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How Much Is Your Quarter Worth? A Quick Guide

Maybe you're wondering, “How much is my quarter worth?” Learn more with this complete guide from American Hartford Gold.

Most quarters still spend like any twenty-five-cent coin would, but some carry much more value. Older silver issues, rare mintages, and production errors can all push a coin’s worth far beyond its face value.

Learning to tell the difference starts with a few key basics: metal content, mint dates, and unique design markers. This guide offers a brief overview of what to look for, but professional grading can determine a coin’s true value.

Why Does Coin Composition Matter?

Quarters minted before 1965 are composed of 90% silver, which makes them valuable regardless of wear. Those minted from 1965 forward are copper-nickel “clad” coins, which rely on collector interest to determine their worth.

Pre-1965 Washington Quarters

The familiar portrait of George Washington first appeared on the quarter in 1932 to mark his 200th birthday and remained mostly unchanged for decades. Quarters minted through 1964 weigh 6.25 grams and produce a distinct high-pitched ring thanks to their 90% silver content.

A simple kitchen scale and a tap test against a modern clad coin can often confirm the metal without needing special tools. Even heavily worn examples are worth more than face value due to their silver content alone, and well-struck coins with frosty luster can command a decent amount as well.

Bicentennial and Special Composition Coins

In 1976, the U.S. Mint issued quarters featuring a drummer-boy on the back side to celebrate the Bicentennial, with some versions struck in 40% silver. Occasionally, these special coins enter circulation, where they are difficult to tell apart from standard versions at first glance. While not as rare as early Washington quarters, silver Bicentennials still sell for more than face value.

Modern commemorative pieces and burnished editions are also sometimes made of silver, especially in annual collector sets. Since the U.S. Mint frequently changes designs, comparison charts by year can help identify whether a bright, modern-looking quarter is ordinary or made of precious metal.

Which Dates Marks Have Value?

Even among regular silver-era quarters, specific years and mint marks can raise a coin’s value a decent amount. Rarity, significance, and the number of well-preserved examples all contribute to the assigned price tags that often make headlines in auction listings.

Early Washington Keys

The 1932-D and 1932-S quarters hold the lowest mintages in the Washington series, each with fewer than 500,000 produced. Circulated examples with clear details are moderately valuable, but well-preserved, uncirculated coins can reach into the thousands.

Due to their value, some counterfeiters attempt to add small “D” or “S” mintmarks to common Philadelphia coins in an attempt to fool collectors. Another date is the 1950-D. True high-grade Mint State examples are hard to find. Registry-set collectors often pay high premiums for the rare few graded MS-67 or above.

Standing Liberty Surprises

Standing Liberty quarters minted before 1930 have a reputation for fast wear, particularly on the shield and date. The first-year 1916 issue had a mintage of less than 53,000, making the coin valuable in any condition. Even more common dates like the 1923-S can rise sharply in price if preserved properly.

Collectors also seek out the 1917 “Type 1” variety, which features Lady Liberty with a bare breast, an image later revised after widespread public objections. High-grade Type 1 coins command strong premiums because they are rare and shed light on an important story about shifting cultural standards.

Build Your Portfolio With AHG

From Standing Liberty quarters to today’s state-series designs, silver and gold coins have consistently held their value. Whether you’re looking for classic coins or modern bullion rounds, American Hartford Gold can help you place a portion of your savings into tangible assets that are recession-proof.

You can even plan ahead for retirement by rolling your eligible gold pieces into a Gold IRA for more security. Planning ahead helps individuals and their families live better in the long term, and our goal is to lead our clients toward a more comfortable future.

Sources:

The Bicentennial Bell | NPS

Catching Counterfeiters | U.S. Marshals Service

The Bare-Breasted Standing Liberty Quarter of 1916 and 1917 | Spruce Crafts

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