Every quarter dated 1964 or earlier is worth at least $5.65, and some rare quarters are worth over $3,000! The quarter is one of the most widely circulated coins in the U.S., making it a prime hunting ground for valuable treasures. From 90% silver issues to rare key dates and errors, your pocket change could contain a significant find.
This comprehensive 2025 guide will show you exactly which quarters are worth serious money. Plus, we'll reveal how the Coinly app can help you identify these valuable quarters instantly with just a photo.
Why Are Some Quarters So Valuable?
A quarter's value is primarily determined by three factors: its silver content, its rarity (mintage), and its condition.
Silver Content (Pre-1965)
All quarters minted in 1964 and earlier are made of 90% silver. This gives them a high intrinsic value based on the current price of silver.
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Silver Weight: 0.18084 troy ounces
- Current Melt Value (Jan 2025): $5.65 per quarter
Rarity and Key Dates
Some years had extremely low mintages, creating key dates that are highly sought after by collectors, regardless of their silver content.
Minting Errors
Mistakes during the minting process, like the famous Wisconsin "Extra Leaf" State Quarter, can create instant rarities worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Washington Quarters (1932-1998)
This long-running series has several key dates that every collector should know.
Silver Washington Quarters (1932-1964)
All quarters from this era are 90% silver and worth a minimum of $5.65 each.
- How to Identify: Check the date. If it's 1964 or earlier, it's silver. The edge of a silver quarter is solid silver, while a modern clad quarter has a visible copper stripe.
Key Date & Semi-Key Date Washington Quarters
| Year / Mint | Mintage | Good-4 Value | MS-63 Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | 436,800 | $150+ | $2,500+ | The ultimate key date |
| 1932-S | 408,000 | $120+ | $1,800+ | Second rarest |
| 1937-S | 1,652,000 | $10+ | $200+ | Semi-key date |
| 1940-D | 2,797,600 | $8+ | $100+ | Lower mintage |
| 1955-D | 3,182,400 | $8+ | $60+ | Lower mintage |
The 1932-D and 1932-S Quarters: These are the holy grails for Washington quarter collectors. As the first year of issue and with very low mintages, they command high prices even in heavily worn conditions.
➡️ Download Coinly to instantly check your Washington Quarters for key dates!
State Quarters & America the Beautiful Quarters (1999-2021)
While most of these modern quarters are worth face value, they are a hotbed for valuable errors.
Valuable Modern Quarter Errors
| Year / Variety | Value Range | What Makes It Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf | $300 - $1,500+ | Famous die flaw error |
| 1999-P Delaware Spitting Horse | $10 - $75+ | Prominent die crack error |
| 2005-P Minnesota Doubled Dies | $5 - $100+ | Multiple "extra trees" varieties |
| 2019-W, 2020-W Quarters | $10 - $30+ | Low mintage West Point issues |
The 2019-W and 2020-W Quarters: To spark interest in collecting, the U.S. Mint released a limited number of quarters with the "W" mint mark (from the West Point Mint) directly into circulation. With only 2 million of each design minted, they are modern rarities worth hunting for.
Found a Weird Quarter?
Is it an error? Is it silver? Coinly's AI instantly identifies dates, mint marks, and valuable errors like the Wisconsin Extra Leaf. Get a professional-grade analysis in seconds!
Value Your Quarters with CoinlyStanding Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)
This beautiful series is a favorite among classic coin collectors. All are 90% silver.
Key Date Standing Liberty Quarters
| Date | Mintage | Good-4 Value | MS-63 Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 | 52,000 | $3,000+ | $25,000+ | Legendary key date |
| 1918/7-S Overdate | Error | $1,500+ | $30,000+ | Rare and famous error |
| 1921 | 1,916,000 | $100+ | $1,500+ | Low mintage |
| 1923-S | 1,360,000 | $250+ | $3,000+ | Often weakly struck |
| 1927-S | 396,000 | $75+ | $2,000+ | Very low mintage |
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter: With a mintage of only 52,000, this is one of the rarest and most valuable circulating coins of the 20th century.
Full Head (FH) Designation: On well-struck examples, the details of Liberty's head are sharp. These "Full Head" coins command significant premiums, often 2x to 10x the value of a regular strike.
How to Find and Identify Valuable Quarters
Where to Hunt
- Bank Rolls: The most effective way to search hundreds of coins quickly.
- Coinstar Reject Trays: Silver quarters are heavier and often get rejected.
- Pocket Change: Make it a habit to check every quarter you get.
Identification Tips
- Check the Date: 1964 or earlier is your silver indicator.
- Examine the Edge: A solid silver stripe means it's a 90% silver coin.
- Look for Mint Marks: Check for key date mint marks (D, S, W).
- Use the Coinly App: For instant identification of dates, mint marks, errors, and value, nothing is faster or more accurate than a quick scan with Coinly.
Conclusion: Your Pocket Change is a Treasure Chest
Quarter hunting is one of the most accessible and exciting ways to get into coin collecting. With valuable silver coins, rare key dates, and fascinating modern errors all still in circulation, your next great find could be just a pocket away. Use this guide, get to know your key dates, and leverage the power of the Coinly app to ensure you never let a valuable quarter slip through your fingers.
Quarter values reflect current market conditions as of January 2025. Prices vary based on condition, authenticity, and market demand. Silver content values fluctuate with precious metals markets. Always verify valuable finds with professional authentication services. The Coinly app provides preliminary assessment and should supplement professional grading for high-value discoveries.
