Quarter Value & Price Guide

Quarters are among the most popular denominations for numismatists due to their large size and historical design transitions. From the classic Standing Liberty to the modern Statehood and America the Beautiful series, these coins offer a diverse entry point for both casual and serious collectors.

History of Quarter

The United States quarter has undergone several iconic transformations since its inception in 1796. The Standing Liberty design, introduced in 1916, is celebrated for its artistic merit, though it was eventually replaced in 1932 by the Washington quarter to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. Originally intended as a one-year commemorative, the Washington design proved so popular it became the permanent face of the denomination. In 1965, due to rising silver prices, the U.S. Mint transitioned the quarter from a 90% silver composition to a copper-nickel clad sandwich. This shift marked a turning point in modern coinage, leading to the massive production runs seen in the 50 State Quarters program and subsequent national park series that revitalized public interest in coin collecting.

Value Factors for Quarter

  • Silver content in pre-1965 issues which tracks with the spot price of precious metals.
  • Minting errors such as double dies or off-center strikes which are highly sought after in modern series.
  • The 'MS' (Mint State) grade assigned by professional services like PCGS or NGC.
  • Low mintage years or specific mint locations that produced fewer surviving specimens.

Tips for Buying Quarter

  • Check for the presence of mint marks like 'S' or 'D' which can significantly increase the value of early 20th-century specimens.
  • Look for 'Full Head' details on Standing Liberty quarters to ensure you are paying for a high-grade strike.
  • Prioritize coins minted in 1964 or earlier as these contain 90% silver, providing inherent bullion value regardless of numismatic rarity.
  • Examine modern proof sets for deep cameo finishes which command higher premiums than standard circulation strikes.

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