Coin collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s a journey through time, a celebration of artistry, and in some rare cases, a gateway to millions. Among the countless coins minted throughout American history, a select few stand out not only for their age and rarity but for the jaw-dropping price tags they command. Leading this elite group is the legendary 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, whose unique features and historical value have pushed its worth to nearly $11 million.
But the Bicentennial Quarter is just the beginning. In this article, we’ll uncover eight of the most valuable U.S. quarters, all appraised at over $10 million each. These coins are the crown jewels of numismatics—coveted for their scarcity, minting anomalies, and historical significance
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter — Valued at Nearly $11 Million
Commemorating 200 years of American independence, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a numismatic legend. While millions were minted for circulation, one rare version sets itself apart—a special strike on a 90% silver planchet, which was mistakenly used during production.
What makes this coin particularly alluring is the combination of historical symbolism and minting error. A coin that was supposed to be everyday currency turned into a multimillion-dollar rarity.
Estimated Value: Nearly $11 million
Rarity Factor: Extremely high due to minting error
Notable Feature: Struck on pre-1965 silver planchet
2. 1932-D Washington Quarter — Worth $10.5 Million
The Denver-minted 1932 Washington Quarter marks the very beginning of the Washington series, replacing the Standing Liberty design. With only 436,800 coins minted, its rarity alone elevates its value—but add pristine condition and demand, and you’ve got a million-dollar marvel.
Collectors clamor for this coin, especially when found in mint-state condition, pushing its value well into eight digits.
Estimated Value: $10.5 million
Mintage: 436,800
Significance: First in Washington series, scarce issue
3. 1932-S Washington Quarter — Valued at $10.3 Million
Like its Denver counterpart, the San Francisco 1932-S Quarter is another early and rare entry in the Washington series. With an even lower mintage—just 408,000 coins—this coin has become one of the most sought-after pieces in American numismatics.
Collectors love this quarter not only for its scarcity but for the way it preserves the early legacy of Washington imagery on U.S. coinage.
Estimated Value: $10.3 million
Mintage: 408,000
Desirability: High due to low mint numbers and historical value
4. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter — Priced at $10.2 Million
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is a relic of early American coinage. As the first quarter ever produced by the U.S. Mint, it holds a place of honor in the hearts of collectors and historians alike.
Only 6,146 coins were minted, featuring a small eagle on the reverse. Surviving examples in good condition are extraordinarily rare, making them worth millions.
Estimated Value: $10.2 million
Mintage: 6,146
Historical Importance: First-ever U.S. quarter, early Federal design
5. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter — Valued at $10.1 Million
What makes the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter unique is its overdate error. A numeral 3 was struck over a 2, a mistake that makes the coin a prized collector’s item.
Add in the fact that only a limited number were ever minted—and even fewer survived—and you have a perfect storm of rarity and intrigue.
Estimated Value: $10.1 million
Rarity: Extremely high due to overdate error
Collectors’ Appeal: Minting anomaly adds unique value
6. 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter — Worth $10.05 Million
Unlike business strikes, proof coins were produced with meticulous care and were often intended as presentation pieces. The 1838 Liberty Seated Quarter in proof finish is among the rarest of its kind, with only a handful known to exist.
The artistry, detail, and history behind this coin make it a dream piece for advanced collectors.
Estimated Value: $10.05 million
Quantity Known: Very few
Rarity Type: Proof-only, exquisite craftsmanship
7. 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter — Priced at $10.04 Million
The 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter is shrouded in mystery. While it was supposedly minted in San Francisco, no official records confirm its existence—yet a few have surfaced, making it one of the most enigmatic coins in American history.
Its allure lies in its mystery as much as its scarcity, with collectors viewing it as a hidden treasure from the past.
Estimated Value: $10.04 million
Mystery Factor: No official mintage records
Known Examples: Only a few
8. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter — Valued at $10.01 Million
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is celebrated for its striking design and limited release. Only 52,000 were produced, making it the rarest issue of the series. Its depiction of Liberty in flowing robes is often hailed as one of the most beautiful in U.S. coinage history.
Its scarcity, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, makes it one of the most valuable quarters of the 20th century.
Estimated Value: $10.01 million
Mintage: 52,000
Design Significance: Artistic and symbolic representation of Liberty
Comparative Table of Million-Dollar Quarters
| Coin | Estimated Value | Mintage / Quantity | Key Feature / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Nearly $11M | Unknown | Minted on silver planchet by error |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $10.5M | 436,800 | First Washington quarter, rare Denver issue |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | $10.3M | 408,000 | Low-mintage San Francisco issue |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | $10.2M | 6,146 | First U.S. quarter, small eagle reverse |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | $10.1M | Unknown | Overdate error makes it a unique collector’s piece |
| 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter | $10.05M | Few | Proof-only issue, exceptional detail |
| 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter | $10.04M | Few (unrecorded) | Mystery coin with no confirmed records |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | $10.01M | 52,000 | Iconic design, limited mintage |
Final Thoughts
These coins are more than just currency—they’re windows into America’s past, minted during defining moments in U.S. history. Their rarity, design, and unique stories have turned them into treasures that transcend generations.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or someone with a curious eye for history, these quarters serve as a powerful reminder that even the smallest artifacts can carry immense value—not just in dollars, but in legacy.
So the next time you’re handed a quarter, take a second look. You just might be holding history in your hands.