Most people don’t think twice about the quarters in their pockets. But hidden among everyday change could be rare and valuable coins that collectors are willing to pay big money for. Some of these quarters are worth hundreds—and even thousands—of dollars depending on their rarity, condition, and historical significance. Let’s look at three rare quarters that are creating a buzz in the coin collecting world and how to know if you might have one.
1932-D Washington Quarter
This quarter marked the beginning of the Washington series, and the 1932-D version had a very low mintage—only 436,800 were produced. Its scarcity makes it one of the most sought-after quarters in the series. Collectors are especially eager to find this coin in higher grades, with some selling for over $10,000 at auction. If you spot a 1932-D mint mark on the back of your quarter, don’t let it go unnoticed.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
A fascinating error coin, the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter was originally struck with an “S” mint mark and then overpunched with a “D.” This rare minting mistake creates a unique and collectible coin. While subtle, this overmintmark can be seen under magnification, and coins in excellent condition can be worth several thousand dollars. These kinds of error coins are prized for their rarity and uniqueness.
2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
One of the most recent valuable quarters is the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter. Some coins from this run have a noticeable “extra leaf” on the corn stalk—either a “high leaf” or “low leaf” variant. These errors were likely caused by accidental or intentional die modifications. Today, they can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on condition and demand. They’re a perfect example of how modern coins can still carry big value.
While they may look like pocket change, these rare quarters could be worth far more than 25 cents. Whether it’s the historical 1932-D, the error-stamped 1950-D/S, or the modern-day Wisconsin Extra Leaf, these coins prove that hidden treasures might be closer than you think. Take a moment to examine your spare change—you might have a coin that collectors would pay top dollar for.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if I have a 1932-D Washington Quarter?
Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side of the coin, below the eagle. It must also be dated 1932.
2. What is an overmintmark coin?
An overmintmark occurs when one mint mark is stamped over another. The 1950-D/S quarter is a good example of this rare minting error.
3. Are the Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarters still in circulation?
Some may still be found in circulation, though it’s rare. It’s worth checking any 2004-D Wisconsin quarters you come across.
4. How do I know if my quarter is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, and for any unusual errors. Coins in uncirculated or high-grade condition are often more valuable.
5. Where can I sell a rare quarter?
You can sell rare quarters through coin dealers, auctions, or online marketplaces, but getting a professional appraisal first is highly recommended.
