Most of us toss quarters into the coin jar without a second thought. But what if one of those little coins is worth more than your car—or even your house? Some quarters, thanks to minting mistakes, limited runs, or unique history, have sold for jaw-dropping amounts.
In fact, a few have crossed the $200,000 mark, with one fetching a whopping $1.2 million. Let’s look into four of these rare gems that could be hiding in plain sight.
Bicentennial
Let’s start with the showstopper: the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter. While most of these were everyday copper-nickel coins, a few were accidentally struck on silver planchets. These were originally intended for proof coins but somehow ended up in general circulation.
So why is this coin a million-dollar baby? It’s all about the error, rarity, and the historical moment it represents—America’s 200th birthday. One of these silver-struck Bicentennial quarters sold at auction for $1.2 million, making it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
You can identify this rare coin by its weight—silver quarters are slightly heavier than their copper-nickel counterparts. Look at the edge; a true silver quarter will have a solid silver edge with no visible copper stripe.
Also, check the mint mark. Many of these rare versions were struck in San Francisco and have an “S” mark, though some error coins lack a mint mark altogether.
Washington
Next up is the 1932-D Washington Quarter, the very first year the Washington quarter was issued. It was part of a tribute to George Washington’s 200th birthday. The Denver Mint produced just 436,800 of these coins, making them incredibly scarce.
Even in slightly worn condition, these quarters can fetch tens of thousands. In pristine, uncirculated condition, they’ve sold for well over $200,000.
To identify one, look for a small “D” below the eagle on the reverse side, indicating it was minted in Denver. The condition is crucial. Quarters with sharp details, minimal wear, and full feather lines on the eagle can fetch top dollar at auction.
Liberty
Then we’ve got the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter. The “CC” stands for Carson City, Nevada—a mint known for limited coin production. In 1870, only 8,340 of these quarters were made, and surviving ones are rare.
Because of both the mintage size and the historical context, this coin is a top-tier collectible. Even well-worn versions can bring in over $200,000, with mint-condition pieces reaching far more.
To spot one, look beneath the eagle on the reverse side for the “CC” mint mark. Due to their value, these coins are often counterfeited, so professional authentication is recommended before buying or selling one.
Barber
Finally, meet the 1901-S Barber Quarter, named after its designer, Charles E. Barber. This coin had a tiny mintage of just 72,664, and most were heavily used or lost. High-grade examples are insanely rare.
In top condition, the 1901-S quarter is a dream find. Collectors have paid more than $200,000 for well-preserved versions—and some closer to half a million.
You’ll find the “S” mint mark beneath the eagle, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. As with others, condition matters a lot. Coins with crisp detail, strong strike, and minimal wear are the most valuable in the eyes of collectors.
| Quarter | Year | Mint Mark | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | S (or none) | Up to $1.2 million |
| Washington Quarter | 1932 | D | $200,000+ |
| Liberty Seated Quarter | 1870 | CC | $200,000+ |
| Barber Quarter | 1901 | S | $200,000+ |
Some of these quarters might still be sitting in old jars, coin albums, or passed down through family. That’s the magic of coin collecting—every piece of change has a story, and some stories are worth a fortune.
So next time you get a quarter in change, give it a second look. Who knows? You might just strike silver.
FAQs
How do I know if I have a rare quarter?
Check the mint mark, year, weight, and edge details for clues.
Are Bicentennial quarters always valuable?
No, only rare silver errors or proof versions hold high value.
What is the rarest Washington quarter?
The 1932-D Washington quarter is among the rarest and priciest.
Where is the CC mint mark located?
Below the eagle on the back of Liberty Seated quarters.
Can worn rare quarters still be valuable?
Yes, even worn ones can fetch thousands if they’re rare enough.
