You Might Be Carrying a Fortune: 3 Rare Quarters Worth Big Money
The spare change in your pocket might be worth far more than 25 cents. Tucked among the ordinary coins are rare quarters that have stunned the coin-collecting world with their unexpected value. Some of these coins—like the 2021 Crossing the Delaware quarter, the 1976 Bicentennial quarter, and the 2022 Maya Angelou quarter—have sold for thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars. Whether you’ve been collecting for years or are simply curious about the coins in your piggy bank, these are three you’ll want to look out for.
The 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter
A Classic Look with Rare Surprises
After the America the Beautiful series ended, the U.S. Mint introduced a new design in 2021 that paid tribute to history. This quarter features a dynamic depiction of George Washington guiding his troops across the icy Delaware River—an event etched in American Revolutionary history.
What Makes It Special?
Though the artwork alone makes this coin memorable, it’s the rare minting errors that have drawn collector attention and significantly raised value.
Doubled Die Errors: Certain versions from the Denver Mint show noticeable doubled letters, especially in phrases like “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Depending on how clear the error is and the coin’s condition, values can range from $500 to as much as $5,000.
Wrong Planchet Errors: Some of these quarters were struck on blanks meant for other coins, such as dimes or foreign currency. These highly uncommon mistakes have been valued from $10,000 to $15,000 or even higher in some cases.
Unusual Strikethroughs and Die Chips: In some versions, errors in the minting process have resulted in strange appearances, including Washington seemingly wearing a helmet. These can sell for $200 to $3,000, depending on their uniqueness.
High-Graded Specimens (MS68–MS70): Mint State coins in nearly flawless condition are extremely desirable. Some have sold for over $5,000, and a perfect MS70 could potentially surpass $100,000 if discovered.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Celebrating America’s 200th Anniversary
In 1976, the U.S. celebrated its 200th year of independence by issuing a specially designed quarter. The coin features a colonial drummer on the reverse, along with a torch flanked by 13 stars representing the original colonies. Its double date “1776–1976” makes it easy to identify and a nostalgic favorite among collectors.
Why They’re Worth Collecting:
While these quarters are common, some versions hold hidden value due to rare production errors and special compositions.
Minting Errors: Misprints such as off-center designs, clipped edges, or doubled lettering are particularly desirable. These anomalies can increase a quarter’s value to between $500 and $5,000, depending on rarity and condition.
Rare Silver Clad Editions: A limited number of these coins—particularly those from the Denver Mint—were accidentally struck on 40% silver planchets that were intended for collector sets. These error coins can fetch between $10,000 and $15,000 or more.
Premium Condition Coins: A nearly perfect Bicentennial quarter graded MS68 once sold for more than $6,400. Coins with crisp details, such as a sharply defined drum or deep cameo contrast, can reach values upwards of $20,000–$30,000.
Untapped Error Potential: If a previously unreported minting error or a flawless MS70 quarter is found, it could easily sell for more than $100,000 at a top-tier auction.
The 2022 Maya Angelou Quarter
Honoring a Literary and Civil Rights Icon
The 2022 Maya Angelou quarter launched the American Women Quarters program and celebrates the legacy of the renowned poet and activist. The reverse shows Angelou with her arms uplifted, inspired by the themes of hope and liberation in her famous work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Valuable Variants to Look For:
This coin is more than just a tribute—it has become a treasure for collectors, particularly those hunting rare and valuable errors.
Doubled Dies: Even minor doubling of letters or elements in the design can lead to significant increases in value, with some coins being worth anywhere from several hundred dollars to a few thousand.
Struck-Through Errors: If debris or grease interferes with the minting process, it can leave unique impressions. These one-off markings make each coin distinct and can push their worth to as much as $2,500.
Die Cracks and Off-Center Strikes: Flaws like cracks in the die or off-center images create a uniqueness that collectors prize. These features can substantially raise a coin’s desirability and price.
Top-Grade Examples (MS67+): Maya Angelou quarters in high mint state, particularly those graded by respected services such as PCGS or NGC, have brought in nearly $10,000 in sales due to their pristine condition and cultural relevance.
Conclusion: That Quarter Could Be a Treasure
The next time you grab a handful of change, take a closer look—you might be holding something extraordinary. The 2021 Delaware crossing quarter, the 1976 Bicentennial edition, and the 2022 Maya Angelou release all have versions that are highly sought after and surprisingly valuable.
Key Points to Remember:
Rare minting errors and excellent condition can turn a seemingly ordinary coin into one worth thousands—or even more. Look for signs like doubling, wrong planchets, and MS68+ grades to spot valuable finds. It’s always worth inspecting your change—you never know when you’ll uncover something remarkable.
What Should You Do Next?
If you believe you’ve found a rare or error coin, the first step is to have it examined by a professional. Reputable grading companies like PCGS and NGC can authenticate and grade your coin, potentially boosting its market value.
Have a Rare Find?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your story in the comments and let us know if you’ve discovered something unique.
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FAQs
How can I tell if I have a valuable quarter?
Look closely for striking anomalies such as doubled text, unusual images, or perfect surfaces. Use a magnifying tool and compare against verified resources like PCGS or NGC.
What do MS68 and MS69 mean?
These are Mint State grading scores that indicate how well-preserved a coin is. Coins with such high grades—especially when officially certified—can be worth thousands of dollars.
Are all Bicentennial or Maya Angelou quarters worth more?
Not all of them. Only certain error versions or those in top-tier condition tend to be significantly more valuable.
How do I spot a doubled die?
You might see what looks like a faint echo or duplication in letters or numbers, often around “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” When in doubt, consult an expert or use certified guides.
Where can I sell a rare quarter?
Online auction sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections are solid options. You can also consider local coin shows or dealers—especially if your coin has been officially graded.