Coin collecting is a fun activity that combines history, exploration, and financial benefits. Due to their accessibility and historical richness, collectors love U.S. quarters. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is particularly intriguing; uncommon mistake copies have sold for over $25,000. We’ll examine this historic quarter and five additional $1,000-plus quarters. These coins represent American history and their value.
Bicentennial Quarter
History and Design:
The 1976 quarter commemorated the 200th anniversary of U.S. freedom. The quarter celebrates a critical era in American history with a drummer child on the back and “1776-1976” on the date. Millions of these coins were made, but a rare version has a “double die obverse.” The date and motto are duplicated in these variations, providing a distinctive visual impact.
Value:
Bicentennial Quarters with a double die obverse mistake in mint condition are highly expensive, with some selling for over $25,000. Collectors treasure this unusual version as a piece of U.S. history from the bicentennial celebration and a worthwhile investment.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Historical Significance:
The 1932-D Washington Quarter, manufactured in Denver, is the first in the Washington Quarter series. This coin was the first to include George Washington’s visage, a U.S. monetary symbol, to mark his 200th birthday.
Scarcity and Value:
Due to its limited mintage of 436,800, the 1932-D quarter is among the rarest in circulation from the 20th century. In good condition, it often sells for over $1,000. Collectors value this coin for its rarity and commencement of a famous coin series.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Importance and Design:
The San Francisco-minted 1932-S Washington Quarter is a highly valued coin. Like the 1932-D, this quarter celebrates Washington’s birth anniversary with a limited edition.
Rarity and Market Value:
The 1932-S Washington Quarter had a lesser mintage than the 1932-D, with just 408,000 pieces struck. Its exclusivity makes it worth $1,000 or more in perfect condition. The 1932-S quarter and its Denver counterpart are essential for early U.S. coin collectors.
1942-S Silver Washington Quarter
Wartime Coinage and Composition:
The 1942-S Washington Quarter, coined during WWII, is significant. This coin has intrinsic metal worth and appeals to precious metal enthusiasts since it is 90% silver.
Desirability:
The 1942-S Silver Washington Quarter is rarer than other quarters from its time due to its limited mintage. In good condition, this coin may cost over $1,000. The wartime setting and silver content make it popular with collectors.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
Minting Error and Unique Design:
One of the most exciting coins on this list is the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter, which has an overmintmark. When the Denver mintmark (“D”) was inadvertently imprinted over the San Francisco mintmark (“S”), a “D/S” marking appeared.
Collector Appeal:
Collectors value the uncommon 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter, which may fetch over $1,000 in high-grade examples. The over mintmark mistake provides the coin with a distinct tale, appealing to collectors who like minting weirdness.
Washington Quarter 1964-D
End of the Silver Era:
The Silver Era ended with the 1964-D Washington Quarter, the last year with 90% silver content in U.S. coins. One variant of this quarter has a double die reverse mistake, doubling details like “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Significance and Value:
The 1964-D Washington Quarter is very desired due to its double die reverse mistake and silver content. In good condition, these quarters may cost over $1,000. The 1964-D quarter reminds collectors of the U.S. changeover from silver to non-silver currency.
Overview of Notable Quarters
| Quarter | Year | Special Feature | Approximate Value (High-Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Double die obverse error | Up to $25,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Low mintage | Over $1,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | Low mintage | Over $1,000 |
| 1942-S Silver Washington | 1942 | 90% silver content | Over $1,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark | 1950 | D over S mintmark error | Over $1,000 |
| 1964-D Washington Quarter | 1964 | Double die reverse error | Over $1,000 |
Rare quarters like this give numismatists more than monetary value they reveal bygone times. Each quarter offers a story, from recognizing America’s bicentennial to captivating minting faults. Collectors retain a link between past and present by collecting these objects.
FAQs
1. Why is the Bicentennial Quarter significant?
Its double die obverse mistake and uncirculated condition can fetch $25,000.
2. Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter rare?
Its historical significance and low mintage of 436,800 make it a valuable collectible, especially in high-grade condition.
3. What distinguishes the 1950-D/S Washington Quarter?
An unusual over mintmark mistake with the D mintmark placed over an S makes it valuable to collectors.
4. How valuable is the 1942-S Silver Quarter?
World War II-era coins with high silver content and rarity sometimes cost over $1,000.
5. The 1964-D Washington Quarter is valuable. Why?
The final 90% silver quarter with a double die reverse defect is historically noteworthy and precious.
READ MORE: A Rare Bicentennial Quarter Is Worth About $20,000, and Three More Are Worth More Than $1,000
