That pocket change rattling in your car cupholder or couch cushions could be hiding a life-changing surprise. Some rare U.S. quarters—though they look just like any other—are actually worth up to $250,000 to collectors. From minting errors to low-production runs, these coins have become some of the most sought-after treasures in the numismatic world. Here are three valuable quarters you should be watching for.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest circulating coins in American history due to its limited mintage of just 436,800. This Denver-minted coin bears a small “D” under the eagle on the reverse and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars in mint condition, with top-quality examples reaching over $100,000 at auctions.
2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
This seemingly ordinary state quarter has two rare error varieties—“Extra Leaf High” and “Extra Leaf Low”—featuring an additional leaf near the ear of corn on the reverse side. These were unintentional die errors, but collectors love them, and some of these coins have sold for over $6,000, even when slightly circulated.
1970-S Proof Quarter Overstruck on 1941 Canadian Coin
Among the strangest and rarest error coins, this 1970-S proof quarter was mistakenly struck over a 1941 Canadian quarter, and elements of both countries’ coins are visible. Only a few of these oddities are known to exist, and they have commanded prices of up to $35,000 due to their unusual nature and extreme scarcity.
Look Before You Spend
It’s worth taking a moment to examine your change—the most valuable coins often slip through our fingers unnoticed. These three quarters might appear totally normal at first glance, but they could be worth thousands if you’re lucky enough to spot one. That humble quarter in your pocket could turn out to be a small fortune.
FAQ’s:
Q1: How can I check if my quarter is rare?
Use a magnifying glass to inspect dates and mint marks, and compare them with verified collector resources online or visit a local coin dealer.
Q2: Is the 1932-D quarter still found in circulation?
It’s extremely rare but possible. Most are in private collections, but a few may still be found in old coin stashes or rolls.
Q3: What does the extra leaf look like on the Wisconsin quarter?
It appears as an extra bump or leaf near the corn stalk on the coin’s reverse side—easy to spot if you know where to look.
Q4: Should I clean my coin before showing it to a dealer?
No. Cleaning a coin can ruin its value. Always leave it in its natural condition.
Q5: Where’s the best place to sell a rare quarter?
You can use online auction sites, certified coin dealers, or numismatic auctions that specialize in rare coins.
