Did you know that some quarters in your pocket or coin jar could be worth a small fortune? Certain rare quarters, due to minting errors, historical significance, or low production numbers, can fetch thousands—or even millions—of dollars from collectors. So, before you spend that spare change, take a closer look! You might just be holding onto a piece of history.
Here are 12 rare quarters that could turn your 25 cents into a huge payday.
1. 1796 Draped Bust – America’s First Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter was the first-ever quarter minted in the United States, making it a highly sought-after piece among collectors. With a low mintage of just 6,146 coins, this quarter is incredibly rare. If you find one in excellent condition, it could be worth more than $1 million!
2. 1823/2 Capped Bust – A Minting Mistake Worth Thousands
This rare quarter has an overdate error—meaning the year “1823” was stamped over “1822.” Such mistakes make coins valuable, and only a handful of these exist in good condition. Some of the finest examples have been sold for over $500,000!
3. 1866-S No Motto Seated Liberty – Missing Words, Extra Value
Most quarters from this era had the phrase “In God We Trust” on them—but not this one! This unique error makes the 1866-S Seated Liberty quarter highly desirable. With only a few in circulation, collectors are willing to pay up to $35,000 for a well-preserved coin.
4. 1870-CC Seated Liberty – A Rare Old West Treasure
Coins from Carson City (CC) Mint are already rare, but the 1870-CC quarter is even more special. It had a very low mintage, making it a must-have for collectors. If you’re lucky enough to own one in good condition, it could be worth $475,000 or more!
5. 1871-CC Seated Liberty – Another Carson City Rarity
Just like the 1870-CC, this 1871-CC Seated Liberty quarter is extremely rare due to its low mintage numbers. Collectors love Carson City coins, and this one can fetch upwards of $150,000 in pristine condition.
6. 1873-CC No Arrows – A Missing Detail That Adds Value
Most 1873 quarters had small arrows next to the date, but a few were minted without them, making the 1873-CC No Arrows quarter one of the rarest U.S. coins. With only a handful known to exist, this quarter could be worth more than $135,000!
7. 1916 Standing Liberty – A Short-Lived Design Worth Big Bucks
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter was the first of its series, but the design was quickly changed the following year. Because of its short production run, it is one of the rarest and most valuable quarters. High-grade versions have been known to sell for over $250,000!
8. 1918/7-S Standing Liberty – The Overdate Error That Pays
A rare overdate mistake makes this quarter incredibly valuable. The 1918 date was stamped over 1917, creating a visible error that was quickly corrected. Few of these coins were made, and collectors are willing to pay up to $70,000 for one!
9. 1932-D Washington Quarter – A Survivor of the Great Depression
Due to the economic hardships of the Great Depression, fewer quarters were minted and preserved in high grades. That makes the 1932-D Washington quarter highly collectible today. A well-preserved coin can sell for as much as $110,000!
10. 1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” – A Modern Error That’s Worth Hunting
Even modern quarters can be valuable! The 1999 Delaware quarter features a famous die break error, creating a raised line that looks like the horse is “spitting.” While not as rare as the others, these quarters can still sell for $10 to $20—a nice bonus for pocket change!
11. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf – A Small Mistake, Big Payoff
This quarter from the Wisconsin state series has an interesting error—an extra leaf on the corn stalk. Some versions have a high leaf, and others have a low leaf, making them popular among collectors. If you find one, it could be worth $50 or more!
12. 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas NP Quarter – A Cracked Coin With Value
Part of the America the Beautiful series, the 2010 Hot Springs quarter isn’t rare on its own. However, some of these quarters have a die crack error, making them worth over $100, depending on the size of the crack. The bigger the crack, the higher the value!
Final Thoughts: Check Your Change!
It’s time to start digging through your loose change! These rare quarters could be sitting in your home, car, or even your wallet right now. If you think you have a valuable quarter, consult a collector or coin expert to verify its worth. Who knows? You might just have a small fortune in your pocket!
