Coin collecting is full of fascinating treasures, and some rare quarters have recently reached staggering values. A rare Bicentennial Quarter recently sold for nearly $30 million, reflecting the immense worth of these collectibles. Let’s take a look at seven other quarters, each valued at over $10 million, to uncover the history and rarity behind their extraordinary prices.
Washington
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a rare find, and its limited mintage of just 436,800 pieces makes it especially prized. The ‘D’ mintmark signifies that it was minted in Denver, adding to its scarcity. In pristine condition, this quarter can command a price of over $10 million, driven by both its rarity and its historical significance, as it was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
Draped
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is a symbol of early American history. With only 6,146 minted, this quarter is exceptionally rare. It features the small eagle design on the reverse, a feature that was only used for two years. Because it’s one of the first U.S. quarters ever made, its historical importance, coupled with its rarity, elevates its value to over $10 million, especially when found in well-preserved condition.
Overdate
The 1823/2 Overdate Quarter stands out due to a minting error where the numeral ‘3’ was struck over a ‘2’ in the date. The U.S. Mint often reused dies to save money, leading to this fascinating error. With very few pieces known to exist, this quarter’s value easily surpasses $10 million. Its combination of rarity and the unique overdate error makes it a sought-after collectible for numismatists.
Liberty
The 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter is a true rarity, with only a handful of proofs ever made. Proof coins are minted with extra precision and care, making them highly desirable to collectors. This quarter is famous for its exquisite design and the sharpness of its proof strike. When found in excellent condition, it can be worth well over $10 million, making it one of the most valuable quarters in existence.
Seated
The 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter is steeped in mystery. Official Mint records don’t show any quarters being minted in San Francisco in 1870, yet a few specimens exist, making this coin incredibly rare. Its enigmatic background and scarcity make it highly valuable, with estimates frequently exceeding $10 million. The quarter’s mysterious history only adds to its appeal for collectors.
Standing
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is famous for its artistry and rarity. With only about 52,000 pieces minted, it’s one of the rarest quarters of the 20th century. In near-perfect condition, it can be worth well over $10 million. Collectors prize this quarter for its striking design, which features an image of Liberty standing with a shield, making it a top-tier collectible.
Proof
The 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter is a one-of-a-kind mint error. This unique piece came about when a proof Washington quarter was accidentally struck on a planchet intended for a 1941 Canadian quarter. Its rarity and the bizarre circumstances of its creation make it highly valuable, with an estimated worth exceeding $10 million.
| Coin Name | Year | Value (USD Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | $10.0+ |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | $10.0+ |
| 1823/2 Overdate Quarter | 1823 | $10.0+ |
| 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter | 1838 | $10.0+ |
| 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter | 1870 | $10.0+ |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | $10.0+ |
| 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter on Canadian | 1970 | $10.0+ |
Each of these coins represents a remarkable combination of rarity, history, and minting errors that elevate their value to astronomical levels. For collectors, these quarters are not just currency, but precious artifacts that tell the story of America’s rich numismatic history.
FAQs
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter worth so much?
Its low mintage and pristine condition drive its value over $10 million.
What makes the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter valuable?
It was one of the first U.S. quarters ever minted, making it highly rare.
Why is the 1823/2 Overdate Quarter unique?
The minting error where a ‘3’ was struck over a ‘2’ makes it highly collectible.
How rare is the 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter?
Only a few exist, despite no official mint records, making it extremely rare.
What’s special about the 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter?
It was struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter by mistake, creating a one-of-a-kind error.
