Collecting coins isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to explore history, art, and sometimes even make money! Some quarters are worth much more than their face value due to their rarity and special features.
In this article, we explore five quarters that collectors treasure, including the famous 1976 Bicentennial Quarter and others like the 1932-D Washington Quarter, which can fetch thousands of dollars.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was created to honor 200 years of American independence. This special quarter has a drummer boy on the back, with a torch and 13 stars to symbolize the original colonies. Most of these quarters are worth only their face value, but rare versions, such as those made with silver or having minting errors, can be worth millions of dollars.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most sought-after coins for collectors. Only 436,800 of these quarters were made, which makes them very rare. During the Great Depression, coin production was limited, adding to their value. A pristine 1932-D can sell for tens of thousands of dollars today.
The 1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is another rare and valuable find. Only 408,000 were made, making it a key piece in any coin collector’s set. If you can find one in good condition, it could be worth as much as its Denver counterpart.
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Known for its beautiful design, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is both rare and visually striking. It features Lady Liberty in a flowing gown and had a very limited mintage of just over 52,000. Collectors prize these coins, and a well-preserved one can sell for more than $100,000.
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter takes us all the way back to the early days of U.S. coin production. Only 6,146 of these coins were minted, making them incredibly rare. A well-preserved example can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars due to its historical value and scarcity.
Coin collecting offers a fascinating look into history, and for those who come across the right coins, it can also offer substantial financial rewards. These five quarters—ranging from the modern Bicentennial to the rare Draped Bust—represent some of the most valuable pieces in U.S. coin history. For collectors, finding one of these can be like hitting the jackpot!
1. Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter special?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was made to celebrate 200 years of U.S. independence. Some rare versions can be worth millions due to errors or silver content.
2. How much is the 1932-D Washington Quarter worth?
A well-preserved 1932-D Washington Quarter can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, mainly because only 436,800 were ever made.
3. What makes the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter valuable?
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is rare because only 52,000 were minted, and it is known for its beautiful design. It can sell for over $100,000 in good condition.
4. How rare is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter?
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is extremely rare, with only 6,146 minted. It can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on its condition.
5. Are all old quarters worth a lot of money?
Not all old quarters are valuable, but those with rare mint marks, limited production, or special historical significance can be worth a lot to collectors.