Traveling through time is possible with just a handful of U.S. Quarters coins. Simply holding a silver coin can transport you back to the era of the civil war. And when you have a peace dollar in your hand, you can almost feel the excitement and glamour of the roaring twenties.
The use of authentic coins throughout America’s history provides a unique insight into the country’s journey and offers a story that cannot be told by other artifacts. Today, the quarter dollar coin has become a vital component of the United States economy, used extensively for making change.
When shoppers receive small change like a nickel or penny, they often leave them behind at the register. However, when it comes to quarters, people are more inclined to keep them and stash them away in their pockets or wallets. In this article, we will take a look at the most valuable quarters in the history of the United States.
10. 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter without Drapery – $381,875
In 1838, Christian Gobrecht designed the quarters without an ornamental drapery that extended under Lady Liberty’s left arm.
In 1840, Lady Liberty’s arm was updated to include drapery, resulting in two variations of the Liberty Seated quarter coins. The quantity of these coins produced was based on collector demand, resulting in varying varieties from year to year. Due to its uniqueness and rareness, this coin can fetch high prices at auctions.
9. 1823/2 Proof Capped Bust Quarter – $396,562.50
In the early 1800s, there were some exceptional coins known as 1823 coins. These coins had a pre-punched or over-the-date feature, which makes them distinct. However, purchasing these coins from an auction can be a costly affair.
8. 1805 Draped Bust Quarter – $402,500
In 1805, the United States Mint produced quarters for the third time in history. Bankrate reports that only two other years, 1796 and 1804, saw the creation of roughly 6,000 quarters each. However, in 1805, the mint company produced over 120,000 of these valuable coins. For those who collect quarters at an intermediate level, lower grade versions of these coins are available. But the original specimens are rare, expensive, and have a deep, rich history. Their impeccable condition has driven their value up to half a million dollars.
7. 1850 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter – $460,000
Back in 1850, there was a unique demand from collectors for an increased production of quarters. Answering to this call, the United States Mint Company created a set of rare coins – the 1850 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter. During that year, the mint produced around three proof quarters, which included the noteworthy Liberty Seated quarter.
The PR-68 graded rare coins are extremely sought after by collectors all over the world due to their desirability and pristine condition. These coins are highly popular as many specialists strive to include them in their collections. Interestingly, one such coin was sold for a whopping $460,000 in January 2008 at the Heritage Auctions, Orlando, and FUN Signature Coin Auction.
6. 1873 CC Liberty Seated Quarter without Arrows – $470,000
Back in 1873, the US mint produced more than a million CC Liberty Seated Quarters with two arrowheads on the side. However, reports from Littleton Coin Company indicate that only five of them were made without the arrowhead. The purpose of the arrows was to signify a slight weight increase in the coin, from 6.22 to 6.25 grams. Despite the small difference, these coins from Carson City hold a certain allure due to their scarcity and historical significance, which has resulted in their values skyrocketing.
5. 1839 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter without Drapery – $517,000
Lady Liberty’s left arm lacks ornamental drapery in the design of these rare quarters. The coins’ appeal lies in their mirror-like fields and steel-blue toning that makes them visually attractive. Advanced quarter collectors who desire to add these quarters to their collection will have to pay a steep price of almost half a million dollars when the coins are auctioned.
4. 1901 S Barber Quarter – $550,000
The 1901 quarter is a highly sought-after coin collection that comes with a hefty price tag regardless of its condition. Interestingly, the popularity of this coin was not as widespread when it was sold by Superior Galleries in 1990. Nowadays, when these coins are certified, they can fetch a significant amount due to their stunning and pristine condition. In fact, they recently set a new record of $550,000 during the period between 19 and 22 November 2020.
3. 1807 Draped Bust Quarter – $630,000
In 1807, the mint company was on the verge of producing 250,000 quarters of various types. The quality of materials used to create these coins resulted in the most attractive Draped Bust quarter to ever come out of production.
2. 1827/3/2 Proof Capped Bust Quarter -$705,000
In 1827, the mint in Philadelphia produced a unique coin known as the Proof Capped Bust Quarter. This coin was minted with an over-date, using the original die that was also used to make the 1822 and 1823 quarters. To create the 1827 quarter, the die was modified by replacing the numerical 3 with 7. These coins possess a remarkable mirrored field and frosted cameo devices on their surface, adding to their flashy and appealing appearance. As a result, their value has skyrocketed to over three-quarters of a million dollars.
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter – $1,740,000
In accordance with the Mint Act of 1792, the Draped Bust Quarter was created. Spruce Craft states that the production of various silver denominations, including half dimes, quarters, dimes, a half dollar, and silver dollar, commenced in 1796. It is estimated that there are only around 700 of the trial quarters that were minted in existence today, according to experts.
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is a precious gem, with its rarity contributing to its great value. This coin has been meticulously preserved and safeguarded for over two centuries, ensuring its immaculate condition. The high-quality materials used to produce this coin have made it the most coveted quarter in the United States.
Bottom line
Although these ten rare quarters are considered to be some of the most valuable in United States history, they are also quite scarce. Collectors may need to spend years searching for the complete set, but the hunt itself can be a thrilling experience. Finally discovering one of these rare quarters can be incredibly rewarding.
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