depending on condition and rarity.
Identifying Valuable Quarters
Learning how to recognize valuable quarters can help you discover them before they vanish in everyday transactions. Always examine the mint mark and year. For example, 1964 was the last year silver quarters were produced. Even quarters made after that year may still carry high value, especially if they are uncirculated or come from special series or rare mint errors.
1964-D George Washington Quarter – $8,000
The 1964 silver quarters are valuable due to their 90% silver content. Quarters minted in Denver feature a “D” mint mark. Those made in Philadelphia show no mark. A 1964-D quarter in MS-67 grade with no flaws or even minor minting issues once brought $8,000 at auction, thanks to its outstanding condition and silver composition.
1965 MS67+ Washington Quarter – $12,000
This 1965 quarter stands out among modern issues. Only about 50 are known in MS67 grade, and none have surpassed it. Since 1965 marked the beginning of clad coins, those in top condition are rare. One MS67+ specimen sold for $12,000 due to its exceptional preservation and the historical shift it represents.
1971-S Washington Quarter – $3,500
The 1971-S quarter, bearing the San Francisco mint’s “S” mark, is common in lower grades. However, versions in PR68 Deep Cameo quality are much harder to find. A flawless proof or one with a striking error can reach up to $3,500 at auction, making it a strong candidate for modern quarter collectors.
1967 SMS Washington Quarter – $17,000
Special Mint Set (SMS) quarters from 1967 are in demand because of their unique production. These coins served as higher-quality alternatives to proofs during a coin shortage. Produced only from 1965 to 1967, they’re limited in number. A 1967 SMS quarter in pristine condition once commanded $17,000 at a major auction.
1982 Washington Quarter – $8,500
Despite being relatively recent, 1982 quarters can be valuable. The economic downturn that year led to the Mint skipping uncirculated sets. As a result, high-grade examples are rare. An MS67 version of this coin sold for $8,500, making it a modern sleeper pick for savvy collectors.
1966 Washington Quarter – $8,000
Although more than 800 million were produced, finding a 1966 quarter in MS67 condition is incredibly rare. While grades like MS64 and MS66 are somewhat common, coins that reach MS67 are scarce. One such top-graded coin once sold for $8,000, proving that even common dates can be exceptional.
1968-S Mint Mark Quarter – $4,500
In 1968, the mint mark was moved to the front of the coin. That same year, San Francisco resumed minting quarters solely as proofs. A total of just 321 million quarters were struck across all mints. A flawless 1968-S proof once reached $4,500 in value, making it a premium addition to any collection.
1986-P Washington Quarter – $4,500
The 1986-P quarter, minted in Philadelphia, is tough to locate in MS67 condition even though it saw widespread circulation. Only ten known coins exist at this level, and one such example brought in $4,500 at a public auction. It’s a modern coin worth watching for its rarity in top grades.
1970-S Washington Quarter – $4,500
Though not rare in general, the 1970-S proof quarter becomes highly collectible in PR69 Deep Cameo condition. A rare variant was even struck over a 1941 Canadian quarter. Perfect-grade examples or those with such striking errors have reached prices as high as $4,500 among collectors.
1965 MS68 Washington Quarter – $15,000
This 1965 quarter stands out as it was part of the first clad coinage following the end of silver quarters. A coin in MS68 grade is nearly flawless and very hard to find. One such quarter in this exceptional state sold for an impressive $15,000, marking it as a crown jewel among modern issues.
Modern Rare Quarters For Sale
Modern quarters can still carry a premium, particularly those with mint errors or special conditions. From older Standing Liberty types to more recent State Quarters, collectible coins still surface often. Reputable dealers like Bullion Shark specialize in verified rare quarters from reliable sources you can trust.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if a quarter is worth money?
Check the year, mint mark, and condition. Quarters from before 1965 or those in rare Mint State grades may be worth far more than face value.
Q2: What makes a 1965 quarter valuable?
A 1965 quarter becomes valuable in MS67+ or MS68 grades due to its role in transitioning from silver to clad and its extreme rarity in pristine condition.
Q3: Are all quarters before 1965 silver?
Yes, quarters minted in 1964 or earlier are made with 90% silver, giving them intrinsic value that exceeds their denomination.
Q4: What is a Special Mint Set (SMS) quarter?
Issued from 1965 to 1967, SMS quarters are higher in quality than regular strikes but not as polished as proof coins, making them unique collectibles.
Q5: Where can I buy or sell rare quarters?
Respected coin dealers like Bullion Shark and trusted auction platforms offer rare coins. Always confirm a coin’s authenticity and grade before any transaction.
Susan is a seasoned finance writer with a knack for breaking down complex money topics into clear, actionable advice. With years of experience in personal finance, investing, and market trends, she empowers readers to make smarter financial decisions. Her work has been featured in leading finance blogs and publications, where she combines sharp analysis with relatable storytelling. Whether it’s budgeting, wealth-building, or decoding the latest economic shifts, Susan’s mission is to help people take control of their financial future with confidence.