Metal detecting is an exciting hobby that has led to some incredible discoveries, from ancient artifacts to rare coins. But one lucky treasure hunter made the find of a lifetime—a rare quarter worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! Some quarters, due to their rarity or unique minting errors, are worth far more than their face value. Below, we’ll explore the most valuable quarter ever found by a metal detector and other rare quarters that could be hiding underground!
1. The 1901-S Barber Quarter
One of the most legendary metal-detecting finds was a 1901-S Barber Quarter, which is considered the rarest and most valuable quarter in U.S. history. Only 72,000 of these quarters were minted, and very few have survived in good condition. A metal detectorist in California unearthed one in nearly mint condition, and after authentication, it was sold at auction for over $500,000!
2. The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is another rare coin that has been discovered by metal detectorists. With a low mintage of only 52,000, it’s one of the hardest-to-find quarters in circulation. A treasure hunter in Florida found one buried near an old beachside inn, and after professional grading, it sold for over $100,000!
3. The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter, minted in Carson City, is one of the scarcest U.S. quarters ever made. With a mintage of just 8,340, this coin is a dream find for metal detectorists. One was discovered in Nevada, buried near an abandoned mining town, and it later sold for over $150,000!
Metal detecting can be a thrilling and rewarding hobby, especially when it leads to valuable coin discoveries. From a 1901-S Barber Quarter worth over $500,000 to a Standing Liberty Quarter found on a beach, these incredible finds prove that treasure is still out there! If you’re a metal detectorist or thinking about becoming one, keep searching—you might just uncover the next valuable quarter buried beneath your feet!
FAQ’s:
1. Where is the best place to search for rare quarters with a metal detector?
Old parks, historical sites, beaches, abandoned properties, and areas near old trading posts or mines are great spots.
2. How do I know if the quarter I found is valuable?
Check the date, mintmark, and condition of the coin. Compare it to a rare coin value guide or have it professionally graded.
3. What should I do if I find a rare quarter?
Do not clean it! Cleaning can decrease the value. Get it authenticated and graded by a reputable coin dealer or grading service.
4. What type of metal detector is best for finding rare coins?
Look for a high-quality metal detector with good discrimination settings, such as models from Garrett, Minelab, or Fisher.
5. Can modern quarters still be valuable?
Yes! Some modern quarters, like the 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter, have minting errors that make them worth thousands of dollars.
