You Might Be Holding a $26,000 Quarter Without Even Knowing It
That seemingly ordinary Washington quarter sitting in your change jar could be far more valuable than its face value. In fact, some of these coins, commonly found in pockets and piggy banks, have fetched up to $26,000 — all because of rare errors, limited mintage, or historical significance.
Whether you’re a casual coin saver or an eager new collector, here’s your guide to 9 rare Washington quarters that could be worth a small fortune.
Why Some Washington Quarters Are Worth Thousands
First introduced in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, Washington quarters have been part of American currency for nearly a century. Most are worth just 25 cents, but a select few stand out due to minting mistakes, limited runs, or transitional designs.
A small detail — like a misprint or an unusual mint mark — can turn an ordinary coin into a collector’s dream.
9 Rare Washington Quarters That Could Be Worth Up to $26,000
| Year | Mint Mark | Why It’s Rare | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | D (Denver) | Very low mintage — fewer than 500,000 minted | Up to $26,000 |
| 1932-S | S (San Francisco) | Also extremely limited mintage | $25,000+ |
| 1943-S | S | Double die on the obverse (printing error) | $15,000–$26,000 |
| 1950-D | D | Repunched mint mark (D over D) | $10,000–$20,000 |
| 1964 | No mint mark | Contains 90% silver + transitional variants | $12,000–$26,000 |
| 1965 | No mint mark | Mistakenly struck on silver planchets | $15,000–$20,000 |
| 1970-S | S | Overstruck on a 1941 Canadian quarter | $20,000–$26,000 |
| 1983-P | P | Double die reverse + no mint sets issued | $10,000–$25,000 |
| 2004-WI | None | Wisconsin state quarter with “extra leaf” error | $6,000–$26,000 |
The 1932-D and 1932-S Quarters—The True Rarities
The first year of the Washington quarter series produced two coins that are now considered “key dates”: the 1932-D and 1932-S. Due to their limited mintage, both are prized by collectors.
If one of these coins happens to be in your possession, especially in good or uncirculated condition, it could be worth thousands.
1964 and 1965 Quarters—Hidden Silver Value
Quarters minted in 1964 were the last to contain 90% silver. In 1965, the U.S. switched to a copper-nickel blend — but a few silver planchets were accidentally used during the transition.
These rare 1965 silver quarters look nearly identical to standard ones but are significantly more valuable due to their silver content and rarity. Weighing the coin or using a magnet may help you identify one.
Error Coins—Mistakes That Make Money
Sometimes, minting errors lead to unique and highly valuable coins. Some examples include
- Double die coins: The design is imprinted twice, slightly offset.
- Repunched mint marks: A mint mark is stamped more than once, creating a noticeable error.
- Overstruck coins: A coin is struck on an incorrect blank, like a foreign coin or wrong metal.
One famous example is the 1970s quarter, which was mistakenly overstruck on a 1941 Canadian quarter. Only a handful of these exist.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter—A Modern-Day Rarity
Among newer quarters, the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter is notable for its error involving an extra leaf on the corn stalk. There are two known versions — one with the extra leaf pointing up and another pointing down.
Both versions are highly sought after by collectors and can sell for thousands of dollars.
1983-P Quarter—Rare Due to Missing Mint Sets
The 1983-P quarter is rare not just because of a double die reverse error, but also because no official mint sets were released that year. This means high-quality versions are very hard to find, increasing their value dramatically.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a rare quarter?
Start by examining the year and mint mark, which appears near Washington’s neck on modern coins or on the reverse of older ones. Then, compare it to known rare coins or consult a coin expert.
Where is the mint mark located?
On coins minted after 1968, the mint mark is on the front, just behind Washington’s neck. On earlier coins, you’ll find it on the reverse side under the wreath or eagle.
Can I still find rare quarters in pocket change?
Yes! Rare error coins or overlooked old quarters still show up in circulation, coin jars, or inherited collections.
Should I clean a coin before trying to sell it?
No. Cleaning coins can reduce their value. Collectors prefer coins in their original, untouched condition.
Where can I sell a valuable quarter?
You can sell rare coins through professional coin dealers, online marketplaces, auctions, or at coin shows. For high-value coins, it’s best to get a professional appraisal first.
Final Thoughts
The next time you sort through spare change or open an old coin jar, take a closer look. That ordinary quarter might just be a rare gem worth thousands — maybe even as much as a used car or a luxury watch.
From historic issues to accidental mint errors, these rare Washington quarters prove that even everyday coins can hold extraordinary value. Happy hunting!