Coin collecting is a fun hobby that can be lucrative if you know what you’re looking for. Quarters minted in the United States can be worth well in excess of 25 cents, depending on their age, features, history, errors, condition, and rarity. The mint condition of a coin—whether it was in circulation or not—also affects its value.
Check out these highly sought after coins to see if your coins are valuable.
2004 Wisconsin state block
Why are some coins worth a lot of money, while others are worth only a face value of 25 cents? It usually comes down to some unique feature or error in the minting process, which is relatively rare.
Most people think that only really old money is worth money, but in the case of a 2004 Wisconsin quarter, it can be worth over $2,000 even if it’s under 20 years old. You may even have one of these coins in your pocket and not even realize it!
How to Determine if Your Quarter Has a Profitable “Back”
The hallmark that makes the 2004 Wisconsin Quarter unique is the corn stalk on the back.
A regular quarter has only one leaf coming off the left side of the corn husk. However, two other versions were made with a flaw:
- A “bottom sheet” version that contains an additional sheet extending down.
- A “top sheet” version where it appears that there is another sheet next to the “regular” sheet.
If you have one of these versions, stick with it. An “up” coin in excellent condition was sold for $2,530.
The video below from CoinHELPu gives more details on the identification of this particular anomaly.
US quarters up to $140,000
There are many other coins that can be worth a fortune in mint condition and even several hundred dollars once they have been released into circulation.
1. 1932-D Washington Block
Potential value: $100-$143,750.
2. 1937 Washington Block
Potential value: $344-$21,150
Bug coins are popular with collectors and can be of high value. The 1937 Washington Quarter, minted in Philadelphia, sells for between $344 and $21,150, depending on the condition of the coin. What makes this particular quarter so valuable is that the obverse of the coin contains double minting errors in the date and the words “In God We Trust”.
3. Washington block in the 1950s
Potential value: $81-$16,450.
The distributed version of the 1950s Washington Block has a resale value of $81, while the undistributed version is worth at least $16,450. The features that make the coin so valuable are the overlapping letters D and S on the reverse side of the coin below the wreath on which the eagle rests.
4. 1962-D Washington Block
Potential value: $6 to $18,400.
The Denver Mint made many of these coins, so those still in circulation have only face value. However, any 1962-D Washington coins in new or uncirculated coin are worth between $6.35 and $18,400.
5. 1943 Washington Block
Potential value: $142-$17,400.
As for minting errors on coins, some errors are rarer than others, and this rarity increases their value substantially. The 1943 Washington Quarter is an example of such a coin. The Philadelphia Mint released a small number of coins this quarter with a double fault on both coins.
On the obverse side of the quarter, the words “Freedom” and “In God We Trust” were imprinted twice. On the reverse side of the quarter, the year was engraved twice. Apartments in 1943 Washington DC range from $142 to $17,400.
6. 2005 Minnesota block
Potential value: $40-$275.
The 2005 Minnesota Quarter is one of 50 state coins minted that year. Its selling price ranges from $40 to $275 far in excess of its face value due to a double-stamp error. The obverse of the coin features an additional spruce.
7. 1963-D Washington Block
Potential value: $6 to $16,100.
One of the rarest and hardest to find coins is the 1963 Washington Quarter from the Denver Mint. Depending on condition, its resale value starts at $6.26 and goes up to $16,100 for uncirculated coins.
8. 1984-P Washington Block
Potential value: $11-1300.
This rare 1984-P Washington Mint, made in Philadelphia, has several minting defects, including an off-centered and double-printed coin. Some of the quarters were slightly larger than usual. Washington 1984-P coins in circulation are worth at least $11, while coins in the best condition are worth $1,300.
9. 1950-D Washington Block
Potential value: $68-$29,375
The 1950-D Washington Quarter also has an increased value due to overlapping D and S errors. Uncirculated copies cost $29,375, and mintage coins sell for approximately $68.
10. 1999-S Delaware Quarter Proof
Potential value: up to $788.
This quarter is considered the first state coin issued by the San Francisco Mint. The 1999-S Delaware Quarterproof is valuable for its silver color; only some of them are in circulation. Quarters in the best condition are valued at $788.
11. 2000-P New Hampshire state block
Potential value: up to $216.
This quarter’s distinctive minting errors make it a targeted purchase for coin collectors with a $216 valuation. Errors found on this Philadelphia Mint coin include a missing nickel layer, double die impressions on the reverse, and a larger size than standard coins.
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