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.
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.
9 Most Valuable Quarters
1) 1964 Denver Mint Mark George Washington Quarter
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.
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.
2) 1965 MS67+ Washington Modern Quarter
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.
3) 1971-S Washington Quarter
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.
4) 1967 SMS Washington Quarter
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.
5) 1982 Washington Quarter
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.
6) 1966 Washington Quarter
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.
7) 1986-P Washington Quarter
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.
8) 1970-S Washington Quarter
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.
9) 1965 Washington MS68 Quarter
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.
Conclusion
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!