When it comes to coin collecting, modern quarters can sometimes be overlooked in favor of older, rarer coins. However, many modern quarters—especially those minted after 1932—can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars due to unique characteristics like minting errors, proof versions, or special commemorative designs. These valuable quarters are often overlooked in circulation, but for coin collectors, they represent rare treasures.
we’ll explore 10 most valuable modern quarter coins, their historical significance, and the reasons behind their high value. From limited edition commemorative releases to rare minting errors, these coins are worth far more than their face value.
10 Most Valuable Modern Quarters
1. 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Quarter (MS69)
- Value: $999
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS69
- Sale Date: November 15, 2012
The 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful series, a program launched to commemorate national parks across the United States. This particular quarter features Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, a unique national park known for its historic hot springs.
History:
Hot Springs National Park, established in 1832, is one of the oldest parks in the United States. It was created to protect the natural thermal waters that were believed to have therapeutic properties. The America the Beautiful series began in 2010 to celebrate U.S. landmarks, with the Hot Springs Arkansas Quarter marking an important milestone in the program’s release.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Part of the America the Beautiful series, honoring U.S. national parks.
- Graded MS69, representing an almost perfect coin in mint condition.
- The quarter features a historic landmark, adding to its appeal.
2. 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Value: $2,530
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR70 DCAM
- Sale Date: November 29, 2007
The 1981-S Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter is a stunning proof coin featuring a Deep Cameo finish, where the design’s raised elements are frosted, creating a dramatic contrast with the mirrored background. It was minted at the San Francisco Mint and received the highest possible grade of PR70 DCAM, indicating flawless quality.
History:
The Washington Quarter, which first appeared in 1932, has seen several variations throughout the years. The Deep Cameo finish, which enhances the visual contrast, is highly prized among collectors, making this 1981 proof coin particularly valuable. The coin features the familiar portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan, but with the added appeal of the proof finish.
Why It’s Valuable:
- PR70 DCAM grade signifies it is in flawless, perfect condition.
- The Deep Cameo finish adds a visual appeal that is highly sought after by collectors.
- As a proof coin from the San Francisco Mint, it is one of the finest examples of modern U.S. coinage.
3. 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter (MS67)
- Value: $1,293
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS67
- Sale Date: February 4, 2016
The 1984-P Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter is a special issue from the Philadelphia Mint, marking a transitional period in U.S. coinage. This particular coin was part of a limited production run, with the Clad Type 2 series featuring subtle differences in the composition of the coin, setting it apart from other Washington Quarters.
History:
In 1984, the U.S. Mint produced Clad Type 2 coins as part of an effort to standardize coin production while keeping costs low. These coins are made from a combination of copper and nickel, which gave them a distinct appearance and weight compared to earlier issues. The 1984 Clad Type 2 Washington Quarter is a transitional coin, marking an important point in U.S. coinage history.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Part of a limited production series, making it rare and collectible.
- The MS67 grade indicates exceptional quality for a coin of this age.
- Represents a transitional period in U.S. coin production, adding to its historical significance.
4. 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter (MS68)
- Value: $24,000
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS68
- Sale Date: August 31, 2022
The 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter is one of the highest-value quarters from the Washington Quarter series. Made of 90% silver, this coin was minted in Denver and features the iconic portrait of George Washington. It is especially valuable due to its near-perfect grade of MS68.
History:
The 1963-D Washington Quarter was produced as part of the standard circulation series and, like other quarters of the time, contained 90% silver. This was before the Mint switched to a copper-nickel alloy in 1965. The 1963 quarter represents a period of U.S. history when silver coins were still in circulation, adding to its intrinsic value.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Made of 90% silver, a feature that adds intrinsic value.
- MS68 grade indicates one of the finest examples of the coin.
- The coin’s age and silver content make it highly valuable among collectors.
5. 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Value: $1,323
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR70 DCAM
- Sale Date: November 29, 2007
The 1999-S Delaware Proof Deep Cameo Washington Quarter is a proof coin minted at the San Francisco Mint. It is part of the State Quarters program, a popular initiative that featured designs representing each U.S. state. This quarter features the design of Delaware, the first state to join the Union.
History:
Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, and this quarter commemorates that significant event. The Delaware Quarter was released as part of the 50 State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008 and was one of the most successful U.S. coin series in history.
Why It’s Valuable:
- The PR70 DCAM grade signifies flawless quality, making it one of the finest examples.
- As part of the popular 50 State Quarters series, it is highly collectible.
- Delaware’s historical significance as the first state adds to its appeal.
6. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf (MS65)
- Value: $2,500
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS65
- Sale Date: April 12, 2018
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf is one of the most famous minting errors in recent U.S. coinage. The error occurred when a second leaf appeared on the corn stalk in the design, creating a unique variation of the quarter.
History:
The Wisconsin Quarter, part of the 50 State Quarters series, features a design that includes a large ear of corn, representing the state’s agricultural heritage. The error, where an extra leaf appears near the ear of corn, was caused during the minting process, leading to its rarity.
Why It’s Valuable:
- The extra leaf error makes this coin highly sought after by collectors.
- MS65 grade indicates a coin in excellent condition.
- As a mint error, this coin is rare, making it extremely valuable.
10 Rare Coins to Add in Your Collection
10 Rare Coins to Add in Your Collection
7. 2009 District of Columbia Quarter (MS68)
- Value: $1,090
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS68
- Sale Date: July 15, 2021
The 2009 District of Columbia Quarter was part of the DC and Territories Series, celebrating the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. This coin features an image of the D.C. memorial, symbolizing the capital city’s unique place in U.S. history.
History:
The District of Columbia Quarter was issued in 2009 as part of the series designed to commemorate the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., as well as U.S. territories. This quarter stands out because it was the first U.S. coin to feature a commemorative image of the nation’s capital, rather than a state or historical figure. The coin showcases D.C.’s District and includes symbolic elements like the District’s flag and the famous White House, adding to its cultural value.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Features a unique and patriotic design, marking Washington, D.C.’s important role in U.S. history.
- The MS68 grade signifies excellent quality.
- As part of the DC and Territories Series, this coin is highly collectible and rare in higher grades.
8. 2019-W Lowell National Park Quarter (MS67)
- Value: $1,700
- Mint Mark: West Point
- Grade: MS67
- Sale Date: May 12, 2020
The 2019-W Lowell National Park Quarter is one of the most sought-after quarters minted at the West Point Mint, which is often associated with the production of gold and silver bullion. It was part of the America the Beautiful series, which honors U.S. national parks and historic sites. This quarter commemorates Lowell National Historical Park in Massachusetts, known for its role in America’s industrial revolution.
History:
Lowell was once a booming industrial city, famous for its textile mills and as the birthplace of the American labor movement. The Lowell National Historical Park is dedicated to preserving and sharing this industrial heritage. The quarter design showcases a mill building with a canal running through the heart of the park, symbolizing the power of water and industry in Lowell’s development.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Produced at the West Point Mint, making it particularly rare.
- The MS67 grade indicates it is in exceptional condition.
- Part of the America the Beautiful series, which always garners interest from collectors.
9. 2007-S Jamestown 400th Anniversary Quarter (PR70 DCAM)
- Value: $3,000
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: PR70 DCAM
- Sale Date: December 15, 2008
The 2007-S Jamestown 400th Anniversary Quarter commemorates the 400th anniversary of the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. This quarter, minted in San Francisco, is known for its Proof Deep Cameo finish, which adds a brilliant mirror-like contrast to the designs, making it particularly prized among collectors.
History:
Jamestown, founded in 1607 in Virginia, marked the beginning of a new chapter in American history. This quarter features a scenic depiction of the Jamestown Settlement, showing a three-masted sailing ship and an Indian ceremonial pipe, which reflects the interaction between early settlers and indigenous peoples. The 400th Anniversary design is a historically significant reminder of America’s colonial beginnings.
Why It’s Valuable:
- The Proof Deep Cameo finish enhances its visual appeal.
- The PR70 DCAM grade means it is in flawless condition.
- Part of the Jamestown 400th Anniversary commemoration, making it historically important.
10. 1964 Silver Washington Quarter (MS67)
- Value: $5,000
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia
- Grade: MS67
- Sale Date: April 6, 2021
The 1964 Silver Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable of the Washington Quarter series, as it marks the final year that quarters were minted with 90% silver content. After 1964, the composition of the quarter changed, and these silver quarters became highly sought after by collectors.
History:
In 1964, the U.S. Mint issued the last of the silver quarters, as the cost of silver skyrocketed, prompting a shift to clad (copper-nickel) quarters in 1965. These silver quarters are particularly valued because they are considered to be both collectible and historically significant due to the end of silver coinage.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Contains 90% silver, making it desirable for both coin collectors and precious metal investors.
- The MS67 grade shows it is in excellent condition.
- A historically significant coin, marking the end of the silver era in U.S. coinage.
Conclusion
While many collectors focus on older coins, modern quarters can be surprisingly valuable, especially when they feature unique characteristics like minting errors, proof finishes, or commemorative designs. The coins listed here are some of the most valuable examples, and they are worth far more than their face value due to their rarity, quality, and historical significance.
If you’re a coin collector, it’s worth looking through your collection of quarters to see if you have any of these rare and valuable coins. Their worth can fluctuate based on demand, so be sure to stay updated on current market values.