Some coins are just money, but did you know that some quarters in your pocket could actually be worth thousands of dollars? Rare coins have been auctioned for as much as $74,400! If you bump into one of those special coins, you just might be sitting pretty with a fortune.
In this article, we will attempt to trace three collectible quarters really dear to collectors for the year 2024, how to spot them, and what to do in case you suspect you have found one.
1932-D Washington Quarter- $74,400
This rare and valuable 1932-D Washington Quarter is considered to be one still in circulation today.
Why Is It Valuable?
The Washington quarter was minted for one year as a commemorative coin; that was now 1932.
Just 436,800 Denver-mint-marked quarters left the mint and, therefore, are scarce today.
Most coins were circulated heavily and finding one in decent condition is simply pretty rare.
How Much Is It Worth?
Good Condition: $1,000+
Extremely Fine Condition: $6,000+
Mint Condition (Uncirculated): Auction price of $74,400!
How to Identify It
Year: It is a 1932 quarter.
Mint Mark: The letter “D” can be found below the eagle on the reverse coin.
Silver Content: 90% silver so it looks considerably brighter and much more white than other quarters.
1970-S Proof Washington Quarter – $35,000
To all intents and purposes, 1970-S Proof quarter may very well look quite ordinary, but the fact that it bears a very juicy minting error catapults it to a whole new echelon of value.
Why Is It Valuable?
Some 1970-S proof quarters were struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter rather than the standard U.S. blank; that is what gives it its value.
So this error resulted in a coin that had some degree of Canadian 1941 design showing through onto that American quarter.
How Much Is It Worth?
Regular Proof Quarter: $10-$50
Error Coin (Struck on a Canadian Quarter): Auction price has reached up to $35,000!
How to Identify It
“S” Mint Mark: This can be found on the front of the coin below the date.
Look for Overlapping Designs: Some 1970-S proof quarters show traces of markings from the 1941 Canadian quarter visible beneath the U.S. design.
Proof Coins Have a Mirror-Like Finish: These coins were specially made for collectors and have a polished, reflective surface.
The 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter is valued at $10,000
Another instance of a modern quarter that could pile up dollars? Yes! 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter is a renowned type of minting error and one of otto most wanted collectibles.
Why Is It Valuable?
In 2004, a Wisconsin state quarter was released, but a handful had an unintentional extra leaf on the corn stalk that appears on the back of the coin. The error comes in two varieties:
“Extra Leaf Low”: The extra leaf appears closer to the bottom of the corn stalk.
“Extra Leaf High”: The extra leaf appears higher up.
These errors were most likely created because some poor mint worker accidentally re-engraved the coin die.
How Much Is It Worth?
Regular 2004 Wisconsin Quarter: 25 cents
Extra Leaf Low: Up to $6,000
Extra Leaf High: Up to $10,000
How to Identify It:
Look For The Year 2004 And “D” Mint Mark: The coin should bear a “D” for Denver Mint
Examine The Corn Stalk On The Back: If you see an extra leaf below or above the normal one, you’ve got a rare and valuable quarter!
What To Do If You Find One of Those Rare Quarters?
If at all you think you’ve found a rare quarter, here are some things to go about:
- Handle Graciously- Do not get down to cleaning and polishing, as that will reduce the value.
- Use a Magnifying Glass- Look for mint marks or errors.
- Get GRADING- Contact a reputable coin grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
- Check Recent Auction Sales- Market prices can be gauged through Heritage Auctions and eBay.
- Sell It to a Reputable Coin Dealer or Auction House- You are then ensured to get the actual value of your rare find.
Conclusion
You never know what kind of treasure could be buried within that pile of spare change! The 1932-D Washington Quarter, 1970-S Proof Quarter, and 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter are examples of some very valuable coins that are still amongst us in circulation today. So if by any chance you happen to come by one, it could really be worth thousands and check your change for good!
FAQS:
What can feature a quarter as invaluable?
The highly prized coins would, however, be the ones that are graded mint condition or have some particular character features.
How do I know if my quarters are worth something?
It is good to have them appraised or graded by a professional numismatist or coin dealer.