Not only is collecting quarters from the 20th century interesting but also can be a very rewarding hobby. Over time, due to scarcity, historical significance, or minting faults, specific quarters have become remarkably valuable. Thus, collectors often solicit thousands of dollars for those quarters. We now discuss a few of the most valuable quarters produced during the 20th century. Some have values in the tens of thousands of dollars.
10 Most Valuable 20th Century Quarters
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The only 436,800 pieces made in Washington Quarters during 1932-D have resulted in having one of the rarest pieces in this series; thus, its mintage makes the coin very valuable. More important, it was produced with the Denver Mint, an extremely small quantity. To grade MS65, and thus priced up to the sum of $143,750, buyers would also buy this just to build their collection of high price items.
2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Because only 52,000 coins were produced, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a key date for collectors. Since it is the inaugural year of the Standing Liberty design, it commands significant attention, and uncirculated coins sell for as much as $25,000 on the market. This quarter has a wonderful value, mainly because it has such a very low mintage and incredible historical significance.
3. 1913-S Barber Quarter
Although there is a 1913-S Barber Quarter that had a mintage of just 40,000, no business strikes were struck during the early years of the 20th century. Even if they have plenty of wear, coins can still bring around $1,550, but those that are well conserved are worth a lot more. Because so few coins have survived, their value is all that much higher, making this piece very desirable in any collection.
4. 1901-S Barber Quarter
Only 72,664 pieces were made, and so the 1901-S Barber Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is another piece that is extremely coveted. But even though it is extremely worn, a specimen in Good-4 condition can bring at least $4,000. Due to the reason that examples of high quality at higher grades can fetch much higher prices, this coin can make a brilliant addition to the collection of a collector.
5. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
Only 396,000 of this type were coined, but the lowest mintage among any coin in the entire Standing Liberty quarter series. As such, it is the rarity factor that gives value to it, and circulated pieces are sometimes worth something too. The coin might go up to $10,000 if found in mint condition.
6. 1943 Washington Quarter (Double Die Error)
Another marked minting error exists within the 1943 Washington Quarter. It exhibits a double die on the inscriptions “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.” The values can range from $142 in nearly perfect specimens to as much as $17,400 depending on the grade of the coin.
7. 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
As an interesting anomaly was created while this quarter was being minted in the “D” over the “S” mint mark; it strikes the hearts of collectors to hold mistake coins as a favorite. In nearly perfect condition, it might sell up to $29,375.
8. 1962-D Washington Quarter
Because of its high mintage, the 1962-D Washington Quarter is not, in itself, rare; but when found in outstanding, uncirculated condition, it is a real treasure. The amazement is that coins with such delicate details and no wear will bring as much as $18,400.
9. 1937 Washington Quarter (Double Die Error)
However, the 1937 Washington Quarter is an extremely rare error coin as it bears the double die error on both date and the phrase “In God We Trust.” It is such minting errors that have a huge addition to the value of these coins, with prices paid at auctions as high as $21,150 in exceptional conditions.
10. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
Because of a minting error with an added leaf on the corn stalk design, the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is very valuable, even if it is such a recent quarter. An uncirculated copy could be valued anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on whether that extra leaf is high or low.
| Quarter | Year | Mint | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Denver | Low mintage | $143,750 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | Philadelphia | Low mintage | $25,000 |
| 1913-S Barber Quarter | 1913 | San Francisco | Low mintage | $1,550+ |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | 1901 | San Francisco | Low mintage | $4,000+ |
| 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter | 1927 | San Francisco | Lowest mintage in series | $10,000 |
| 1943 Washington Quarter (Double Die) | 1943 | Philadelphia | Double die error | $17,400 |
| 1950-D/S Washington Quarter | 1950 | Denver/SF | D over S mint mark error | $29,375 |
| 1962-D Washington Quarter | 1962 | Denver | High-grade mint state | $18,400 |
| 1937 Washington Quarter (Double Die) | 1937 | Philadelphia | Double die error | $21,150 |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf) | 2004 | Denver | Extra leaf on corn stalk error | $1,000 – $6,000 |
This can be sometimes exciting and rewarding because it deals with gathering quarters from the 20th century, which might help you find coins much more valuable than their face value. Quarters are unique to any coin enthusiast, as it may search for rare minting flaws or low-mintage coins.
FAQs
1. What are the most valuable quarters from the 20th century?
Some of the most valuable quarters include the 1901-S Barber Quarter, 1932-D Washington Quarter, and 1964-D Washington Quarter. Their worth is largely determined by rarity, condition, and demand among collectors, often reaching thousands of dollars.
2. How can I identify valuable quarters?
To identify valuable quarters, check for specific dates, mint marks, and unique features. Coins in excellent condition, especially those graded by professional services, tend to be more valuable. Researching reputable guides or consulting experts can help assess a coin’s worth.
3. What affects the value of a quarter?
A quarter’s value is influenced by rarity, demand, condition (graded by professionals), historical significance, and mint errors. Coins that are less common or have unique characteristics typically command higher prices in the collectors’ market.