In the world of coin collecting, there are a select few quarters that stand out not just for their historical significance but also for their immense value.
While most quarters circulate in the millions, a few rare examples have managed to capture the attention of collectors and investors alike. These quarters are valued at over $550,000 each, making them some of the most sought-after coins in the numismatic world.
Let’s take a closer look at these exceptional quarters, their unique features, and why they are worth such staggering amounts.
1. The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the most coveted coins in American history, and for good reason. Struck to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, this quarter is one of the rarest coins in circulation due to its limited mintage.
Only 436,800 of these quarters were produced, making it a must-have for serious collectors. The coin features a detailed portrait of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
Over the years, the value of this quarter has skyrocketed, especially in mint condition. Collectors often seek this coin because of its historical significance and rarity, with well-preserved examples easily reaching over $550,000 at auctions.
2. The 1950-D Washington Quarter (Full Bell Lines)
The 1950-D Washington quarter is another prime example of a coin worth a significant amount of money, particularly if it has the “Full Bell Lines” feature.
The coin features a depiction of the Liberty Bell on the reverse side, and some quarters from this year have a rare minting flaw—full bell lines that are crisp and well-defined.
This feature is a result of the die used to strike the coins, and only a small number of quarters were produced with this full, clear strike.
The quarters with the Full Bell Lines are considered to be some of the most valuable in the series, with well-graded examples commanding prices of over $550,000. The combination of rarity and visual appeal makes this quarter a highly prized piece in the world of coin collecting.
3. The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Quarter
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo quarter is an error coin that has become one of the most famous and valuable quarters in the history of U.S. minting.
This coin is part of the Buffalo nickel series, but due to a minting defect, the buffalo on the reverse side was struck with only three legs instead of four. This error, while seemingly minor, has made the coin exceedingly rare and highly desirable to collectors.
Only a few examples of this error are known to exist, and those that are in excellent condition can fetch upwards of $550,000. The unique design flaw and its rarity have contributed to the coin’s high market value, making it one of the most sought-after quarters in the world.
| Coin Type | Mint Year | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Low mintage, first year of Washington quarter series | $550,000+ |
| 1950-D Washington Quarter (Full Bell Lines) | 1950 | Full bell lines on reverse design | $550,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Quarter | 1937 | Minting error (missing buffalo leg) | $550,000+ |
Also see:-Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $99 Million USD 4 More worth over $499,999 Gems
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter so valuable?
The 1932-D Washington quarter is rare because of its low mintage—only 436,800 were produced. This, combined with its historical significance as the first year of the Washington quarter series, makes it highly collectible.
What makes the 1950-D Washington Quarter with Full Bell Lines special?
The Full Bell Lines feature is a rare minting defect where the bell design on the reverse side is fully struck. Quarters with this feature are extremely rare and fetch high prices due to their distinctive and clear strike.
What is the value of a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Quarter?
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo quarter is valued at over $550,000 due to its minting error—only a few examples exist with the missing fourth leg on the buffalo design.
How can I tell if I have one of these rare quarters?
Look for specific features like the low mintage of the 1932-D, the Full Bell Lines on the 1950-D, or the missing leg on the buffalo design of the 1937-D. Professional coin appraisers can also help confirm if your coin is rare.