Washington Quarter Dollars: What if we told you a quarter in your pocket could be worth more than your car or even your house? Sounds too good to be true? Think again. Some rare U.S. quarters have fetched jaw-dropping sums at auctions, and the best part is, a few of them are still floating around in everyday circulation.
In this blog post, we’re diving into 10 of the most valuable U.S. quarters ever discovered, with some coins reaching values over $300,000 and even upwards of a million dollars. So grab your coin jar, because you might just be holding a piece of hidden treasure.
1. 1982-P Washington Quarter
Top Value: $180,000–$300,000
At first glance, the 1982-P quarter might not look special. Many are worn and faded, making them seem like just another quarter in your drawer. But here’s the kicker: 1982 was the first year in decades the U.S. Mint didn’t release uncirculated mint sets. That means high-grade examples are extremely rare.
- Mint State Value: MS67+ coins can sell for $4,000–$12,000.
- Error Value: Quarters with no mintmark strike-through errors or double die obverse varieties have sold for up to $300,000.
Collector Tip: Flip your 1982 quarters and check for doubling or unusual markings. This coin might just turn your spare change into a serious payday.
2. 1968 No Mintmark Washington Quarter
Top Value: $325,000
The 1968 quarter is another under-the-radar gem. While more than 220 million were minted, most circulated heavily. A few, however, were struck with rare errors or escaped the grind of daily transactions.
- Mint State Value: Up to $2,500.
- Error Value: Double die obverse and off-center strikes can command $15,000 to $75,000.
- Legendary Sale: A pristine MS68 quarter with double die obverse was privately sold for over $325,000.
3. 1965 Transitional Error Quarter
Top Value: $300,000+
1965 marked the end of 90% silver quarters, replaced by copper-nickel clad versions. But a few silver planchets from earlier years slipped through the cracks.
- Silver Planchet Error: If struck on a silver blank, the coin could be worth $125,000+.
- Mint State Value (No Error): MS68 examples have sold for $38,400.
- Top Auction: Rare examples rumored to sell north of $300,000.
How to Spot It: Weigh the coin. Silver quarters weigh 6.25 grams vs. the standard 5.67. Also, silver coins lack the copper edge band.
4. 1966 Washington Quarter
Top Value: $420,000
Even though silver was officially phased out in 1965, some 1966 quarters were mistakenly struck on leftover silver planchets.
- Transitional Error Value: One of these sold for $420,000.
- Mint State Clad Value: MS67+ examples have reached $15,000.
Fun Fact: No proof sets were issued in 1966, making high-quality strikes extremely rare.
5. 1995-D Washington Quarter
Top Value: $325,000+
A newer coin, yet it holds massive potential. Most 1995-D quarters are worth face value, but error coins from this year are in high demand.
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): A strong doubling on the motto or date could reach six figures.
- Off-Center or Broadstrike Errors: Can fetch $500 to $12,000.
- Famous Find: A roll bought from a bank contained a quarter later valued at $30,000.
6. 1974 Washington Quarter
Top Value: $350,000
Don’t underestimate this common-looking coin. Transitional silver errors and dramatic minting anomalies make this year surprisingly valuable.
- Silver Planchet Error: Over $100,000.
- Double Die Reverse: One sold for $18,000.
- Broadstruck Error: Fetches up to $2,500.
7. 1967 Washington Quarter
Top Value: $400,000+
A coin from a transitional era, and one of the few without a mint mark, making it harder to trace.
- Silver Planchet Error: One sold for $375,000.
- Specimen Strike or SMS Coins: With deep cameo finishes, they can reach $75,000+.
8. 1977 Washington Quarter
Top Value: $350,000
This sleeper coin comes alive with rare error strikes and one of the most mysterious silver planchet mistakes in modern minting.
- Silver Planchet Error: Over $350,000 at auction.
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): Uncirculated DDO coins can exceed $100,000.
- Missing Clad Layer: Worth $25,000–$60,000 depending on condition.
9. 1990-D Washington Quarter
Top Value: $10,000+
While more modern, the 1990-D quarter still offers collectible surprises if you know what to look for.
- Off-Center Strike: Up to $2,500.
- Clipped Planchet or Double Strike: Between $300–$1,000.
- Struck Through Error: Can reach $2,000.
10. 1982-D Washington Quarter
Top Value: $325,000
Just like its Philadelphia sibling, the Denver 1982 quarter suffers from the same “no mint set” scarcity.
- Copper Planchet Error: Sold for $325,000.
- Missing Clad Layer: Up to $28,000.
- Double Die Obverse: Some go for $18,000 or more.
- Off-Center Strike: Sold for $9,500.
Final Thoughts: Your Spare Change Might Be a Goldmine
If this list proves anything, it’s that ordinary-looking quarters can carry extraordinary value. Whether due to minting errors, metal composition mix-ups, or condition rarity, some of these coins have changed lives.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, weight, and look for visible errors like doubling or off-center strikes.
2. What is a transitional error quarter?
It’s a coin struck on a wrong metal blank, often from a previous year these are extremely rare and valuable.
3. How much can a rare quarter be worth?
Depending on condition and errors, some quarters have sold for over $300,000.
4. Do worn or circulated quarters have value?
Yes, if they contain rare errors or were struck on the wrong planchet, even circulated coins can be worth thousands.
5. Should I weigh my old quarters?
Absolutely quarters heavier than 5.67g may be struck on silver or foreign planchets, which increases their value.