Quarter Dollar Value Guide (1796–2026)
Complete U.S. Quarter values across all 11 series from 1796 to 2026. Find key dates, rare varieties, and the 50 most valuable quarters ranked by auction price.
Quarter Dollar values range from $0.25 to over $1,740,000 for the rarest specimens.
- Most Valuable: 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, PCGS MS66 ($1,740,000)
- Total Series: 11 distinct design series from 1796 to 2026
- Key Series: Draped Bust (1796), Carson City Seated Liberty (1870-73), Barber 1901-S
- Modern Keys: 2019-W and 2020-W V75 quarters (first circulating W mint marks)
Value depends on series, year, mint mark, condition, and varieties.
The United States quarter dollar, a cornerstone of American commerce and numismatics, was authorized by the Mint Act of April 2, 1792. Its creation was driven by the economic necessity to align the new national currency with the ubiquitous Spanish milled dollar, or "piece of eight," and its fractional two-real coin, which circulated widely in the colonial and early federal periods. The quarter dollar represented exactly one-fourth of this standard, bridging the gap between the dime and the half dollar.
Since the first striking in 1796, the denomination has undergone a fascinating evolution through eleven distinct series, reflecting the changing artistic tastes, economic realities, and metallurgical advancements of the nation. From the heavy, 90% silver planchets of the late 18th century to the copper-nickel clad "sandwich" coins of the modern era, the quarter has told the story of America's growth. It has borne the images of Liberty in various guises—Draped, Capped, Seated, and Standing—before settling on the profile of George Washington in 1932.
Early Quarter Dollar Series: Draped Bust to Barber (1796-1916)
As of January 2026, the denomination hosts some of the most valuable rarities in the entire rare coin market, with the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holding the auction record of $1,740,000. The market for these coins is bifurcated: early silver issues derive value from absolute scarcity and survival rates, while modern clad issues rely on high-grade conditional rarity and specific die varieties to achieve premium prices.
Quarter Dollar Series Guide (1796-2026)
The quarter dollar has been minted across 11 distinct series spanning 230 years of American history. Each series reflects the design philosophy, economic conditions, and legislative mandates of its era. While the Washington obverse has been a constant since 1932, the numismatic community classifies the modern rotating reverse programs as separate series due to their specific authorizing public laws and distinct collecting objectives.
Modern Quarter Dollar Series: Standing Liberty to America the Beautiful (1916-2026)
| Jump | Series | Years | How to Identify | Sub-Eras | Detail Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ↓ | 1. Draped Bust | 1796–1807 | Liberty with flowing hair and ribbon; "LIBERTY" above, date below. Reverse shows eagle within wreath. | Small Eagle (1796): One-year type; plain fields. Heraldic Eagle (1804–07): Large eagle with shield; stars and clouds above. | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 2. Capped Bust | 1815–1838 | Liberty wears a cloth cap secured by a band inscribed "LIBERTY". Reverse features eagle holding arrows and olive branch. | Large Diameter (1815–28): 27mm planchet. Small Diameter (1831–38): 24.3mm; no motto on reverse. | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 3. Seated Liberty | 1838–1891 | Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield. Reverse is similar to Capped Bust but refined. | No Drapery (1838–40), With Drapery (1840–66), Arrows/Rays (1853), Motto Added (1866–91), Arrows (1873–74) | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 4. Barber | 1892–1916 | Classical head of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath. Reverse features heraldic eagle. | Uniform Design: No major subtypes. Mint mark is on the reverse, below the eagle. | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 5. Standing Liberty | 1916–1930 | Full-length figure of Liberty standing in a gateway, holding a shield and olive branch. | Type 1 (1916–17): Exposed breast; no stars below eagle. Type 2 (1917–30): Mail clad; stars added below eagle. | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 6. Washington | 1932–1998 | Bust of George Washington by John Flanagan. Reverse features eagle with wings spread. | Silver (1932–64): 90% Silver. Clad (1965–98): Copper-nickel. Bicentennial (1976): Drummer Boy reverse. | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 7. 50 State Quarters | 1999–2008 | Modified Washington obverse. Reverse features 50 distinct state designs released chronologically. | Clad Business Strikes, Silver Proofs | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 8. DC & U.S. Territories | 2009 | Six designs honoring DC, PR, Guam, Am. Samoa, USVI, N. Mariana Islands. | Satin Finish: Found in Mint Sets. Silver Proofs | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 9. America the Beautiful | 2010–2021 | 56 designs honoring National Parks. "NIFC" S-mint business strikes introduced. | W-Mint (2019–20): First quarters with "W" mint mark in circulation. S-Mint Business: Sold to collectors only. | Full Guide |
| ↓ | 10. American Women | 2022–2025 | New Washington bust by Laura Gardin Fraser (facing right). Reverse honors prominent women. | Clad/Silver Proofs, Circulation | Coming soon |
| ↓ | 11. Semiquincentennial | 2026–Present | Redesigned obverse/reverse to celebrate 250th Anniversary of Declaration of Independence. | Release scheduled Mar 2026. | Coming soon |
Mint mark location examples: Barber (reverse below eagle) and Washington (reverse right of ribbon)
Key Design Features: The first U.S. quarter bore no denomination markings on the face. The introduction of "25 C." on the Capped Bust reverse in 1815 eliminated confusion with foreign silver. The longest 19th-century series, Seated Liberty, contains major Carson City (CC) rarities. Weight changes were denoted by arrows at the date in 1853 and 1873-74.
50 Most Valuable Quarters Worth Money
The following table represents the pinnacle of quarter collecting, ranked by highest realized auction price as of January 2026. This ranking includes significant key dates from multiple series (Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, Standing Liberty, and Washington) rather than being populated exclusively by early varieties, providing a representative view of the entire market.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter — Record sale: $1,740,000 (PCGS MS66)
| Rank | Coin | Grade | Record Sale | Why Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1796 Draped Bust | PCGS MS66 | $1,740,000 (Heritage, Jan 2022) | First year of issue, one-year type (Small Eagle), finest known |
| 2 | 1796 Draped Bust | PCGS MS66 | $1,527,500 (Stack's, May 2015) | Pogue Specimen. High-grade survivor of 6,146 mintage |
| 3 | 1827/3 Capped Bust (Original) | PCGS PR66+ CAM | $705,000 (Stack's, May 2015) | Proof-only rarity. Fewer than 12 originals known. "The Pogue Coin" |
| 4 | 1807 Draped Bust | MS66+ | $630,000, Est. Sale | Finest known of the Heraldic Eagle type |
| 5 | 1827/3 Capped Bust (Original) | PCGS PR65 CAM | $588,000 (Stack's, Aug 2021) | Another specimen of the "Holy Grail" of bust quarters |
| 6 | 1901-S Barber | PCGS MS68 | $550,000 (Superior, May 1990) | The "King of Barber Quarters." Only one in MS68 exists |
| 7 | 1873-CC Seated (No Arrows) | PCGS MS64 | $460,000 (Stack's, Aug 2012) | Unique in Mint State. Only 5 known total. The "Eliasberg" coin |
| 8 | 1850 Seated Liberty | PCGS MS68 | $460,000 (Heritage, Jan 2008) | Condition rarity. Lowest mintage of Phila mint in 1850s, rare in high grade |
| 9 | 1823/2 Capped Bust | PCGS MS60+ | $425,000, Est./Price Guide | Overdate rarity. Only one or two Mint State examples exist |
| 10 | 1871-CC Seated Liberty | PCGS MS65+ | $352,500 (Stack's, Aug 2012) | Battle Born Collection. Finest known Carson City issue for this date |
| 11 | 1828 Capped Bust (25/50c) | PCGS MS67* | $352,500 (Heritage, Nov 2013) | "25 over 50" error. Finest known error of this type |
| 12 | 1901-S Barber | PCGS MS67 | $258,500 (Heritage, Jun 2014) | Gardner Collection. Second finest known behind the 1990 record holder |
| 13 | 1916 Standing Liberty | PCGS MS67 FH | $195,500 (B&M, Nov 2010) | First year of issue. Low mintage (52,000). Full Head (FH) is critical |
| 14 | 1870-CC Seated Liberty | NGC MS64 | $187,000 (Bowers, 1997) | First year of Carson City coinage. Unique in Mint State (Eliasberg) |
| 15 | 1913-S Barber | NGC MS68 | $172,500 (Heritage, Jan 2005) | Lowest mintage Barber (40,000). Condition Census #1 |
| 16 | 1932-D Washington | PCGS MS66 | $143,750 (B&M, Apr 2008) | Key date Washington. The undisputed king of the series in high grade |
| 17 | 1827/3 Capped Bust (Restrike) | NGC PR66 | $126,500 (Heritage, Jul 2007) | Even the restrikes (struck ~1860) command massive premiums |
| 18 | 1804 Draped Bust | MS60+ | $112,000, Market Value | Second year of issue. Rare in uncirculated grades |
| 19 | 1872-CC Seated Liberty | PCGS MS66 | $99,000 (B&M, Apr 1997) | Second finest known. Rare CC issue |
| 20 | 1896-S Barber | PCGS MS66 | $96,000 (Stack's, Mar 2020) | One of the "Big Three" Barber rarities alongside 1901-S and 1913-S |
| 21 | 1920-D Standing Liberty | MS67 FH | $93,000 (Heritage, Jan 2017) | Condition rarity. Extremely hard to find with Full Head in high grade |
| 22 | 1932-D Washington | PCGS MS66 | $89,125 (Heritage, Aug 2001) | Another specimen of the key date 1932-D |
| 23 | 1842-O Seated (Small Date) | AU58+ | $85,000, Est. Market | Major variety. Extremely rare in high grade |
| 24 | 1921 Standing Liberty | PCGS MS67 | $69,000 (Stack's, Aug 2012) | Key date. Low mintage (1.9M) |
| 25 | 1872-CC Seated Liberty | MS64 | $76,375 (Stack's, Aug 2012) | Battle Born Collection. High grade circulated/MS border rarity |
| 26 | 1932-S Washington | PCGS MS66 | $52,800 (Heritage, 2020) | The "other" key date of 1932. Mintage 408,000 |
| 27 | 1827/3 Capped Bust (Restrike) | PCGS PR63 | $52,800 (Stack's, Aug 2021) | Lower grade restrike still commanding luxury car prices |
| 28 | 1917-S Standing Liberty (T1) | MS67 FH | $50,400, Auction Record | Type 1 design (exposed breast) in pristine Full Head condition |
| 29 | 1923-S Standing Liberty | PCGS MS67+ FH | $48,469 (Stack's, 2013) | Condition rarity. S-mints often have weak strikes; this one is perfect |
| 30 | 1964-D Washington | PCGS MS68 | $48,300 (Heritage, Jan 2005) | Last year of silver. A "common" coin that is virtually nonexistent in MS68 |
| 31 | 1897-S Barber | PCGS MS67+ | $47,000 (Legend, Sep 2022) | Condition rarity. Only 542k minted, very few survived in Gem |
| 32 | 1949-D Washington | PCGS MS67 | $43,475, Auction Record | Condition rarity. Hard to find in high grade with good color |
| 33 | 1853 Seated (No Arrows) | PCGS MS67+ | $38,187 (Heritage, Jun 2014) | 1853 is usually "Arrows & Rays". The "No Arrows" is a rare holdover |
| 34 | 1964-D Washington | PCGS MS68 | $38,400 (Stack's, Mar 2021) | Tying the record for this modern condition rarity |
| 35 | 1981-D Washington (Err) | Circulated | $34,800, Reported Sale | Struck on 5-cent (nickel) planchet? Or oversized planchet error |
| 36 | 1871 Seated Liberty | PCGS MS67+ | $32,900 (Heritage, Jun 2014) | Pristine type coin from the Reconstruction era |
| 37 | 1950-D/S Washington | PCGS MS67 | $29,375 (Heritage, Jun 2013) | Major repunched mint mark variety (OMM). Finest known |
| 38 | 1914-S Barber | PCGS MS67 | $29,375 (Legend, Sep 2022) | Low mintage (264k). Key date in Gem condition |
| 39 | 1849-O Seated Liberty | NGC MS64 | $24,675 (Heritage, May 2015) | Condition Census. Extremely tough New Orleans issue |
| 40 | 1937 Washington DDO | PCGS MS66 | $22,250 (DLRC, Mar 2020) | Doubled Die Obverse. One of the top varieties in the series |
| 41 | 1966 Washington | PCGS MS68+ | $21,000 (Heritage, May 2023) | SMS era business strike. Extremely rare in top grade |
| 42 | 1941-D Washington | MS68 | $20,700, Auction Record | Common date, uncommon grade |
| 43 | 1927-S Standing Liberty | MS66 FH | $20,440, Est. Market | Semi-key date. Full Head designation drives price |
| 44 | 1999-S Delaware Silver | PCGS PR70 | $17,250, Auction Record | Perfect Proof 70 Deep Cameo. First year of State Quarters |
| 45 | 1967 SMS Washington | MS68 CAM | $17,000, Various | Special Mint Set (SMS) coin with rare Cameo contrast |
| 46 | 1919-D Standing Liberty | PCGS MS66 | $17,250 (Heritage, Nov 2011) | Condition rarity |
| 47 | 1983-P Washington | PCGS MS67 | $15,862 (Heritage, Jan 2014) | "No Mint Sets" year. Business strikes are rare in Gem |
| 48 | 1965 Washington | PCGS MS67+ | $12,650 (Heritage, Jan 2005) | First year of Clad. Despised at release, treasured in high grade now |
| 49 | 1982-P Washington | PCGS MS68 | $10,200 (Heritage, Jun 2019) | "No Mint Sets" year sister to the 1983-P |
| 50 | 2019-W Lowell | PCGS MS68 | $9,900 (eBay, Mar 2023) | First "W" mint mark quarter. "First Week" discovery pedigree |
Quarter Key Dates by Series
Each series within the quarter dollar family has its own key dates, condition rarities, and varieties that command premium prices. The following sections provide comprehensive analysis of the most important dates and varieties collectors should know.
1. Draped Bust (1796–1807)
Key Dates
| Year-Mint | Mintage | Circ Value | Unc Value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | 6,146 | $11,500–$76,300 | $80,000–$235,000+ | Series Key. One-year type. Small Eagle reverse. The foundation of any quarter collection. |
| 1804 | 6,738 | $4,250–$59,450 | $94,000–$188,000 | Key Date. First year of Heraldic Eagle. Often found weakly struck. |
Semi-Keys:1805, 1806, 1807. While "common" for the series, these dates still command $500–$700 in Good-4 condition.
Varieties: The 1806 "6 over 5" is a popular variety where the date was repunched over a leftover 1805 die. It carries a premium of roughly 20-30% over standard 1806 quarters in lower grades.
Market Insight: The 1796 quarter is unique in that a surprising number of high-grade specimens exist, rumored to have been saved by Col. E.H.R. Green. Despite this, the demand from type collectors ensures that even a G4 specimen remains a five-figure coin.
2. Capped Bust (1815–1838)
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter — one of the rarest business strikes in the series
Key Dates
| Year-Mint | Mintage | Circ Value | Unc Value | Proof | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1822 25/50C | N/A | $3,000–$15,000 | Rare | N/A | Variety Key. Reverse die reused from a 50¢ pattern; "25" punched over "50". |
| 1823/2 | ~17,800 | $37,500–$90,000 | $425,000 (MS60) | N/A | Series Key. Overdate. Rarest business strike of series. Only ~30-40 survivors. |
| 1827 | 4,000 (Est) | Rare | Rare | $705,000 (PR66) | Proof Only. Originals and Restrikes exist. The "Holy Grail" of the series. |
Common Dates:1831, 1834, 1835. These are accessible to intermediate collectors, with circulated specimens trading between $70–$150 and Uncirculated examples between $1,200–$2,500.
Varieties: The 1828 "25 over 50" is another major blunder where the engraver initially punched "50 C." (for a half dollar) and then corrected it to "25 C." This visible error is highly prized.
3. Seated Liberty (1838–1891)
Key Dates
| Year-Mint | Mintage | Circ Value | Unc Value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1842-O Small | N/A | $950–$32,000 | $85,000+ | Key. Small Date variety. Extremely rare in high grade. |
| 1849-O | 16,000 (Est) | $1,825–$19,000 | $21,000–$46,000 | Key. Massive rarity in Mint State. |
| 1870-CC | 8,340 | $10,000–$45,000 | $100,000+ | Key. First CC quarter. Very scarce in any grade. |
| 1871-CC | 10,890 | $11,500–$50,000 | $150,000+ | Key. Often found porous/cleaned. |
| 1873-CC No Arr | 4,000 | $35,000–$135,000 | $460,000+ | Grand Key. "No Arrows" type. Only 5 known. |
| 1873-CC Arr | 12,462 | $4,600–$30,000 | $85,000+ | Key. "With Arrows" type. More common than No Arrows but still rare. |
Common Dates:1853 (Arrows/Rays), 1854-1858, 1876-1877. Circulated: $25–$50. Unc: $300–$600.
Varieties:1853 "No Arrows": A rare holdover struck on the heavier pre-1853 planchets. It is significantly rarer than the common "Arrows & Rays" type.
4. Barber (1892–1916)
Key Dates
| Year-Mint | Mintage | Circ Value | Unc Value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1896-S | 188,039 | $900–$5,000 | $7,000–$48,000 | Key. Low mintage San Francisco issue. |
| 1901-S | 72,664 | $3,750–$30,000 | $32,500–$550,000 | The King. Most valuable Barber quarter. |
| 1913-S | 40,000 | $1,495–$12,750 | $14,500–$58,000 | Key. Lowest mintage of the series. |
| 1914-S | 264,000 | $180–$1,200 | $3,500–$29,000 | Semi-Key. Scarce in high grades. |
Common Dates: 1892-1916 Philadelphia issues. Circulated: $10–$25. Unc: $250–$500.
Insight: Be wary of counterfeits for the 1901-S. Unscrupulous alterers often graft an "S" mint mark from a common date onto a 1901 Philadelphia coin. Certification is mandatory.
5. Standing Liberty (1916–1930)
Full Head (FH) vs. standard strike — the premium for FH can be 500% or more
Key Dates
| Year-Mint | Mintage | Circ Value | Unc Value | FH Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 | 52,000 | $2,600–$10,000 | $11,500–$27,000 | High | Series Key. First year. |
| 1918/7-S | N/A | $1,700–$7,000 | $20,000+ | High | Variety Key. 8 punched over 7. |
| 1921 | 1,916,000 | $150–$1,500 | $2,000–$5,000 | High | Semi-Key. Low mintage. |
| 1923-S | 1,360,000 | $350–$2,500 | $4,000–$10,500 | Extreme | Condition Key. Rare with Full Head. |
| 1927-S | 396,000 | $35–$930 | $4,600–$40,000 | Extreme | Semi-Key. 2nd lowest mintage. |
Common Dates: 1925-1930 Philadelphia. Circulated: $6–$10. Unc: $150–$300.
Full Head (FH): The defining characteristic for value in this series is the strike quality of Liberty's head. A "Full Head" designation requires three leaves in the laurel wreath, a distinct hairline, and a visible ear hole. The premium for FH can be 500% or more over a standard strike.
6. Washington (1932–1998)
Key Dates
| Year-Mint | Mintage | Circ Value | Unc Value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D | 436,800 | $69–$336 | $1,034–$85,400 | Series Key. |
| 1932-S | 408,000 | $64–$300 | $1,179–$27,995 | Series Key. |
| 1937 DDO | N/A | $40–$1,065 | $2,000–$22,000 | Variety. Doubled Die Obverse. |
| 1942-D DDO | N/A | $25–$500 | $1,000–$6,400 | Variety. Doubled Die. |
| 1950-D/S | N/A | $25–$100 | $300–$29,000 | Variety. Over-mintmark. |
| 1983-P | 673M | Face Value | $20–$1,925 (MS67) | Condition Rarity. No Mint Sets made. |
| 1986-P | 551M | Face Value | $10–$2,880 (MS67) | Condition Rarity. |
Common Dates (Silver 1932-64): Circulated: ~$5.00 (Melt Value). Unc: $10–$25.
Common Dates (Clad 1965-98): Circulated: Face Value ($0.25). Unc: $1–$5.
Market Anomaly: The 1982 and 1983 issues are fascinating condition rarities. The Mint ceased production of uncirculated Mint Sets for these two years. As a result, high-grade examples (MS66/67) are incredibly difficult to find, as collectors did not save them in the usual quantities.
7. 50 State Quarters (1999–2008)
Key Dates & Varieties
| Year-Mint | Design | Error/Variety | Value Range (Unc) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-D | Delaware | Spitting Horse | $20–$50 | Die crack from horse's mouth. |
| 2004-D | Wisconsin | Extra Leaf High | $130–$500 | Die gouge resembles leaf. |
| 2004-D | Wisconsin | Extra Leaf Low | $100–$300 | Lower leaf variety. |
| 2005-P | Minnesota | Extra Tree (DDR) | $40–$275 | Doubling in tree line. |
| 2000-P | S. Carolina | Off-Center Strike | $100+ | Dramatic error if >10% off. |
Common Dates: All clad issues found in circulation are Face Value.
8. DC & U.S. Territories (2009)
A one-year extension honoring the non-state territories. Due to the severe economic recession of 2008-2009, the Federal Reserve ordered far fewer quarters than usual. As a result, the mintage numbers for 2009 are significantly lower than the State Quarters era. Key focus: High-grade "Satin Finish" examples from Mint Sets and Silver Proofs.
9. America the Beautiful (2010–2021)
2019-W and 2020-W V75 quarters — first circulating W mint marks in quarter history
Key Dates
| Year-Mint | Design | Type | Value (MS65+) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-W | All 5 | W Mint Mark | $15–$100 | First circulating W mint mark. |
| 2020-W | All 5 | W + V75 Privy | $20–$150 | V75 privy mark is key. |
| 2012-2021-S | Various | Business Strike S | $5–$20 | "NIFC" (Not Intended For Circulation). Sold only to collectors. |
10. American Women (2022–2025)
This series introduced a new obverse portrait of Washington, originally designed by Laura Gardin Fraser for the 1932 competition but rejected at the time. It faces right, contrasting with Flanagan's left-facing bust. Key Focus: S-Mint business strikes (NIFC) and potential error discoveries (e.g., "Die Chips" often nicknamed "Drooling George").
11. Semiquincentennial (2026–Present)
Scheduled for release in March 2026, this series will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Five distinct designs will be released. All coins will feature the dual date "1776–2026". Market Watch: Expect high initial premiums for "First Release" or "Early Find" labels from grading services.
Quarter Market Trends & Authentication
The "W" Mint Mark Phenomenon
The release of the 2019-W and 2020-W quarters fundamentally altered modern collecting. By artificially engineering scarcity (2 million mintage vs. hundreds of millions for P/D), the Mint successfully created a "treasure hunt" atmosphere. A circulated 2019-W quarter found in a vending machine is an immediate $10–$15 profit, while high-grade specimens (MS67/68) can command hundreds. This has shifted the focus of modern collecting from "filling albums" to "hunting circulation."
The Bifurcation of Quality
The market for Washington quarters has split. Silver-era coins (1932-1964) largely trade based on bullion value unless they are specific key dates (1932-D/S). However, the Clad era (1965-1998), long ignored, has seen an explosion in value for "Condition Rarities." Because collectors in the early 1980s did not save rolls of quarters (due to a suspension of official Mint Sets in 1982 and 1983), high-grade examples from these years are chemically rare.
A 1983-P quarter, worth 25 cents in circulated grade, commands over $1,900 in MS67. This implies that the most profitable "treasure hunting" for modern coins lies in finding pristine survivors of the 1980s rather than the 1960s.
Edge comparison: 90% silver (pre-1965), 40% silver (never issued for quarters), and clad (1965-2026)
Silver Content Identification
U.S. quarters minted before 1965 contain 90% silver (6.25 grams of pure silver). These coins have a distinctive bright, uniform silver edge. Clad quarters (1965-present) have a visible copper stripe on the edge, revealing the copper-nickel "sandwich" construction. Unlike half dollars, quarters were never minted in 40% silver composition.
Grade comparison: VG-8, F-12, AU-50, MS-63
Authentication Warnings
⚠️ Common Alterations
With the high value of key dates like the 1932-D ($1,000+ in Unc) and 1901-S Barber ($3,750+ in Good), counterfeits are prevalent. Common alterations include:
- Added Mint Marks: A "D" or "S" mint mark added to a 1932 Philadelphia quarter.
- Transplanted Mint Marks: For the 1901-S Barber, unscrupulous alterers may "paste" an S mint mark from a common date onto a 1901 Philadelphia coin.
- Altered Dates: Overdate varieties like 1823/2 and 1918/7-S are frequently faked.
Certification by PCGS, NGC, or CAC is strongly recommended for any quarter valued over $500.
Values stated in this guide are based on market data available as of January 2026 and are subject to fluctuation based on silver spot prices and numismatic demand.
Quarter Value FAQs
What is my quarter worth?
Quarter values range from face value ($0.25) to over $1,740,000. Value depends on series, year, mint mark, condition, and varieties. Pre-1965 silver quarters are worth at least their silver content (~$5). Key dates like 1932-D, 1932-S, and 1901-S Barber can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars even in circulated grades.
Which quarter series is most valuable?
The Draped Bust series (1796-1807) contains the most valuable individual coins, with the 1796 Small Eagle holding the auction record at $1,740,000. However, for collectors on a budget, the Washington series (1932-1998) offers the best balance of accessibility and value, with key dates like 1932-D and 1932-S being obtainable yet still valuable.
What are the key dates to look for?
How do I identify my quarter by series?
Refer to the Series Directory table above. Key identifiers:
- 1796-1807: Draped Bust Liberty, eagle reverse
- 1815-1838: Capped Bust Liberty, "25 C." on reverse
- 1838-1891: Seated Liberty holding shield
- 1892-1916: Barber head with laurel wreath
- 1916-1930: Standing Liberty in gateway
- 1932-1998: Washington bust (left-facing)
- 1999-2008: State designs on reverse
- 2010-2021: National Park designs
- 2022-2025: Washington bust (right-facing, Fraser design)
How do I know if my quarter is silver?
Check the edge. Silver quarters (1932-1964) have a uniform silver edge. Clad quarters (1965-present) show a visible copper stripe on the edge. Silver quarters also have a distinctive "ring" when dropped on a hard surface. The silver content in pre-1965 quarters is worth approximately $5 at current silver prices (as of January 2026).
Should I get my coin graded?
Professional grading by PCGS, NGC, or CAC is recommended for:
- Any quarter valued over $500
- Key dates like 1932-D/S, 1901-S Barber, 1916 Standing Liberty
- High-grade modern condition rarities (MS67+)
- Potential errors or varieties (e.g., 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf)
Grading costs $20-$150 depending on service tier and turnaround time. It's only cost-effective if the coin's potential value exceeds the fee by a significant margin.
What is the "Full Head" designation for Standing Liberty quarters?
"Full Head" (FH) is a critical designation for Standing Liberty quarters (1916-1930). It requires three leaves visible in Liberty's laurel wreath, a distinct hairline, and a visible ear hole. Because most Standing Liberty quarters were weakly struck, FH examples command premiums of 500% or more. The 1923-S and 1927-S are particularly valuable with FH designation.
Are modern quarters worth anything?
Most modern clad quarters (1965-present) are worth face value in circulation. However, significant value exists in:
Methodology & Sources
This guide is based on comprehensive analysis of auction records, dealer pricing, and third-party grading service data current as of January 2026. Quarter values represent fair market ranges derived from realized auction prices, dealer bid/ask spreads, and certified population reports.
Primary Sources
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- Stack's Bowers: 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- Stack's Bowers: 1827/3/2 Capped Bust Quarter
- Quarters Worth Money List 2026
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1901-S Barber Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1873-CC No Arrows Seated Liberty Quarter
- Nasdaq: 10 of the Most Valuable Quarters
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1823/2 Early Quarter
- Stack's Bowers: 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1828 25/50C Capped Bust Quarter
- Coin World: Gardner Collection 1901-S Barber Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter FH
- Stack's Bowers: 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
- PCGS Auction Prices: Washington Quarter (1932-1998)
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1827/3 Restrike Capped Bust Quarter
- APMEX: Draped Bust Quarter Values
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1872-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1896-S Barber Quarter
- PCGS Auction Prices: Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)
- NGC Auction Central: Top Ten Rare Washington Quarters
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1842-O Small Date Seated Liberty Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1921 Standing Liberty Quarter
- Stack's Bowers: 1872-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
- PCGS: The 1923-S Standing Liberty Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1897-S Barber Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1853 No Arrows Seated Liberty Quarter
- Bullion Shark: 10 Most Valuable Modern Quarters
- YouTube: 20 Common Quarters with Shocking Auction Values
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1871 Seated Liberty Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1914-S Barber Quarter
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1849-O Seated Liberty Quarter
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1937 Washington Quarter DDO
- Coin ID Scanner: 1927 Standing Liberty Quarter Value
- YouTube: 1999 Quarter Worth BIG MONEY
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1919-D Standing Liberty Quarter
- PCGS Auction Prices: 1983-P Washington Quarter
- Bullion Shark: Chasing the W - 2019 West Point Quarters
- CoinCollecting.com: Draped Bust Quarters Key Dates & Values
- Numismatic News: 1796 Quarters Preserved in Hoard
- YouTube Shorts: 1828 25/50 Capped Bust Quarter
- APMEX: Capped Bust Quarter Values
- APMEX: 1849-O Seated Liberty Quarter Value
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1871-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
- Numismatic News: 1873-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1853 No Arrows Seated Liberty Quarter
- JM Bullion: 1896 Barber Quarter
- APMEX: 1896-S Barber Quarter Value
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1901-S Barber Quarter
- JM Bullion: 1901 Barber Quarter
- APMEX: 1913-S Barber Quarter Value
- JM Bullion: 1913 Barber Quarter
- JM Bullion: 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
- PCGS: Key-Date Standing Liberty Quarters
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1921 Standing Liberty Quarter
- NGC Coin Explorer: 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
- APMEX: 1932-D Washington Quarter Value
- APMEX: 1932-S Washington Quarter Value
- PCGS CoinFacts: 1942-D Washington Quarter DDO
- Coin World: Why a 1983-P Washington Quarter Sold for Nearly $2K
- Coin ID Scanner: 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
- American Standard Gold: Extra Leaf High and Low Wisconsin Quarters
- PCGS: The 2005 Doubled Die Minnesota Quarter
- YouTube: 10 Most Valuable State Quarter Error Coins
- Coin ID Scanner: 2019-W Quarter Value
- PCGS CoinFacts: 2020-W American Samoa NP V75 Quarter
- Reddit: S Mint Mark National Park Quarters
Market Disclaimer
Coin values fluctuate based on precious metal spot prices, market conditions, and individual coin quality. Values presented represent fair market ranges as of January 2026. Actual realized prices may vary depending on venue, timing, pedigree, and buyer demand. For high-value coins, we recommend obtaining current market quotes from multiple dealers or consulting recent auction results.
