The American quarter, also known as the quarter dollar, has been a mainstay in U.S. coinage since its introduction in 1796. It is minted by the U.S. Mint with a face value of 25 cents, or one-fourth of a dollar. Despite significant decreases in purchasing power over time due to inflation, the quarter remains a fundamental part of U.S. currency.
All quarters dated 1964 and earlier were minted with 90% silver alloyed with 10% copper, the standard for silver coinage dating back hundreds of years. Beginning in 1965, the US Mint abandoned using silver for circulating coins due to rising silver prices and began issuing modern clad quarters that are still in use today.
Early American Quarters
The designs of the quarter have evolved over the years. Starting with the Draped Bust Quarter 1796, followed by the Capped Bust and Seated Liberty Designs were the mainstays of the 19th century.
1796 – Draped Bust Quarter: The first quarter was minted in 1796, featuring the Draped Bust design by Robert Scot. This design depicted Liberty with flowing hair and a draped bust on the obverse and an eagle surrounded by a wreath on the reverse.
1804-1838 – Capped Bust Quarter: Following the Draped Bust design, the Capped Bust quarter was introduced. Designed by John Reich, this coin featured Liberty wearing a cap on the obverse and a simplified eagle on the reverse.
1838-1891 – Seated Liberty Quarter: The Seated Liberty design by Christian Gobrecht was used from 1838 to 1891. This design showed Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a pole with a cap on the obverse, and an eagle with a shield on the reverse.
These early American quarters were minted in much lower quantities than today, making them highly sought after by collectors. Even worn and circulated Draped Bust quarters from the early 1800s can be worth $600 to $4,000 depending on the condition and year.
20th Century Quarters
1892-1916 – Barber Quarter: The Barber quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was in circulation from 1892 to 1916. This design featured Liberty with a laurel wreath on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.
Even though Barber quarters are sometimes mixed with junk silver, these coins are prized by collectors. The value of common date Barber quarters can range from $10 to $15 in good condition up to around $100 in extra fine condition. Higher grades and uncirculated Barber quarters can command thousands at auction. Recently, a 1913-S Barber Quarter in Good (G4) condition realized over $2,500 at a Heritage Auctions event.
1916-1930 – Standing Liberty Quarter: Introduced in 1916, the Standing Liberty quarter was designed by Hermon A. MacNeil. It depicted Liberty standing with a shield and an olive branch on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse.
The value of an early Standing Liberty quarter in circulated but good condition with a fully visible date can vary significantly based on the specific year and mint mark. The Type 1 design which showed bare breasts on the obverse, was initially shunned by the public. These coins were issued only in 1916 and early 1917 before being replaced with the Type 2 design. Type 1 Standing Liberty quarters in good condition are much rarer and in good condition are worth up to $300, while uncirculated coins typically sell for thousands at auction.
1932-Present – Washington Quarter: The Washington quarter was first issued in 1932 to commemorate the 200th birthday of George Washington. Designed by John Flanagan, this coin features a profile of Washington on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. All Washington quarters minted before 1965 are made from 90% silver and is valued based on the intrinsic value of the metal.
The current circulating coin is a derivative of Flanagan’s original design, maintaining the iconic image of Washington.
20th Century Quarters Worth Money
1. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
- Details: This is the first year of issue for the Standing Liberty quarter series, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil. The coin features Lady Liberty holding a shield and an olive branch.
- Mint Mark: No mint mark; minted in Philadelphia.
- Value: In mint state (MS) condition, it can fetch prices upwards of $25,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the grade.
2. 1918/7-S Standing Liberty Quarter
- Details: This is a rare overdate variety where the “8” in the date was struck over a “7.”
- Mint Mark: “S” mint mark for San Francisco.
- Value: In high grades, this coin can be worth $15,000 to over $80,000.
3. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
- Details: Low mintage of only 396,000 coins makes it one of the key dates in the series.
- Mint Mark: “S” mint mark for San Francisco.
- Value: In high grades, this coin can range from $2,500 to over $30,000.
4. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Details: The first year of issue for the Washington quarter, designed by John Flanagan. The Denver mint had a relatively low mintage of 436,800 coins.
- Mint Mark: “D” mint mark for Denver.
- Value: High-grade examples can be worth between $5,000 and $30,000.
5. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Details: Another key date in the Washington quarter series with a low mintage of 408,000 coins.
- Mint Mark: “S” mint mark for San Francisco.
- Value: High-grade coins can range from $5,000 to $25,000.
6. 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
- Details: This is a popular over mint mark variety where a “D” was stamped over an “S.”
- Mint Mark: “D” over “S” for Denver.
- Value: In mint state condition, it can be worth several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
7. 1964-D Washington Quarter
- Details: This coin is notable for the doubled die obverse variety, where the date and lettering are doubled.
- Mint Mark: “D” mint mark for Denver.
- Value: High-grade examples can fetch prices in the range of several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the degree of doubling.
8. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter with Extra Leaf
- Details: A state quarter featuring an extra leaf on the corn stalk, either in a high or low position.
- Mint Mark: “D” mint mark for Denver.
- Value: Depending on the variety and condition, these coins can be worth $300 to $2,000.
Factors Affecting Value
- Condition (Grade): Coins in mint state (MS) condition with no wear are generally more valuable. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better condition.
- Rarity: Low mintage numbers or coins with unique features, such as errors or varieties, tend to be more valuable.
- Historical Significance: Coins from significant years or first-year issues can be more sought after.
- Demand: Popularity among collectors can drive up the value of certain coins.
Conclusion
These quarter dollar coins minted since 1900 are some of the most valuable due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance. Collectors and investors prize them for their unique characteristics and the stories they represent in the history of American coinage. If you own any of these coins, it is advisable to have them graded by a professional grading service to determine their condition and maximize their potential value.
