Want to make some serious cash in no time? Check your coin purse!
Imagine this: you dump out your change jar to scrounge up laundry money, only to realize you’ve been hoarding enough wealth to buy a small island—or at least a washer-dryer set so fancy it texts you when your socks are dry. Yes, it’s possible. Some of the most valuable quarters in the world are worth seven figures.
“Quarters are among the most widely collected coins in the United States and there are some really valuable ones out there,” says Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, senior editor of CoinsTheFunTimesGuide.com and author of A Guide Book of American Silver Eagles. “There’s a lot of demand for the rare quarters that are out there.”
The rarer the quarter, the more it’s worth. It’s the law of supply and demand—but with shinier pockets. Some are valuable because only a few thousand were ever minted. Others are worth big bucks because of quirky minting errors. Either way, if you’re lucky enough to spot one, that parking meter coin could suddenly turn into a new car fund.
So, what’s the deal with these rare quarters that might make you rich enough to stop worrying about couch-cushion change forever? Let’s dive in—before you accidentally spend one on a vending machine Snickers.
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Why are some quarters so valuable?
Quarters may be just 25 cents in theory, but a rare one can fetch hundreds, thousands, or even millions. Why? Rarity. McMorrow-Hernandez explains that the three big factors are:
- How many were made. Some years, the U.S. Mint barely rolled out a handful.
- Condition. “Coin grading relates directly to ascertaining a coin’s condition,” he says. “An ‘uncirculated’ coin is one that does not exhibit any wear or other signs of being used as money in commerce.” So if George Washington still looks like he just left the spa, your coin is worth more.
- Oddities. Errors, mint marks, and design quirks can all bump up the value.
What is the most valuable quarter in existence?
That honor goes to the 1796 Draped Bust quarter, the very first U.S. quarter ever minted. In 2022, one pristine example sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $1,740,000. That quarter, if it were to be put up for sale today, would be worth about $2,500,000, according to the Professional Coin Grading Society (PCGS).
Even in “extremely worn condition,” McMorrow-Hernandez says, this coin can still fetch upward of $10,000. Forget laundry money—you’re now in “vacation home” territory.
Why is it so rare?
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter was the Mint’s debut into quarter-making, and apparently, they weren’t super committed. Only 6,146 were ever struck and only about 650 are believed to remain across all grades today.
That scarcity, plus the historical factor of being the “firstborn” quarter, makes collectors swoon. Think of it as the coin-world equivalent of a rookie baseball card signed by Babe Ruth—if Babe Ruth were also wearing a toga… with a draped bust?.
How can you tell if you have one of these rare quarters?
Sorry to ruin the dream, but you’re not going to find a 1796 quarter rattling around in your cup holder. “Unfortunately, the 1796 Draped Bust quarter isn’t the kind of coin you’re going to find in pocket change or under the couch cushion,” McMorrow-Hernandez says.
But if you do stumble across one—inherited, or at an estate sale—here’s your quick checklist:
- The date on the front should read 1796. (This is the most important feature)
- One side features a portrait of Lady Liberty facing right, with her hair flowing back and tied with a ribbon. Her bust is draped, and the word “LIBERTY” is above her head, with the date “1796” below.
- The other side showcases a small eagle perched on clouds with wings spread within a wreath of olive and palm branches. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the wreath. (This “Small Eagle” design was used only for this year.)
- There are 15 stars, representing the number of states in the Union at the time.
- It has ridged edges, or reeding
If you think you’ve struck gold (or silver, technically), take it to a professional numismatist before cashing in. “You absolutely need to get it authenticated,” he says. “There are many counterfeits floating around out there.”
What are some of the other rarest quarters out there?
The 1796 Draped Bust may be the MVP, but other rare, valuable quarters can also command small fortunes:
- 1804 Draped Bust Quarter – up to $350,000
- 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter – about $150,000
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter – $15,000+ in good condition
- 1932-D Washington Quarter – around $5,500
- 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter (error) – up to $1,000
So yes, even a “modern” state quarter could pay for more than just a road trip to Wisconsin.
How do the most expensive quarters stack up against other expensive coins?
Quarters are definitely some of the most valuable U.S. coins, but they’re not alone. “Quarters are among the most widely collected coins in the United States,” McMorrow-Hernandez explains, adding that demand often pushes their prices higher than rarer-but-less-loved coins like rare pennies, two-cent pieces, three-cent coins, rare dimes or half dimes (yes, those were a thing).
Still, even the most valuable quarters can’t quite compete with the most expensive coin ever sold: the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, a $20 gold coin, which went for $18.9 million in 2021.
So, if you really want to pay off your mortgage with pocket change, you might want to expand your hunt beyond quarters.
How do you cash in if you find one of these rare quarters?
If you do get lucky, resist the urge to sell it to your neighbor Dave who “collects coins” (translation: hoards nickels in baby food jars). Instead, McMorrow-Hernandez advises:
Step 1: Do not clean it or alter it in any way. Put it in a clean, safe box.
Step 2: Find a reputable coin dealer. These pros know the market and can give you a fair price. You can often find one within driving distance or you can mail in your coin to the PCGS.
Step 3: Sell it to a private buyer or through an auction house. Consigning to a numismatic auction house could get you the best bang for your buck.
And yes, you should absolutely celebrate with a pizza party afterward.
About the expert
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Sources:
- Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, professional numismatist and coin collector; phone interview August 20, 2025.
- APMEX: “Quarters”
