10 Most Valuable Quarters

In the world of coin collection, the most valuable quarters are usually secured for coins in mint condition. We’ll explore some of the most valuable quarters that are worth much more than their face value, even if they’ve been taken and used. And we’re going to take a look at some of them, where to begin, we’ve collected a list of the top 10 most valuable quarters. While these may not be found in circulation, they can always be obtained from dealers or through auctions.

List Of Top 10 Most Valuable Quarters

1. 1796 Draped Bust – $1,527,500
2. 1827 Capped Bust – $444,000
3. 1871-CC Seated Liberty – $352,500
4. 1823 Capped Bust – $246,750
5. 1870-CC Seated Liberty – $188,000
6. 1804 Draped Bust – $184,000
7. 1873-CC Liberty Seated – $176,250
8. 1824 Capped Bust – $141,000
9. 1842-O Liberty Seated – $74,750
10. 1822 Capped Bust – $35,250

1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter

Auction Record: $1,527,500

As the sole quarter made in the eighteenth century, the 1796 Draped Bust quarter is the first American-made coin! Due to the small quantity produced of this quarter’s Draped Bust Small Eagle design, it is even more sought-after. Especially rare and valuable is the 1796 quarter, which was minted in extremely limited quantities—just 6,146. Finding this coin can be a challenge.

Year: 1796
Price: $1,527,500 (highest recorded auction price)
Mint: Philadelphia 

2. 1827 Capped Bust Quarter

Auction Record: $444,000

The 1827 Capped Bust quarter has two types of coins and both are more valuable. The first type coin is regarded as an “original” coin which is determined by looking at the two on the reversal of the quarter and in both, the first type coin has a “curl base” and the second type coin is determined the same way, but the second coin has a square or straight base. The first type of coin’s original worth is much more than the last. In 2019, a curled base 2 PR65 graded coin traded for $444,000.

• Year: 1827
• Price: $444,000 (highest recorded auction price)
• Grade: PR65 
• Mint: Philadelphia 

3. 1871 CC Liberty Seated Quarter

Auction Record: $352,500

Among of all the seated liberty quarters in the series, the 1871 CC Liberty Seated Quarter has one of the lowest mintages—just 10,890 were produced. It’s estimated that just 100 of the 10,890 quarters are in excellent condition today, making them highly unusual and desirable additions to any collection. An MS65-graded coin brought $352,500 at auction in 2014.

• Year: 1871
• Mint: CC (Carson City)
• Grade: MS65 (specific example mentioned)
• Price: $352,500 (highest recorded auction price)

4. 1823 Capped Bust Quarter

Auction Record: $246,750

A 3 above a 2 indicates that every 1823 Capped Bust quarter is overrated. This coin is rare and valuable because of its very low mintage of just 17,800 pieces. Only roughly 30 of these coins have been found and graded. For a collection, this coin would be a valued and desired bonus. $246,750 was the sale price of an AU58-graded coin in 2015.

• Year: 1823
• Grade: AU58 (specific example mentioned)
• Price: $246,750 (highest recorded auction price)
• Mint: Philadelphia (assumed, as this was the only mint-producing quarter at the time)

5. 1870 CC Liberty Seated Quarter

Auction Record: $188,000

While the 1870 CC Liberty Seated quarter is rather ordinary, making it more difficult to find, it is not the rarest of the Seated Liberty quarters. The popularity of these coins was increased by the fact that the Carson City Mint started minting Seated Liberty quarters in 1870. The NGC-graded MS64 Eliasberg Specimen is just one known Mint State sample of this coin. A coin with an AU55 grade sold for $188,000 in 2015.

• Year: 1870
• Mint: CC (Carson City)
• Grade: AU55 (specific example mentioned)
• Price: $188,000 (highest recorded auction price)

6. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter

Auction Record: $184,000

The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is a valuable addition with a total mintage of only 6,738 to any coin collection, and it is a stunning rare coin. This coin is attractive in almost any condition, but keep an eye out for excellent examples because the highest-quality specimen can sell for up to $184,000.

• Year: 1804
• Grade: Not available (information not provided)
• Price: $184,000 (highest recorded auction price)
• Mint: Philadelphia (assumed, as this was the only mint-producing quarter at the time)

7. 1873 CC Liberty Seated Quarter

Auction Record: $176,250

The most valuable and rarest quarters that date back to 1873 CC Liberty Seated Quarter are the ones that were minted at the Carson City Mint. Only 12,462 Liberty Seated quarters were made by the Carson City Mint this year. These coins are highly sought after by coin collectors and are fairly hard to find. A coin with an MS64 CAC grade sold for $176,250 in 2015.

• Year: 1873
• Mint: CC (Carson City)
• Grade: MS64 CAC (specific example mentioned)
• Price: $176,250 (highest recorded auction price)

8. 1824 Capped Bust Quarter

Auction Record: $141,000

The 1824 Capped Bust quarter is a highly sought-after coin by coin collectors and a wonderful addition to any collection. It is recognized as scarce in all grades and extremely rare in Mint State conditions. The most recognized example is the Eliasberg Specimen. The 1824 Capped Bust quarter has a unique feature: all of them have overdates, although these are typically hardly noticeable. A coin with an MS64 grade sold for $141,000 in 2015.

• Year: 1824
• Grade: MS64 (specific example mentioned)
• Price: $141,000 (highest recorded auction price)
• Mint: Philadelphia (assumed, as this was the only mint-producing quarter at the time)

9. 1842 O Liberty Seated Quarter

Auction Record: $74,750

There are two types of the 1842 O Liberty Seated quarter: the small date and the large date. Compared to the large date, the 1842 O quarter was far more valuable in small date form. Analyze the number 8 to find the small date; its bottom will be higher than the bottoms of the 1 and the 4. Finding this important date in higher grades can be difficult because it is part of the Seated Liberty series. A coin having a grade of MS63 sold for $74,750 in 2006.

• Year: 1842
• Mint: O (New Orleans)
• Grade: MS63 (specific example mentioned)
• Price: $74,750 (highest recorded auction price)

10. 1822 Capped Bust Quarter

Auction Record: $35,250

There are two versions of the 1822 Capped Bust quarter: the regular date and the 25/50, which is a restrike of the 25-cent value over the reused 50-cent pieces. The regular date 1822 quarter is known to have appeared in approximately 12 Mint State examples. Between 1822 and 1828, there were many re-strikes since the U.S. Mint tended to reuse remaining coins at this period. An MS64-graded coin brought $35,250 at auction in 2015.

• Year: 1822
• Grade: MS64 (specific example mentioned)
• Price: $35,250 (highest recorded auction price)
• Mint: Philadelphia (assumed, as this was the only mint-producing quarter at the time)

Also Read – 10 Most Valuable Nickels

Conclusion:

The world of coin collecting provides a glance into history, with some coins coming in staggering values. While most quarters remain rare specific features like low mintage, mint errors, and exceptional condition can very improve their value. Remember, these are just a few examples, and the value of any coin can fluctuate based on market conditions and specific facts. It’s important to consult with a professional for an accurate estimation.

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