Old coins might seem like just spare change, but some are actually worth a fortune. In the world of coin collecting, rarity, condition, and historical importance can turn a small piece of metal into a highly valuable treasure. This is especially true for quarters minted in the United States.
Over the years, the U.S. has had seven major quarters. One of the most iconic ones is the Washington Quarter, introduced in 1932 to celebrate 200 years since George Washington’s birth. Although commemorative coins have excited many collectors, the most valuable quarters are usually rare, old, and in excellent condition.
Let’s examine 20 such quarters that have sold for huge amounts—together, they’re worth a whopping $7.9 million (₹66 crore approx). Some of them were minted over 200 years ago, and their value today might surprise you.
20. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter – Sold for $1.45 Crore (USD $175,000)
Only 396,000 of these were made, and very few remain with the “Full Head” detail intact. That’s what makes this coin so rare. Only about 65 such pieces are known today, and only two are finer than this one.
19. 1919-S Standing Liberty Quarter – Sold for $1.95 Crore (USD $235,000)
Even though more than 1.8 million were produced, most have worn-out dates. Only a few remain in mint condition. This coin is one of the best among those rare survivors.
18. 1901-S Barber Quarter – Sold for ₹2.14 Crore (USD $258,500)
With only around 72,000 coins minted in San Francisco that year, and most of them circulated, finding a mint condition one is extremely rare.
17. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter (again) – Sold for ₹2.14 Crore (USD $258,500)
This version had a poor strike quality due to manufacturing issues, especially in the San Francisco Mint. That’s what makes a clear “Full Head” version like this so special.
16. 1844 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter – Sold for ₹2.66 Crore (USD $322,000)
Only one certified coin of this type exists. It’s likely one of only three in the world, with one reportedly held by the Smithsonian.
15. 1840-O No Drapery Liberty Seated Quarter – Sold for ₹2.72 Crore (USD $329,000)
This coin was part of a short-lived series, and most were heavily used. Mint condition coins like this are almost unheard of.
14. 1841 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter – Sold for ₹2.86 Crore (USD $345,000)
Only four such coins are known to exist. This one is the best among them and is not held by a museum.
13. 1828 Capped Bust Quarter (Error Coin) – Sold for ₹2.91 Crore (USD $352,500)
This coin is a rare die combination that includes signs of aging in the die used, yet the coin itself is in exceptional condition.
12. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter – Sold for ₹2.91 Crore (USD $352,500)
Only three mint condition coins are known to exist from this Carson City Mint release. It also features rare repunching marks on the date.
11. 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Quarter – Sold for ₹3.11 Crore (USD $376,000)
Due to a change in law, most of these 4,000 coins were melted down before circulation. Only five exist in any condition — three are in mint shape.
10. 1838 Proof Seated Liberty Quarter – Sold for ₹3.16 Crore (USD $381,875)
The only known proof from that year was likely given to important officials. The coin has changed hands very rarely since the 1800s.
9. 1818 Capped Bust Quarter – Sold for ₹3.16 Crore (USD $381,875)
One of only two known proof quarters from that year, and this one is in better condition than the one stored at the Smithsonian.
8. 1823/2 Proof Capped Bust Quarter – Sold for ₹3.28 Crore (USD $396,562)
An overdate error makes this coin special. It’s also the last one engraved by the then-Chief Engraver Robert Scot before his death.
7. 1805 Draped Bust Quarter – Sold for ₹3.33 Crore (USD $402,500)
The coin is unique for its “mint frost” lustre, which wasn’t typical in that era. It’s the finest known quarter from 1805.
6. 1796 Proof-Like Draped Bust Quarter – Sold for ₹3.4 Crore (USD $411,250)
The first U.S. quarter ever produced! Less than 800 are estimated to still exist. This one looks almost like a proof coin due to its sharp strike.
5. 1827 Overdate Capped Bust Quarter – Sold for ₹3.4 Crore (USD $411,250)
Each of these rare coins was struck using old dies, making them extremely limited. Only nine are known to exist today.
4. 1807 Draped Bust Quarter – Sold for ₹3.4 Crore (USD $411,250)
This coin was struck using dies that eventually shattered. It’s one of the rarest and finest from that year.
3. 1850 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter – Sold for ₹3.8 Crore (USD $460,000)
Only two or three exist. This one is the best-quality version and fetched a record price at auction.
2. 1839 Proof Seated Liberty Quarter – Sold for ₹4.2 Crore (USD $517,500)
Believed to be the only proof coin of its kind, there’s no official record of any others. This one stands alone in history.
1. 1796 B-2 Draped Bust Quarter – Sold for ₹12.6 Crore (USD $1,527,500)
This was among the first quarters ever minted by the U.S. Only 700 remain, and just about 75 are in mint condition. This particular coin is double-struck and extremely well-preserved.
Final Thoughts
Many people think coins are change, but history, rarity, and condition can turn an old quarter into something worth crores. While most of us may never hold one of these coins, stories like these remind us that treasure might just be lying in our drawers or inherited boxes. If you ever come across an old coin, it might be worth checking twice before spending it.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
