Rare Quarter Dollar Coins
Welcome back, coin hunters! Today, we’re diving into the thrilling world of rare Washington quarters—coins so rare they’ve shattered auction records and turned ordinary pocket change into life-changing treasures. From hidden minting errors to silver variations, these quarters are legends in the world of numismatics.
Take a closer look at your change—one of these could be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
1. Bicenntennial Quarters (1776–1976)
Obverse: Dual date 1776–1976
Reverse: Colonial drummer with 13 stars
Why it’s valuable:
- Rare 40% silver versions vs standard copper-nickel.
- High-grade coins (MS67+) in mint or proof condition.
- Sold at auction for $35,500–$60,000+.
Collector Tip: Check the weight: silver coins ~6.25 g. Look for sharp details and original mint luster.
2. Silver Error Quarters (1965–1970)
1965 No-Mintmark / Silver Error
- Mistakenly struck on leftover 1964 silver blanks
- Weight: 6.25 g vs 5.67 g for clad
- MS68 examples: $12,000–$150,000+
1969 Doubled Die Obverse
- Doubling on inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Value: $3,500–$31,000 depending on grade
1970 Silver Transitional Quarter
- Struck on 1969 silver planes
- MS68 examples can exceed $180,000
Collector Tip: Weigh the coin and check the edge. Silver edges ring differently than copper-nickel.
3. Edge / Misalignment Errors
1973 Edge/Date Misalignment
- Date struck too close to the rim
- Value: Several hundred to $15,000+
1968 No-Mintmark, Date-Touching-Edge Error
- Extremely rare
- Value: $7,500–$93,000 depending on condition
Collector Tip: Even circulated coins with misalignment errors can fetch thousands.
4. Key Mint Marks (D for Denver, P for Philadelphia)
| Year | Mint Mark | Error / Feature | Condition | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | None | Standard / rare high grade | VG–MS | $10,000–$20,000 |
| 1979 | D | Very good / possible errors | VG–MS | $1,500–$250,000 |
| 1980 | D | Uncirculated | MS65+ | Up to $50,000 |
| 1986 | D | Very good | VG | $50,000–$100,000 |
| 1989 | P | Excellent condition | EX–UNC | $20,000–$50,000+ |
Collector Tip: Mint marks and condition are critical. Even slight wear can significantly reduce value.
5. Collector Tips & Authentication
- Check the weight – silver vs. copper-nickel
- Inspect the edge – silver coins have solid silver edges
- Examine the date placement – misaligned dates can add huge value
- Look for doubling – especially on obverse inscriptions
- Condition is everything – MS65–MS68 coins command top prices
- Professional grading – always use PCGS or NGC before selling
6. Conclusion
Rare quarters aren’t just pocket change—they’re pieces of American history and potential treasures. From the 1965 silver error to the 1776–1976 bicesentennial quarter, checking your coins could reveal life-changing value.
Take a careful look at your drawers, jars, and coin collections—one of these quarters could be worth tens of thousands of dollars or more. Don’t overlook it!
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