So, if you are one of those people who have ever wondered which quarters are valuable, then you might have thought only those coins older than face value are valuable. There are, however, quite a lot of valuable uncommon quarters. Quarters are uniquely dear to US coin collectors because they are recognizable coins with a rich past and some of the best numismatic designs.
The following article describes one of the subjects that stimulate interest in many enthusiasts and collectors: the top 9 most valuable quarters in the US. These are extremely rare and historical coins that characterize the development of American minting and tell a surprising story of evolution in this country. Now, let's analyze their design, history, and what has made them so meaningful for collectors.
Silver quarters from the 1964 mint are among the most valuable because of their increased silver content compared to prior U.S. quarters. The minimum coin value for a 1964 George Washington Quarter is $4.02, however, it could be worth more according to its condition and mint mark—much like how modern investors value silver coins for their precious metal content.
In 1964, Washington quarters were only made by two US mints: the Denver Mint and the Philadelphia Mint. The Denver Mint's "D" mint mark, which appears on the back of their coins, makes it easy to distinguish between them. The mint stamps on the back of Washington quarters were first applied in 1964. Philadelphia is known for producing unmarked silver coins, which can carry a slight premium. What gives these quarters their value is the amount of silver they contain.
This coin, which is also in outstanding condition, is from the year that followed. It received a grade of MS67+ and the designation "GEM BU" from the PCGS. This indicates that it is in a "Gem brilliant uncirculated" shape.
There were just ten coins from that year that were in such superb condition. And since there had never been a better copy discovered, it sold for a record amount at auction.
In January 2005, auctioneers Stack's offered it for sale. $12,500 was the total cost, including the buyer's premium.
The 1971 Washington Quarter with the famed San Francisco Mint's "S" mint mark is the only quarter worth money if you're looking for that information. It is quite common in most grades, although if it is in superb Mint State (MS+) condition, it can be among the most desirable US coins.
It's hard to find a 1971-S Proof Washington Quarter in PR68 Deep Cameo or better because they're so rare. Silver quarters from the 1960s are easier to find in high-grade Proof Cameo and Deep Cameo form than these highly sought-after proof coins.
The coin's obverse features the well-known image of George Washington looking left, while the reverse, shared by all quarters produced between 1964 and 1998, features a big eagle grasping logs with its wings fully spread.
In 1967, this modern quarter was created as a part of a Special Mint Set, or SMS. Moreover, earning the esteemed "deep cameo" label is a different story.
The PCGS awarded it a grade of SP68, which is equivalent to a "Superb Gem". This year produced only four coins of this quality, and none are known to exist that are finer.
This implied that when it was put up for sale, collectors were eager to acquire it. The largest coin auctioneers in the world, Heritage Auctions, held an auction of it in January 2017. It made $4,465 after the buyer's premium was deducted.
You might be shocked to learn that the 1982 Washington Quarters are among the many valuable modern quarters, given their relative youth. It's worthwhile to expand your coin collection with these rare coins.
They occurred during the American recession, a time when people preferred to save money rather than spend it. In 1982 and 1983, the US Mint did not produce any conventional Mint Sets.
Uncirculated Mint Sets are considerably more difficult to get in Mint State grades because the Mint did not release them. A 1982 Washington Quarter in MS65 condition is hard to get by, a scarce one in MS66 condition, and much harder to come by in MS67 condition.
Due to its deep cameo, this 1966 quarter is extremely uncommon and valuable. It was rated by the PCGS as MS67, which is almost the highest quality possible.
It was already in a protective holder when it was put up for sale. The auction house described the coin's appealing patina as "champagne-rose" on both sides.
That year's modern quarter had been graded higher, therefore it wasn't the best exemplar known to exist. As one of only two known MS67 deep cameos, it was still the next best thing.
When it went up for sale in October 2006, it brought in $3,738. The buyer's premium was included in that amount.
One of the best examples of a contemporary quarter with value is the 1986 regular strike Washington quarter. Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver were the three US Mint facilities that produced quarters in that year.
A 1986 quarter with a mint mark of "P" would have been classified as a "Mint Strike" for regular circulation and was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. While many US coins like this were made, it is much harder to find them in perfect condition, since most were used in everyday purchases. It is known that only ten copies in MS67 condition exist.
This beautiful coin is nearly flawless. San Francisco is where it was coined in 1970. In addition, the PCGS has given it a proof 69 grade and the Deep Cameo designation.
Coins of this caliber are surprisingly hard to find. Only thirty-one samples from this year are known to exist. As such, although not unique, it is uncommon.
It was offered at auction in November 2007 in Houston, Texas, as a component of a Michael Fuller collection. The total cost, which included a 15% buyer's premium, came to $2,760.
This list includes the 1965 Washington Quarter twice due to its historical significance. The United States Mint ceased producing quarters made of 90% pure silver in 1965 and started making clad coins (75% copper and 25% nickel)
In Mint State, 1965 Washington quarters have a significant value; the most precious quarters are those graded in MS68 condition. Only a few years ago, the finest known copy of the 1965 clad quarter sold for a good penny, with a grade of MS68.
It's a collection of the most valuable quarters that come with excitement and satisfaction as a hobby, taking the collector through the rich history of America's coinage. Be it the high silver content of the 1964 Denver Mint Mark George Washington Quarter or the rarity of the 1965 MS68 Washington Quarter; every coin is usually associated with a story that is unique and, of course, worth collecting.
Knowing the history, design, and reasons behind their value will help any collector or would-be collector appreciate the hobby of numismatics even more, and perhaps get him or her started on a collection or adding to one.
Happy collecting!
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