When we think about valuable coins, most of us imagine shiny, flawless pieces kept safely by collectors. But did you know that even old, worn-out quarters lying in your wallet or purse can be worth a lot of money?
Yes, that’s right. You don’t need to be a coin collector or an expert to spot valuable quarters. Some rare quarters are still floating around in everyday transactions. These special coins stand out either because of unique production errors, rare mint marks, or because they belong to significant years in U.S. coin history.
Let’s take a look at six quarters that are still in circulation and can fetch you hundreds of dollars if you’re lucky enough to find them.
1. The 2019-W and 2020-W West Point Quarters: Rare Finds from the West Point Mint
In 2019 and 2020, the U.S. Mint surprised collectors by releasing special quarters produced at the West Point Mint directly into everyday circulation. This was a unique step as normally, coins from West Point are reserved for collectors and not for general use.
What makes these quarters special? They have a tiny “W” mintmark located right under the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the front side. This mintmark is what makes them stand out from regular quarters.
These West Point quarters were made in limited numbers—only 2 million of each design. Since these were mixed with everyday coins, anyone can find them in pocket change, at cash registers, or in coin rolls from the bank.
Depending on the design and condition, these coins can be worth between $20 and $30, with some higher-grade examples fetching even more.
Tip: Always check for the small “W” mintmark on your quarters from 2019 and 2020.
2. The 1932-D Washington Quarter: A Historic First-Year Coin from Denver
The Washington quarter first appeared in 1932 to honor the 200th birthday of George Washington. The 1932-D Washington quarter is extra special because it was produced in limited numbers at the Denver Mint. Only 436,800 of these were made.
To spot this coin, look for a small “D” mintmark just above the letters “ER” in the word “QUARTER” on the back side.
Even if the coin looks old and heavily used, it might still be worth around $225. If you find one in good condition, the price can go over $500.
Interesting fact: These coins are often found in old collections or inherited jars of loose change.
3. The 1932-S Washington Quarter: Even Rarer from the San Francisco Mint
The 1932-S quarter is even harder to find than its Denver cousin. Only 408,000 were minted at the San Francisco Mint. Today, experts estimate that only about 40,000 are still around.
Like the Denver quarter, the 1932-S also has a small “S” mintmark in the same spot above “ER.”
In bad shape, this coin can still fetch $85, but if it’s in fine or uncirculated condition, collectors might pay over $360 for it.
Tip: If you have old coins passed down from relatives, double-check the mintmarks.
4. The 1937-S Washington Quarter: A Modest Yet Valuable Find
While not as rare as the 1932 quarters, the 1937-S Washington quarter still holds some value, especially if it’s in good condition.
These quarters have an “S” mintmark and were made in San Francisco. A heavily circulated one might sell for $8, but a well-preserved coin could go as high as $100 or more. Near-perfect coins could bring up to $165.
Reminder: Condition plays a big role in the value of these coins, so the shinier and cleaner, the better.
5. The 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter with an Extra Low Leaf Error
During the popular 50 State Quarters Program, something unusual happened with the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter. Some of these quarters feature an extra leaf on the corn stalk on the reverse side.
The “Low Leaf” variety shows the extra leaf pointing downward. This was an unintended error, and only a small number of these error coins made it into circulation.
If you find a “Low Leaf” Wisconsin quarter in good condition, it can be worth between $38 and $80, depending on the quality.
Tip: Check the corn stalk closely on Wisconsin quarters from 2004. The extra leaf is small but can mean big bucks.
6. The 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter with an Extra High Leaf Error
There’s also a “High Leaf” variety of the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter. In this version, the extra leaf is partially hidden behind the grain and points upward.
This version is even scarcer than the Low Leaf variety. Well-preserved examples can be worth $75 or more, while worn ones may still sell for around $45.
Expert tip: These coins are often found in bank rolls, so you might want to grab a few rolls and start checking!
Conclusion: It’s Worth Checking Your Change!
You don’t have to be a professional coin collector to find these valuable quarters. With a little patience and a keen eye, you could spot one of these rare finds in your daily pocket change.
If you do find a coin you suspect is valuable, it’s a good idea to get it appraised by a reputable coin dealer or check online auction sites like eBay to compare prices.
For more official information on U.S. coins and mintmarks, you can visit the U.S. Mint’s official website.
So next time you get change from the grocery store or ATM, don’t just toss those quarters in your wallet—give them a closer look. You might just have a treasure in your hand!