What Quarters Are Worth Money? Discover the Top Rare Finds
If you’ve ever asked yourself what quarters are worth more than face value, you might think only older coins qualify. But many rare quarters are still valuable today. In fact, a fair number of quarters remain in circulation that are highly sought after because of their condition, series, or specific mint year. To help you identify what quarters are worth money, we’ve listed ten valuable post-1965 quarters to look out for. Keep reading to learn about these collectible coins.
Rare Quarters
Rare quarters attract collectors due to their scarcity, history, and distinct traits. These include low-mintage issues, misprints, or design variations. Popular examples are the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters, the 1896-S Barber Quarter, and the 1970-S Proof Quarter with a doubled die obverse. Their value can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on their grade and rarity.
Identifying Valuable Quarters
Knowing which quarters are worth collecting can help you spot one before it disappears in spare change. Always check the date and mint mark. For instance, 1964 is a key date—it was the final year quarters were made with silver. Quarters made after this date may still carry value, especially in Mint State or among rare commemorative issues.
1964-D George Washington Quarter – $8,000
Silver quarters from 1964 are among the most valuable due to their 90% silver content. Quarters from the Denver Mint can be identified by a “D” mint mark. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint lack a mint mark. The highest known auction price for a 1964-D quarter is $8,000 in MS-67 condition, especially if it features any minting errors.
1965 MS67+ Washington Quarter – $12,000
This is a standout modern quarter for collectors. Only 50 MS67 examples exist, and no higher grades have been confirmed. The 1965 quarter marked the start of clad composition coins. An MS67+ example once sold for $12,000 due to its pristine state and rarity.
1971-S Washington Quarter – $3,500
The 1971-S quarter features the “S” mint mark of San Francisco. While common in lower grades, high-grade PR68 Deep Cameo versions are scarce. A perfect-condition proof or error coin can fetch up to $3,500 at auction, making it one of the better modern quarters to collect.
1967 SMS Washington Quarter – $17,000
1967 quarters from the Special Mint Set (SMS) period are highly prized. These sets were a higher-quality alternative to proofs during a coin shortage. Only made in 1965–1967, SMS coins are scarce. The top auction price for a 1967 SMS quarter reached $17,000 in pristine condition.
1982 Washington Quarter – $8,500
These quarters are valuable despite not being very old. The 1982 recession meant the Mint didn’t issue uncirculated sets. As a result, high-grade examples are rare. One such coin in MS67 condition reached $8,500, making it a hidden gem in recent coinage.
1966 Washington Quarter – $8,000
Though over 800 million were minted, very few 1966 quarters exist in MS67 condition. These coins are often still found in circulation. MS64-MS66 grades are more common, but MS67 specimens are exceptionally rare. A top-graded example once fetched $8,000.
1968-S Mint Mark Quarter – $4,500
In 1968, mint marks were moved to the coin’s obverse. That year, San Francisco resumed making quarters, but only as proofs. Only 321 million quarters were minted across all mints, a steep drop. An immaculate 1968-S proof once sold for $4,500.
1986-P Washington Quarter – $4,500
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1986-P quarter is harder to find in MS67 condition despite being widely circulated. Only ten examples have reached this grade, and one sold for $4,500 at auction. Keep an eye out for these modern treasures.
1970-S Washington Quarter – $4,500
Although not rare overall, the 1970-S proof coin becomes highly collectible in PR69 Deep Cameo. A known variant includes one struck over a 1941 Canadian quarter. In perfect condition or with errors, this coin’s value can climb to $4,500.
1965 MS68 Washington Quarter – $15,000
Another highlight from 1965, this quarter was one of the first clad coins after the end of silver quarters. An MS68 specimen is nearly flawless and extremely rare. The highest recorded sale for a 1965 quarter in MS68 condition was a whopping $15,000.
Modern Rare Quarters For Sale
Today’s quarters can still be worth a premium, especially if they feature errors or were struck in unique minting conditions. From Standing Liberty Quarters to collectible State Quarters, valuable coins continue to pop up. Trusted dealers like Bullion Shark offer verified rare quarters from trusted sources.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if a quarter is worth money?
Check the year, mint mark, and condition. Coins before 1965 or rare Mint State examples can be worth significantly more than face value.
Q2: What makes a 1965 quarter valuable?
A 1965 quarter is valuable in MS67+ or MS68 condition due to its historical transition from silver to clad composition and scarcity in high grades.
Q3: Are all quarters before 1965 silver?
Yes, U.S. quarters minted in 1964 or earlier contain 90% silver, making them worth more than face value based on their silver content alone.
Q4: What is a Special Mint Set (SMS) quarter?
SMS quarters were issued from 1965–1967 and are higher quality than regular coins but not quite proof coins, making them rare in top condition.
Q5: Where can I buy or sell rare quarters?
Reputable dealers like Bullion Shark and major auction sites specialize in rare coins. Always verify authenticity and condition before purchase or sale.
