Collecting coins isn’t just a hobby for some, but rather, a lucrative and fascinating pursuit of history, artistry, and value. Quarters, in particular, have been a favorite among collectors due to their frequent design changes, rich history, and availability.
Some quarters are now worth way more than their face value, making them treasured collector’s items. Let’s dive into the world of numismatics and explore 13 old quarters that have become highly prized in the world of coin collecting.
1. 1896-S Barber Quarter
The Barber quarter, named after its designer Charles E. Barber, was minted between 1892 and 1916. The 1896-S Barber quarter is particularly valuable because of its low mintage numbers, making it a coveted item among collectors.
This coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Its scarcity combined with its design artistry makes it highly desirable. Minted in San Francisco, only 188,039 of these coins were produced. Today, depending on condition, these quarters can fetch anywhere from $500 to over $20,000 at auction.
2. 1916-D Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916-D Standing Liberty quarter is another treasure in the world of coin collecting, mainly due to its rarity. It was the first year of the Standing Liberty design, and only a small number were minted in Denver.
The coin features a full-length image of Liberty on the obverse, and an eagle in flight on the reverse. Due to a lack of use and the fact that very few were minted, the 1916-D Standing Liberty quarter is incredibly rare today. Its value can range from $3,000 to over $30,000, depending on condition and grade.
3. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter is a highly sought-after piece. It was the first year of the Washington quarter series, marking the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
Minted in Denver, the coin features a left-facing bust of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. With only 436,800 minted, it’s one of the most challenging quarters to find in high grade. Depending on its condition, this quarter can be worth anywhere from $125 to over $15,000.
4. 1872-S Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1872-S Seated Liberty Quarter is one of the oldest and most valuable quarters. Minted in San Francisco, it’s known for its low mintage and rarity.
This coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a flag. The reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings. The mintage of this coin was only 83,000, making it a rare find today. Depending on condition, this coin can fetch anywhere from $200 to over $8,000.
5. 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is known for its overdate error, where the 1918 was stamped over the 1917 date.
This coin features the full-length image of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. The mistake in the coin’s date makes it a unique and valuable collector’s item. Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to over $40,000.
6. 1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable quarters in existence. With a mintage of just 72,664, it is a highly sought-after coin for collectors.
Like the other Barber quarters, it features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Because of its rarity, even a worn 1901-S Barber quarter can command a price of over $3,000. In mint, uncirculated condition, this coin can fetch a price of over $100,000.
7. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the oldest and most valuable quarters, as it was the first quarter ever minted by the United States.
It features Lady Liberty with a draped bust on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Because of its historical significance and the fact that only 6,146 were minted, this coin is a highly sought-after piece. Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to over $250,000.
8. 1827 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1827 Capped Bust Quarter is a valuable coin due to its rarity. It is known for its ‘square base 2’ variety which refers to the unique shape of the number ‘2’ in the date.
The coin features Lady Liberty with a capped bust on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Only a few of these quarters were minted, making it a rare find. Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch anywhere from $2,000 to over $35,000.
9. 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is another valuable coin due to its low mintage. It is one of the key dates in the Washington Quarter series.
Like the 1932-D, it features a left-facing bust of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. Only 408,000 of these coins were minted, making it a challenge to find in high grade. Depending on its condition, this quarter can be worth anywhere from $125 to over $15,000.
10. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a highly sought-after coin due to its historical significance. It was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States.
This coin features a dual date of 1776-1976 on the obverse and a colonial drummer and a victory torch circled by 13 stars on the reverse. While not as rare as some other coins on this list, high-grade versions of this coin, especially those in proof condition, can still fetch a significant premium.
11. 1854 Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1854 Seated Liberty Quarter, minted in New Orleans, is a valuable coin due to its ‘Huge O’ variety. It is known for the unusually large ‘O’ mintmark on the reverse.
This coin features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a flag. The reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings. The unusual mint mark makes it a unique and valuable collector’s item. Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch anywhere from $300 to over $5,000.
12. 1871-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1871-CC Seated Liberty Quarter, minted in Carson City, is a rare and valuable coin. It has one of the lowest mintages in the Seated Liberty Quarter series.
Like the other Seated Liberty quarters, it features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a flag. The reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings. Only 10,890 of these coins were minted, making it a rare find today. Depending on condition, this coin can fetch anywhere from $500 to over $25,000.
13. 1970-D Washington Quarter
The 1970-D Washington Quarter, minted in Denver, is a valuable coin due to its rarity in high grade. It is one of the key dates in the Washington Quarter series.
It features a left-facing bust of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. While not as rare as some other coins on this list, finding a high-grade 1970-D Washington Quarter can be a challenge. Depending on its condition, this quarter can be worth anywhere from $10 to over $1,000.