News & Trending Collectibles

These Ordinary-Looking Quarters Could Be Worth More Than a Used Car (How to Spot One)

Check your change for these very valuable quarters.

By Hannah Diffey

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated March 10, 2026

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If you have ever tossed spare change into a jar and forgotten about it, you are not alone. But with silver prices going back up and collector demand staying strong, certain quarters, especially older or error varieties, have quietly climbed into the thousands.

For those looking to eliminate some money stress, it may be worth taking a second look at those coins before rolling them for the bank. Here are eight quarters that have recently sold for $2,000 or more, and exactly what to look for.

Editor's note: Estimated market values were sourced from eBay sold listings, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), Heritage Auctions, and USA Coin Book results. Values reflect actual sales for similar grades.

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1932-D Washington quarter

Estimated market value: $2,000 to $78,000

The first year of the Washington quarter series produced two legendary key dates, and the 1932-D is the standout. With a mintage of just 436,800 coins, it remains one of the lowest-production quarters ever released for circulation.

Look for the "D" mintmark on the reverse, beneath the eagle and above "Quarter Dollar." In circulated condition, these could sell for a few thousand dollars. High-grade, mint-state examples have reached well into five figures at auction, according to PCGS Auction Prices.

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1932-S Washington quarter

Estimated market value: $2,400 to $28,000

Struck in San Francisco during the depths of the Great Depression, only about 408,000 of these quarters were minted. That low output makes it one of the most sought-after coins in the Washington series.

Check for the "S" mintmark in the same reverse location as the Denver issue. Lightly circulated examples may bring several thousand dollars, while sharply preserved specimens have sold for nearly 28,000 in recent auctions.

1943 Doubled Die Obverse Washington quarter

Estimated market value: $12,500 to $18,500

World War II-era silver quarters are already popular, but certain 1943 examples feature noticeable doubling on the obverse lettering.

Use a magnifying glass to inspect "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" for strong, clear doubling. Minor machine doubling is common and less valuable, but true doubled dies with bold separation could be worth thousands, especially in higher grades.

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1950-D/S Overmintmark quarter

Estimated market value: $4,000

Mintmark errors could significantly increase a coin's value. The 1950-D/S quarter was created when a Denver "D" was stamped over an "S" from San Francisco.

Under magnification, remnants of the underlying "S" are visible beneath the "D." Because the variety is subtle, many people overlook it. Certified examples in strong condition have sold comfortably above $4,000 in recent years, according to USA Coin Book.

1965 Silver-Planchet Error Washington quarter

Estimated market value: $4,000

Most people think 1965 quarters are common and worth little, but a rare class of transitional error quarters exists that was struck on leftover 90 percent silver planchets instead of the intended copper-nickel clad blanks. These errors happened during the Mint's transition from silver to clad composition after the Coinage Act of 1965 changed the quarter's metal formula.

Collectors prize authenticated 1965 silver quarter errors because far fewer were made, and true silver examples weigh more and have a uniform silver color compared with standard clad quarters. Genuine auction results have shown such coins selling for thousands; one PCGS-graded silver planchet error sold for $4,000, and another sold for $9,600 at Heritage Auctions. Other authenticated pieces have traded for values like $7,200 and more, reflecting strong demand for this rare mistake.

1970-S Proof quarter struck on foreign planchet

Estimated market value: $9,000

This dramatic mint error occurred when a 1970-S proof quarter was struck over a previously minted foreign coin, the Philippines 25 centavo coin. Portions of the underlying design remain faintly visible.

Because only a handful are known, these coins rarely appear for sale. When they do, collectors compete aggressively. Authentication is very important for this quarter, but confirmed examples have brought in around $9,000.

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1999-P Connecticut quarter (experimental planchet)

Estimated market value: Up to $10,000

As the U.S. Mint prepared to launch the Sacagawea dollar, some test planchets were mistakenly used for state quarters. A small number of 1999-P Connecticut quarters were struck on these experimental blanks.

These coins may appear slightly different in color and weight. Because confirmation requires professional testing, expert evaluation is crucial. Verified examples have sold for thousands.

1942-D Doubled Die Obverse Washington quarter

Estimated market value: $2,000 to $9,000

Not all rare quarters are key dates, because some are just rare errors. One such variety is the 1942-D Doubled Die Obverse Washington quarter, where misalignment during die preparation caused the coin's lettering and portrait details to show clear doubling. High-grade certified examples with strong doubling are uncommon and could sell in the low thousands or more at major auctions.

Look closely at the front (obverse) of the coin. The letters in "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" may appear doubled. True doubled die error coins are visually distinctive and typically worth far more than ordinary examples. While less dramatic than some key dates, these error varieties still attract strong collector interest.

Bottom line

Most quarters are still worth just 25 cents, but a handful could rival the price of a dependable used car, especially in top condition or with rare mint errors. The key is knowing what to look for and resisting the urge to clean or spend a potential find.

If you have older change, inherited coin collections, or state quarters tucked away, it may be worth a careful review. A single overlooked coin could put extra cash in your pocket and provide a welcome financial cushion.

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