When it comes to collecting coins, coins that are in perfect shape usually fetch the most money. There are, however, coins that are worth a lot more than their face value, even if they’ve been used. We’re going to look at some of them!
We’re going to look into some of the most expensive quarters out there. We’ll show you how to find one and talk about why fans like them.
1. 2019-W and 2020-W Washington Quarters
From 1932 to 1964, the Washington quarter was made. Its name comes from the picture of George Washington, who was president, that is on the front of it.
These days, the Mint has made a lot of proof and mint state coins of all values available to coin collectors. Most coins that are used in everyday life are made in large numbers and are worth no more than their face value.
But with some quarters in 2019, the Mint chose to do something different. Five different designs were made and struck at the West Point mint. Two million of each were made. They were not made available to buy; instead, they were put into circulation with coins from other facilities.
The method was used again in 2020, but then it stopped. Since then, there have been no quarters with the W mintmark.
The PCGS doesn’t give values for these coins in used state right now. Few were made, though, and the West Point mint’s role was short. This means that these coins could become collectibles in the future.
2. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The first Washington quarter was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco in 1932. The latter two mints produced extremely few. Denver struck only 436,800 quarters and San Francisco 408,000.
The “D” mintmark distinguishes Denver quarters. The reverse of the coin has this above the letters “ER” of “QUARTER”. About 44,000 1921 Denver quarters remain.
Graded coins range from 1 to 70. Coins graded 1 are worn but still show enough information to identify its year and denomination. A coin graded 70 is perfect. Mint state coins are 60–70.
Uncirculated mint state coins sell for the most. A 1932 Denver quarter in your pocket change is worth far more than its face value.
Condition determines how much more. The PCGS values a 1932 Denver quarter graded 2 at $70. That rises to $100 for a 6 and $180 for a 30. Interestingly, the weakest coins are priced higher. PCGS values a 1932 Denver quarter graded 1 at $225.
A coin that is “about uncirculated” is worth substantially more. These coins are almost new and brilliant. PCGS rates them around 55. A 55-graded coin costs $525.
3. 1932-S Washington Quarter
The lowest-minted Washington quarter was the 1932 San Francisco quarter. Only 408,000 coins were made. Only 40,000 remain now.
About 12,000 surviving are mint state coins, and only 500 are MS65 or higher. The ultra-fine coins are called “gem quality”.
However, a 1932 Washington quarter with a S mintmark in your pocket change is still valuable. The mintmark is between the laurel wreath and “QUARTER” on the reverse.
The lowest PCGS grade is 2, which is worth slightly more than coins rated 3. Graded 2 1932 San Francisco quarters are worth $85, while graded 3 ones are worth $65.
Coin quality raises values from there. Valuing a rare coin in your pocket change will raise collectors’ interest. But it costs. A “regular” PCGS grading session costs $40 plus postage.
Paying may be worth paying for better-condition coins. The PCGS values a 1932 quarter AU55 at $285. That jumps to $360 for an AU58+ coin, thus tiny margins can affect value.
4. 1937-S Washington Quarter
The 1937 quarter made in San Francisco was the third-least common of all the Washington quarters made. Denver and San Francisco’s mintages in 1932 were the only ones that were smaller. Because of this, owners are willing to pay more for them.
The values are not nearly as high as they were in 1932, though. As of now, a PCGS graded 3 coin is worth about $8. Coins marked 4 through 15 are all worth $9.
At $20 that is “very fine,” the value goes up to $16 and keeps going up from there. About $100 is worth of a “extremely fine” 45-grade coin. And graded 58 examples that are “about uncirculated” and very rare are worth $165.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin 50 States Quarter, Extra Leaf, Low
Five different quarters were made by the US Mint between 1999 and 2008 to honor each state. The set is called the 50 State Quarters. Most of them aren’t worth more than their face value in circulated state, even though they look great.
Two things are different, though. The 2004 quarters made in Denver honor the state of Wisconsin. Those are parts of those quarters.
On the back of all Wisconsin quarters, there is a picture of a corn husk. But some of them seem to have a mistake that adds an extra leaf to the husk.
Besides that, this mistake comes in two different forms. One of them has an extra leaf that points down and touches a wheel of cheese below. In some, the leaf sticks out from the wheel of cheese and disappears behind another leaf.
This issue commonly occurs when a metal shaving sticks to the die. However, two additions in comparable areas suggest that the “extra leaf” was placed on purpose.
227 million Wisconsin quarters were produced in Denver in 2004, although few had the extra leaf. Low leaf is the most common variation.
The PCGS values these quarters at $38 if graded 30. A 45-graded coin costs $60, and a 55-graded one $80.
Also See:-10 Most Valuable State Quarter Coins Worth Money (With Pictures)
6. 2004-D Wisconsin 50 States Quarter, Extra Leaf, High
The 2004 Denver quarter with the extra leaf is rarer and worth more. But how much more? The difference isn’t big. As always, coins with greater quality and condition are worth more.
A coin with the additional leaf pointing up goes for $45 rated 30. Graded 30 coins are “very fine”. Their entire surface is worn, and some of the finer pattern details are flattening out.
Coins graded 45 are still “very fine”. They show wear solely on the design’s high points, and some of the coin’s brilliance may remain. The coin gains $30 from that disparity.
7. 1934 Washington Quarter, Double Die Obverse
Errors in coin die manufacturing cause “double die obverse” errors. The die must be hit multiple times to capture every design detail. Any movement between strokes creates a double picture.
The die transfers that double image to every coin. A “double die obverse” (DDO) arises when the inaccuracy is on the obverse image die.
Some 1934 Philadelphia Washington quarters have the most extreme doubling in the series. Most obvious on the motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, but also on “LIBERTY”.
Error coins can be valuable even in bad condition. The PCGS values a graded 2 at $45, twice that for a graded 10.
An “extremely fine” 45-graded example is worth $235, while a 10-point improved “about uncirculated” example is worth $440.
8. 1943 Washington Quarter, Double Die Obverse
Perhaps the most spectacular doubling of the series, the 1934 Washington quarter struck in Philadelphia is not the rarest. The same mint’s quarter nine years later wins that prize.
The 1943 Philadelphia Washington quarter mintage was little under 100 million. However, double die obverse errors are rare. Their condition apart, they’re worth significantly more than their face value.
The doubling is visible without a microscope or loupe. Look for it on the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIB” of “LIBERTY,” and date.
9. 1950-S/D Washington Quarter
The 1950-S/D (“S over D”) Washington quarter is one of two overpunched mintmark varieties. D/S (“D over S”) will be discussed shortly. In circulation, both varieties persist in similar quantities. The S/D is more frequent in mint state. Its existence—why?
Perhaps the San Francisco mint ordered more dies for the Philadelphia mint. Some believe a die destined for Denver was overpunched with a “S” since it was one die short of the order.
Both mintmarks are evident on lightly worn coins. They’re little, so you may need a microscope or loupe to see them.
The effort may pay off. Circulated 1950 San Francisco quarters are worth $6–7. However, a 3 S/D coin is worth $26. A “fine” 15 coin is valued $85, and a “very fine” 25 is worth $120.
A 45-graded “extremely fine” quarter is worth $210. Around $325 is the value of a “about uncirculated” 55 quarter.
10. 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
D/S is the second 1950 quarter with a repunched mintmark. It may have been created again because the Philadelphia mint needed an extra die to finish an order. However, a die for San Francisco was overpunched with the Denver mint mark.
While San Francisco struck over 10 million Washington quarters in 1950, Denver struck over 21 million. The D/S overpunched mintmark is rarer than the S/D in mint state instances.
About 20,000 survivors have the D/S error. Coins in circulation have similar values as the S/D variety. A grade 3 coin is worth $26, $70 at 15, $90 at 25, $140 at 45m, and $220 at 55.
