Sometimes, a small minting error can turn an ordinary quarter into a highly valuable collector’s item. These errors—whether they are missing mintmarks, double strikes, or off-center prints—can make a quarter worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this article, we’ll explore three rare quarters with minting mistakes that made them extremely valuable in the collector’s market.
1. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter
One of the most bizarre minting errors in history, the 1970-S Proof Quarter was accidentally struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter. This means the U.S. quarter has remnants of the original Canadian coin underneath, making it one-of-a-kind. One of these quarters was discovered and sold for over $35,000 at an auction. If you come across a 1970-S Proof Quarter, inspect it closely—you might have a hidden treasure!
2. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
In 2004, the U.S. Mint released Wisconsin state quarters, but some of them had an unexpected error—an extra leaf appeared on the corn stalk design on the reverse side. There are two versions of this error: the Extra High Leaf and Extra Low Leaf. Due to their rarity, these error quarters have sold for up to $6,000! If you find a Wisconsin quarter, be sure to check the leaves on the back—it might be worth far more than its face value.
3. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is already valuable due to its low mintage, with only 436,800 ever made. However, some collectors have identified double die errors on certain coins, increasing their worth even more. A well-preserved 1932-D quarter can sell for over $80,000, and those with errors fetch even higher prices.
Minting errors can turn ordinary quarters into extraordinary finds, making them highly sought after by collectors. Whether it’s a misplaced mintmark, double strike, or an unexpected overstrike, these mistakes can lead to six-figure sales at auctions. If you have old quarters lying around, take a closer look—you might be holding a fortune in your hands!
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my quarter has a minting error?
Look for irregularities like missing letters, extra markings, or doubled images. If you suspect an error, have the coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
2. Where can I sell a rare error quarter?
You can sell them through online auctions, coin dealers, or specialty numismatic auctions that handle rare coins.
3. Are all error quarters valuable?
Not all errors are valuable, but major minting mistakes, such as missing elements or misplaced details, can significantly increase a coin’s worth.
4. What is the most expensive error quarter ever sold?
The 1970-S Proof Quarter struck on a Canadian coin is one of the most valuable, selling for over $35,000. However, some double die and off-center error quarters have sold for even higher prices.
5. How should I store valuable quarters?
Store them in a protective holder or coin slab to prevent damage and maintain their value over time.
