In 1796, the quarter dollar was first struck into coins. Since then, about a dozen various important types have been issued as circulating money throughout more than two centuries.
The modern design displays from the United States Mint have made quarters an attractive denomination, encouraging millions of people to the hobby of coin collecting. The 50 State Quarters program started in 1999, and more recently, in 2010, the America The Beautiful Quarters collection uses the quarter as its canvas.
There are many amazing rarities to be found in the modern quarter. So many coin collectors stay quite active tracking them down for their albums and collections. Such as pennies, some valuable Washington quarters, and proof coins can on irregular experiences be seen in pocket change.
Typically, the older a coin is, the higher its selling price. However, as a current coin collector, you might not have access to antique or vintage dates. Fortunately, modern coins can also have important value. Even if it’s only a few hundred dollars, that’s still a significant amount for a penny, dime, or nickel. So, Let’s look at 13 of the most valuable modern quarters worth money as we explore them.
13 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money:
1. 2010 Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas) Washington Quarter
The 2010 Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas) Washington Quarter is the first coin in the America the Beautiful Quarter Series, which started in 2010. This series honors one national park from each of the 50 states, Washington D.C., and the five U.S. territories.
First-Year Releases:
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Yellowstone, Wyoming
- Yosemite, California
- Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Mount Hood, Oregon
Minting Details:
- Mints: Philadelphia and Denver
- Obverse: George Washington
- Reverse: Park’s headquarters building, National Park Service emblem, park’s fountain
Coin Highlights:
- Year: 2010
- Series: America the Beautiful – Hot Springs Arkansas
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: November 15, 2012
- Price: $999
Key Points
- Series Start: 2010
- Annual Releases: 5 coins
- First Public Land: Hot Springs, Arkansas (April 20, 1832)
- Protected Condition: Encapsulated uncirculated quarter
2. 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
The 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter is a coin minted at the San Francisco Mint. This particular quarter was designed and engraved by John Flanagan.
Specifications:
- Metal Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Mass/Weight: 5.67 grams
Coin Details:
- Year: 1981
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM (Deep Cameo)
- Date of Sale: November 29, 2007
- Price: $2,530
Design and Features:
- Obverse: Features a profile of George Washington.
- Reverse: Shows an eagle with outspread wings.
- Mint Mark Location: The mint mark “S” is located on the obverse side, below Washington’s portrait.
Special Features: Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation indicates a strong contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background.
Highlights
- Mint: San Francisco
- Designer/Engraver: John Flanagan
- Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29, 2007
- Sale Price: $2,530
3. 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter
The 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, with an estimated mintage of 676,545,000 quarters. These coins are easily identified by the “P” mint mark on the obverse.
Mintage and Availability:
- Total Mintage: 676,545,000
- Common in Circulation: Yes, due to the large mintage.
- Mint State Examples: Scarce, as most quarters were circulated.
- Circulated Value: $0.30 to $0.85
- Mint State (MS65) Value: Approximately $12.50
- Gem-Quality Rarity: Rare, with examples fetching up to $600.
Notable Sale:
- Highest Grade: MS67
- Auction Record: $1,293 at Heritage Auctions on February 4, 2016
- Coin Details:
- Year: 1984
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: February 4, 2016
- Price: $1,293
Highlights
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Total Mintage: 676,545,000
- Circulation: Common
- Value in Circulation: $0.30 to $0.85
- Mint State Value (MS65): $12.50
- Gem-Quality Value: Up to $600
- Highest Auction Price (MS67): $1,293 (Heritage Auctions, February 4, 2016)
4. 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter was struck at the Denver Mint. The original design for the Washington Quarter was created by Laura Gardin Fraser, an accomplished sculptor who was married to the famous sculptor James Earle Fraser, known for designing the Buffalo Nickel. Despite her notable reputation and her design winning a contest, her sculpture was not used on the coin.
Design History:
- Designer: Laura Gardin Fraser
- Notable Works: Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar (1926), various coins and medals in collaboration with her husband, James Earle Fraser.
- Coin Details:
- Year: 1963
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: August 31, 2022
- Price: $24,000
Highlights
- Designer: Laura Gardin Fraser
- Notable Work: Designed the winning Washington sculpture (not used), Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar (1926)
- Mint: Denver
- Grade: MS 68
- Sale Date: August 31, 2022
- Sale Price: $24,000
5. 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter
The 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter features a design by John Flanagan, chosen by Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon. This design remained on the Washington Quarter until 2021. In 2022, the American Women Quarters series introduced Laura Gardin Fraser’s design.
Design History:
- Original Designer: John Flanagan
- Modifications: William Cousins tweaked Flanagan’s design to fit other elements on the coin.
- Design Credits:
- 1999-2021: “JF” (John Flanagan) and “WC” (William Cousins)
- 2022 Onward: “LGF” (Laura Gardin Fraser)
Coin Details:
- Year: 1999
- Series: State Quarters – Delaware
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Date of Sale: November 29, 2007
- Price: $1,323
- Obverse and Reverse:
- Obverse: Flanagan’s design with initials “JF” and “WC”
- Reverse: Depicts Delaware, the first state.
Highlights
- Original Designer: John Flanagan
- Design Modifications: William Cousins (1999-2021), Laura Gardin Fraser (2022 onward)
- Mint: San Francisco
- Grade: PR 70 DCAM
- Sale Date: November 29, 2007
- Sale Price: $1,323
6. 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter Business Strike
The 1965 Type 2 Clad Washington Quarter Business Strike marks a significant change in the series, with designs reflecting the work of various artists. The mint marks on Washington Quarters have had puzzling positions over the years, influenced by different designs. These mint marks have been placed in various locations on the obverse side: to the right of Washington’s ponytail, under his chin below the date, or below the motto “In God We Trust.”
Coin Details:
- Year: 1965
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (due to coin shortage)
- Grade: GEM BU
- Date of Sale: January 19, 2005
- Price: $12,650
- Notable Designers:
- Elana Hagler
- Charles L. Vickers
Design and Mint Mark Placement:
Obverse: Mint marks typically on the lower right, with varied positions depending on the design:
- To the right of Washington’s ponytail
- Under the date, below his chin
- Below the motto “In God We Trust”
Key Features:
- Clad Composition: Introduced in 1965, replacing the previous 90% silver composition.
- Highlights
- Year: 1965
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (coin shortage)
- Grade: GEM BU
- Sale Date: January 19, 2005
- Sale Price: $12,650
- Mint Mark Positioning: Varied locations on the obverse side
- Key Designers: Elana Hagler, Charles L. Vickers
- Composition: Clad (replaced 90% silver)
7. 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The 1962-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike is a notable coin in the Washington Quarter series. Originally intended to be minted for only one year, the Washington Quarter was not produced in 1933. However, due to its popularity, the coin was reintroduced in 1934 and has been continuously minted since. The initial design featured an eagle on the reverse side.
Coin Details:
- Year: 1962
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: April 18, 2012
- Price: $18,400
- Evolution of the Reverse Design:
- Original Design (Pre-1999): Eagle
- Bicentennial (1975-1976): Drummer boy
- 1999-2008: Symbols representing the 50 states
- 2009: Images representing Washington D.C. and five U.S. territories
- 2010-2021: Sites for 56 national parks and monuments
- 2021: Crossing the Delaware
- 2022 Onward: American Women series
Highlights
- Year: 1962
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67
- Sale Date: April 18, 2012
- Sale Price: $18,400
- Original Reverse Design: Eagle
- Subsequent designs: Drummer boy, 50 states, Washington D.C. and territories, national parks and monuments, Crossing the Delaware, American Women
8. 2017-P Effigy Mounds Iowa NP Washington Quarter
The 2017-P Effigy Mounds Iowa National Park Washington Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful series. Unlike older Washington Quarters that gained value from mint errors such as Doubled Die Errors (DDOs) and re-punched mint marks (RPMs), modern coins are digitally minted, significantly reducing these types of errors. However, modern coins can still have missing metal layers, which can add value.
Coin Details:
- Year: 2017
- Series: America the Beautiful National Parks + Monuments – Effigy Mounds Iowa
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Grade: MS 70
- Date of Sale: September 14, 2021
- Price: $1,806
Composition and Errors:
- Material: Clad cupronickel (copper core coated in nickel)
- Common Error: Missing clad layer, resulting in valuable two-tone coins.
Highlights
- Year: 2017
- Series: America the Beautiful – Effigy Mounds Iowa
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Grade: MS 70
- Sale Date: September 14, 2021
- Sale Price: $1,806
- Modern Coin Composition: Clad cupronickel (since 1965)
- Notable Error: Missing clad layer, creating two-tone coins worth more.
9. 2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter Regular Strik
The 2022-P Maya Angelou Washington Quarter is part of the American Women series. The appearance of contemporary coins has evolved due to changes in the composition of metals used. Early coins were made from gold or silver, but fluctuations in the prices of these precious metals made it more cost-effective to use base metals.
Economic Importance:
- Trade Tool: Provides a trusted and consistent medium of exchange.
- Seigniorage: The revenue generated for governments from the difference between the production cost and the face value of the coin. Higher seigniorage benefits the economy as it acts as a sort of tax for the mint.
Coin Details:
- Year: 2022
- Series: American Women – Maya Angelou
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Grade: MS 67+
- Date of Sale: February 5, 2023
- Price: $2,735
Highlights
- Year: 2022
- Series: American Women – Maya Angelou
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Grade: MS 67+
- Sale Date: February 5, 2023
- Sale Price: $2,735
- Economic Role of Coins:
- Trade Tool: Ensures reliable and consistent transactions.
- Seigniorage: Generates revenue for the government, acting as a tax from the mint.
10. 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The 1964-D Silver Washington Quarter Regular Strike represents a significant year in the Washington Quarter series. As economies grew, the practical value of coins diminished, but the U.S. government still needed seigniorage revenue. To encourage both usage and collection of modern coins, initiatives such as the State Quarters series were introduced.
Historical Context:
- Economic Shift: As economies expanded, coins became less relevant for transactions, but the government sought to maintain revenue through seigniorage.
- State Quarters: Launched to encourage the collection, resulting in a series of 50 new coins, significantly boosting government revenue.
- Subsequent Series: National Parks + Monuments (56 coins), DC + Territories (6 coins), and American Women (20 coins) further expanded the collection.
Coin Details:
- Year: 1964
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: March 31, 2021
- Price: $38,400
Highlights
- Year: 1964
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 68
- Sale Date: March 31, 2021
- Sale Price: $38,400
- Collection Initiatives:
- State Quarters: 50 coins
- National Parks + Monuments: 56 coins
- DC + Territories: 6 coins
- American Women: 20 coins
11. 1976-S Silver Washington Quarter Business Strike
The 1976-S Silver Washington Quarter Business Strike is part of the Bicentennial Quarter series, marking 200 years since America’s independence. This quarter was minted to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial celebrations.
Coin Details:
- Year: 1976
- Series: Bicentennial Quarter 1776-1976
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: MS 69
- Date of Sale: June 9, 2019
- Price: $19,200
- American Women Quarters Program:
- Start Date: 2022
- End Date: 2025
- Purpose: To celebrate minorities and notable women, including the first African American, Asian American, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ women on U.S. currency.
- Notable Figures: Includes a diverse range of women such as writers, astronauts, judges, activists, film stars, and ballerinas.
- Current Status: The first fifteen women were selected; the first ten coins are in circulation.
Highlights
- Year: 1976
- Series: Bicentennial Quarter
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: MS 69
- Sale Date: June 9, 2019
- Sale Price: $19,200
- American Women Quarters Program: Celebrates diverse achievements, running from 2022 to 2025
12. 1982-P Washington Quarter Regular Strike
The 1982-P Washington Quarter Regular Strike continues the long-standing tradition of the Washington Quarter series. The choice of quarters for significant milestones, unlike other denominations that retained their original designs, is rooted in their initial public popularity. Introduced in 1932, Washington Quarters quickly gained favor, leading to widespread hoarding at first but eventually achieving broad circulation.
Coin Details:
- Year: 1982
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Grade: MS 68
- Date of Sale: September 9, 2019
- Price: $10,200
- Significance of Quarters:
- Popularity: Widely hoarded initially, later circulated extensively.
- Current Use: The quarter remains the most commonly used coin in everyday transactions.
- Milestone Quarters: Ensures broad circulation and significant seigniorage, enhancing the impact of the commemorative themes.
Highlights
- Year: 1982
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Grade: MS 68
- Sale Date: September 9, 2019
- Sale Price: $10,200
- Significance: Most circulated coin; used for commemorative milestones to ensure wide distribution and impact.
13. 1943 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Washington Quarter
The 1943 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Washington Quarter Business Strike is a notable coin due to its mint error. This error, known as Doubled Die Obverse, occurs when the coin’s obverse design is struck more than once, causing a noticeable doubling of features.
Historical Context:
Coin Name Origin: The term “quarter” stems from the decimal system used in the U.S., where 100 cents make a dollar. Thus, 25 cents is a quarter of a dollar, a term derived from the older British currency system where a quarter of a pound was referred to as “Two Bits of Silver.”
Coin Details:
- Year: 1943
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Grade: MS 67
- Date of Sale: March 22, 2020
- Price: $22,250
Highlights
- Year: 1943
- Series: Washington Quarter
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Grade: MS 67
- Sale Date: March 22, 2020
- Sale Price: $22,250
- Coin Name Origin: Derived from the U.S. decimal system, where 25 cents equals a quarter of a dollar.