Today the US quarter dollar does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to making change with coins. But that wasn't always the case. Copper cents were the first coins made by the US Mint in 1793 followed by silver half dimes (5¢), half dollars and dollars in 1794. At a time when most daily purchases were priced in cents and a half dollar could represent a day's wages, dimes and quarters weren't in high demand, so production didn't begin until 1796. Early production of quarters was extremely low—it was even suspended until 1804 and again from 1808 to 1815—making early quarters scarce and valuable.
Varieties of Quarters
For a coin that's been in circulation for nearly 225 years, the quarter's design has varied little. The coin's authorizing legislation specified that the obverse (face) of the coin would depict Liberty, the goddess of freedom, and the reverse would display an eagle.
In its first 134 years of existence, six major variations were produced, mainly identified by how Liberty was portrayed. These included:
- Draped Bust (1796 - 1807)
- Capped Bust (1815 - 1838)
- Liberty Seated (1838 - 1891)
- Barber (Bust wearing a freedman's cap, 1892 - 1916)
- Standing Liberty (1916 - 1930)
In 1932, after a two-year suspension during the Great Depression, a new design featuring a bust of George Washington debuted in celebration of the bicentennial of the First President's birth. It continued to carry an American eagle on the reverse until 1999 when state, territory, and landmark designs replaced it.
The Most Valuable Quarters
The market for collectible coins is constantly changing, so any list of the most valuable is subject more recent changes, but according to at least one source, these coins represent the highest prices paid for US quarters through the end of 2018. Descriptions note mintmark (if any) and sub-varieties where applicable.
| Rank | Description | Sale Amount | Sale Date |
1 |
1796 Draped Bust Quarter |
$1,527,500 |
Nov 2013 |
2 |
1827/3/2 Proof Capped Bust Quarter – Overdate |
$705,000 |
May 2015 |
3 |
1901-S Barber Quarter |
$550,000 |
May 1990 |
4 |
1839 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter - No Drapery |
$517,500 |
Apr 2008 |
5 |
1873-CC Liberty Seated Quarter - No Arrows |
$470,000 |
Aug 2012 |
Collecting Quarters
As with all coins, rarity and condition dictate prices for collectible quarters. The earlier Liberty quarters sell for over $200,000 in top condition, and 19th century coins, while not terribly rare, can be quite valuable for small mintages. On the other hand, quarters of most designs and mintages are not that hard to find in good-to-excellent condition without breaking the bank.
For more information about the 200-plus year history of quarters, their rarity and values, see the PCGS Coin Facts website.
