Most Valuable Quarters: Rarest Dates, Value Chart and Collector Tips for 2026
U.S. quarters are among the most widely used and recognizable coins in American history. First minted in 1796, quarters have circulated through wars, economic booms, and major monetary shifts. While most quarters remain worth only face value, a small group of rare dates, mint marks, and high-grade survivors can command tens of thousands — and in some cases, hundreds of thousands — of dollars at auction.
For collectors in 2026, understanding which quarters are genuinely scarce is critical. True value comes from rarity, condition, and sustained collector demand — not hype.
In this in-depth 2026 guide, you’ll discover:
- The rarest and most valuable U.S. quarters
- What drives quarter prices and grading premiums
- A practical quarter value chart for 2026
- Tips for building a smart, long-term collection
Top 5 Most Valuable Quarters (2026 Value Guide)
| Date | Mint / Type | Key Features | XF–AU Value | MS-60+ Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796 | Draped Bust | First-year issue; extremely low mintage | $25,000 – $55,000 | $200,000+ |
| 1804 | Draped Bust | Early silver rarity; limited survivors | $15,000 – $35,000 | $150,000+ |
| 1870-CC | Seated Liberty | Carson City rarity | $20,000 – $45,000 | $300,000+ |
| 1916 | Standing Liberty | First year; low mintage | $3,500 – $7,000 | $30,000 – $110,000+ |
| 1932-D | Washington | Key date of series | $250 – $600 | $6,000 – $35,000+ |
What Are U.S. Quarters?
U.S. quarters have been minted for more than two centuries and feature several iconic designs:
- Draped Bust (1796–1807)
- Capped Bust (1815–1838)
- Seated Liberty (1838–1891)
- Barber (1892–1916)
- Standing Liberty (1916–1930)
- Washington (1932–present)
Most quarters minted before 1965 contain 90% silver, weighing 6.25 grams with 0.1808 troy ounces of silver.
Collectors prize quarters for their:
- Long, uninterrupted U.S. history
- Wide variety of classic designs
- Silver content in earlier issues
- Strong collectibility by date, mint mark, and condition
What Determines the Value of a Quarter?
Rarity
Low-mintage years, branch mint issues, and short production runs significantly increase scarcity. Carson City (CC) quarters remain among the most desirable.
Condition and Grade
High-grade examples can be worth many multiples of circulated coins. Certification from PCGS or NGC adds market confidence and improves liquidity.
Strike Quality
For Standing Liberty quarters, the Full Head (FH) designation can multiply value due to weak original strikes.
Silver Price
Although rare quarters trade far above melt value, silver price trends influence demand for common-date silver issues.
Market Demand
Registry competition, auction records, and collector sentiment can quickly elevate specific dates.
The 5 Most Valuable Quarters Explained
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- Mintage: 6,146
- Why it’s rare: First year of issue with extremely low survival rates
- Value Range:
- XF–AU: $25,000 – $55,000
- MS-60+: $200,000+
A foundational coin of early American silver.
1804 Draped Bust Quarter
- Mintage: 6,738
- Why it’s rare: Limited production and heavy early circulation
- Value Range:
- XF–AU: $15,000 – $35,000
- MS-60+: $150,000+
Highly sought after by early U.S. type collectors.
1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
- Mintage: 8,340
- Why it’s rare: One of the rarest Carson City silver issues
- Value Range:
- XF–AU: $20,000 – $45,000
- MS-60+: $300,000+
A legendary Western-mint rarity.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
- Mintage: 52,000
- Why it’s rare: First year with limited production
- Value Range:
- XF–AU: $3,500 – $7,000
- MS-60+: $30,000 – $110,000+
A cornerstone of the Standing Liberty series.
1932-D Washington Quarter
- Mintage: 436,800
- Why it’s rare: Key date of the Washington series
- Value Range:
- XF–AU: $250 – $600
- MS-60+: $6,000 – $35,000+
The most famous modern-era key-date quarter.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY SEAT COINSQuarter Value Chart (2026)
| Date / Type | XF–AU Value | MS-60+ Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust | $25,000 – $55,000 | $200,000+ |
| 1804 Draped Bust | $15,000 – $35,000 | $150,000+ |
| 1870-CC Seated Liberty | $20,000 – $45,000 | $300,000+ |
| 1916 Standing Liberty | $3,500 – $7,000 | $30,000 – $110,000+ |
| 1932-D Washington | $250 – $600 | $6,000 – $35,000+ |
Values reflect early-2026 auction results and prevailing collector market conditions. Always confirm pricing with recent sales or a professional appraiser.
Best Quarters to Collect
Affordable Semi-Key Dates
- 1932-S Washington
- 1927-S Standing Liberty
Strong demand without extreme entry prices.
Standing Liberty Focus
- Prioritize Full Head (FH) examples
- Dates from 1916–1924 show consistent long-term strength
Silver Type Set
- One quarter from each major design
- Ideal for collectors seeking historical depth
2026 Market Trends for Quarters
- Continued strength in early U.S. silver type coins
- Standing Liberty quarters with Full Head details setting new auction highs
- Registry competition pushing premium Washington quarters upward
- Silver volatility continuing to bring new collectors into pre-1965 coinage
Quarters remain one of the most approachable — and quietly powerful — segments of U.S. numismatics.
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GoldSilverStacks Take on Valuable Quarters
The most valuable quarters sit at the intersection of American history, genuine scarcity, and real silver value. While headline rarities dominate attention, disciplined collectors can still build meaningful collections by focusing on condition, certification, and long-term demand.
Buy quality, avoid shortcuts, and let time do the work.
