Are you curious about which modern quarters could be worth more than their face value? Many of these coins still circulate today, and with a bit of luck and attention, you might just find a valuable one in your pocket change.
Collectors looking to add these coins to their collections need to be vigilant and knowledgeable about what to look for. Here’s a guide to modern quarters that are worth money and some tips on what to do if you find one.
Notable Modern Quarters Worth Collecting
1. 1932–1964 Washington Quarters
The Washington modern quarter, first introduced in 1932, quickly became a staple of American coinage. Originally meant to be a one-year commemorative coin, it became a permanent series due to its popularity.
Quarters minted before 1965 are composed of 90% silver, making them worth much more than their face value, especially given the rising price of silver over the years. These pre-1965 quarters contain approximately 0.18 troy ounces of pure silver, making them valuable for their metal content alone.
2. 1932-D Washington Quarters
Among the pre-1965 quarters, the 1932-D is particularly valuable due to its low mintage of only 436,800 coins. As the second-lowest mintage in the Washington quarter series, even circulated examples can fetch over $100.
3. 1932-S Washington Quarters
The 1932-S quarter holds the record for the lowest mintage of the Washington quarter series, with just 408,000 coins produced. This key date coin is highly sought after by collectors, with circulated examples often selling for $100 or more.
4. 1982 and 1983 Washington Quarters
The early 1980s saw an economic recession in the United States, leading to a scarcity of uncirculated quarters from 1982 and 1983. Because few people saved these coins in mint condition, uncirculated examples are now quite rare and can be worth $5 to $20 or more, depending on the specific coin and its condition.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters
The 2004-D Wisconsin quarter is famous for its unique error varieties, where an extra leaf appears on the corn stalk above the cheese wheel on the coin’s reverse side. These error coins can sell for $50 to $100 in good condition, making them highly desirable for collectors.
6. 2005 Minnesota Doubled Die Quarters
The 2005-P Minnesota quarter features several doubled die varieties, particularly noticeable in the appearance of an extra spruce tree on the reverse side. Depending on the prominence of the doubling, these error coins can be valued at $50 or more.
What to Do If You Find a Valuable Washington Modern Quarters?
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these valuable quarters, consider selling it to a reputable coin dealer who can offer you a fair price. Baci-bd, for instance, is well-known for their expertise and honesty in evaluating and purchasing valuable coins.
Whether you’re dealing with collectible Washington quarters or other coins like the America the Beautiful series or older designs, it’s important to get your coins appraised by professionals to ensure you receive the best possible price.
Conclusion
Modern quarters can be much more valuable than their face value, especially if they have historical significance, low mintage, or errors. By keeping an eye on the coins that pass through your hands and knowing what to look for, you might just find a hidden gem in your pocket change. If you do, reaching out to a trusted dealer like Gainesville Coins can help you get the most out of your discovery.
FAQs
What makes a modern quarter valuable?
Factors include rarity, mintage year, mintmark, and any errors or unusual features.
Are all pre-1965 Washington modern quarters valuable?
Yes, because they are made of 90% silver, their melt value is higher than their face value.
What is the 1932-D Washington quarter worth?
Even in circulated condition, a 1932-D Washington quarter can be worth over $100 due to its low mintage.
Why are 1982 and 1983 Washington quarters rare?
Due to economic conditions at the time, few uncirculated quarters from these years were saved, making them rare today.
How much is a 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf quarter worth?
These error coins can sell for $50 to $100 depending on their condition.
Reference
Gainesville Coins. “Modern Quarters Worth Money: Prices & Collecting Tips.” GainesvilleCoins.com. Accessed
