Coin collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s a journey through history, a treasure hunt, and sometimes, a gateway to valuable investments. Quarters, with their rich history and accessibility, are often sought after by collectors. Some of these coins, like the Bicentennial Quarter, hold impressive value, with rare variants fetching astonishing prices. In this article, we’ll investigate a Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $25k and five other quarters, each valued at over $1,000.
Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a remarkable commemorative coin issued to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. While millions of these coins were minted, a rare variety featuring a “double die obverse” stands out. The double die error means that elements such as the date and inscriptions like “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear doubled due to a minting mistake. Collectors covet this variant, and its value can soar to nearly $25,000 if it’s in excellent condition.
The combination of its rarity, historical significance, and minting error makes this coin a holy grail for quarter collectors. Owning one not only connects you to a piece of American history but also gives you a significant financial asset.
1932-D Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a highly prized piece, especially among collectors focusing on Washington quarters. This coin has an extremely low mintage of only 436,800, making it one of the rarest quarters produced in the 20th century.
Coins in good condition often surpass the $1,000 mark. The 1932-D is particularly appealing because it launched the Washington quarter series, honoring the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. It’s both a collector’s item and a key historical artifact.
| Coin | Mintage | Value (in good condition) |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial (Error) | N/A | Up to $25,000 |
| 1932-D Washington | 436,800 | Over $1,000 |
1932-S Quarter
Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is another low-mintage coin, with only 408,000 produced. This makes it incredibly rare and valuable to collectors. Coins in good condition can easily fetch more than $1,000.
The 1932-S also commemorates the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth, adding historical importance to its monetary value. Both the 1932-S and 1932-D are must-haves for serious quarter collectors.
1942-S Silver Quarter
The 1942-S Silver Washington Quarter is notable for its silver content and historical context. Minted during World War II, it’s a symbol of a turbulent era. With its relatively low mintage, the 1942-S has become a rare find for collectors. Its value often exceeds $1,000, especially in higher grades.
Silver quarters, particularly those minted in San Francisco like the 1942-S, are highly desirable because of their metal content and historical appeal. A well-preserved example can be a prized addition to any collection.
1950-D/S Overmintmark
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Washington Quarter is a fascinating coin due to a unique minting error. In this case, the Denver mintmark (D) was stamped over a San Francisco mintmark (S), creating an “overmintmark” error.
This mistake makes the 1950-D/S highly collectible. Quarters with this overmintmark, particularly in fine condition, can be worth more than $1,000. The rarity of this minting anomaly, combined with the mystery of how it occurred, makes it a highly sought-after item among error coin collectors.
| Coin | Mint Error | Value (in good condition) |
|---|---|---|
| 1942-S Silver | Low mintage | Over $1,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark | Mintmark error | Over $1,000 |
1964-D Quarter
The 1964-D Washington Quarter with a double die reverse is another quarter that can exceed $1,000 in value. This minting error causes the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to appear doubled, making it a standout coin.
Additionally, 1964 was the last year Washington quarters were minted with 90% silver, adding to its appeal for both collectors and investors. Its silver content, combined with the rare minting error, makes the 1964-D an attractive coin that can fetch high prices.
Collecting quarters, especially those with minting errors or low mintage, offers an exciting way to engage with American history while potentially building a valuable collection. Whether you’re hunting for a Bicentennial Quarter or a Washington series rarity, these coins hold a unique place in the world of numismatics.
Quarters not only represent a piece of history, but they can also become valuable assets over time. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare coins, you might just be holding onto a small fortune.
FAQs
What makes a Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
The double die obverse error can make it worth up to $25,000.
How much is a 1932-D Washington Quarter worth?
A well-preserved coin easily exceeds $1,000.
Why is the 1942-S Silver Quarter rare?
It has a low mintage and was minted during World War II.
What is an overmintmark error?
It’s when one mintmark is stamped over another, like the 1950-D/S.
Why is the 1964-D Washington Quarter valuable?
It has a rare double die reverse and is 90% silver.
