Overview
This transcript explores the stories behind several rare and highly valuable Washington quarters, detailing their history, unique minting errors or exceptional conditions, and how these factors have led to multi-million dollar auction results. Each coin discussed serves as a reminder of the unexpected value that can be hidden in everyday pocket change.
1999 D Mint Mark Delaware Quarter
- Part of the first year of the 50 States Quarters Program, featuring Caesar Rodney on horseback.
- Some coins struck with a prominent double die obverse error.
- A perfect specimen sold at auction for $1.5 million due to this rare error.
- Collectors are advised to inspect the coin for doubled text or blurry images, especially on “Liberty” and the date.
1995 No Mint Mark Quarter
- Typical quarters from this year have a “D” mint mark, but a small batch was struck without one.
- Production error at the Denver Mint led to the missing mint mark, making these coins extremely rare.
- One such coin reached $1.3 million at auction due to its rarity and demand.
1996 P Mint Mark Quarter
- Minted in Philadelphia with unusually low survival rates for high-quality coins.
- Pristine, uncirculated examples graded MS67 or higher are highly sought after and have sold for up to $1.2 million.
- Key indicators include sharp details, full luster, and lack of wear.
1998 D Mint Mark Quarter
- Features standard Washington quarter design, but rare coins have notable errors (e.g., double die, die cracks).
- Notably valuable specimen had a pronounced double die error and fetched $1.5 million at auction.
- Only a handful exist, and their value is driven by both rarity and condition.
1996 No Mint Mark Quarter
- Some Philadelphia-minted quarters mysteriously lack any mint mark due to a production error.
- Highly prized in the collector market for their rarity, with auction prices reaching $1.3 million.
2000 D Mint Mark Quarter (Virginia State)
- Error coin, possibly struck on the wrong planchet or double struck; only one such error known.
- Graded MS67 or higher and sold privately for $1.4 million.
- Standard 2000-D quarters have much lower value unless rare errors are present.
2005 P Mint Mark Quarter (West Virginia)
- Rare error coin graded MS69 by PCGS, among the highest for the series.
- Combined with unique minting flaws, it sold for $1.5 million.
- Most 2005-P quarters are worth face value unless in perfect condition or with unique errors.
2005 S Mint Mark Quarter (Proof)
- Struck at the San Francisco Mint for collector proof sets; some feature unintended finishes or planchet errors.
- One error coin in top condition sold for $1.4 million.
- Collectors should look for mirror-like finish, S mint mark, and unusual features.
1997 S Mint Mark Quarter (Proof)
- Limited production proof coin from San Francisco with mirror finish and crisp detail.
- Fewer than 5,000 in high grades remain; a PR70 Deep Cameo graded coin sold for $1.2 million.
1960 No Mint Mark Quarter
- Struck at Philadelphia, primarily silver composition.
- A single coin earned $1.3 million due to its MS67+ grade and nearly flawless condition.
- Silver content adds baseline value; exceptional preservation increases worth dramatically.
1961 No Mint Mark Quarter
- Also Philadelphia-minted, silver coin.
- Perfect grade MS67+ coins are extremely rare and one sold for $1.3 million.
- Key features include no visible flaws and original luster.
1962 No Mint Mark Quarter
- Last years of 90% silver composition from Philadelphia.
- An MS68 graded specimen with a unique striking error realized $1.5 million at auction.
1963 D Mint Mark Quarter
- Denver-minted silver coin, highest specimen graded MS68+ sold for $1.5 million.
- Rare errors like double die or repunched mint marks add further value.
Recommendations / Advice
- Inspect all older Washington quarters for errors, luster, sharp details, and unusual mint marks.
- Have potentially valuable coins professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
- Most highly valuable coins feature a combination of rarity, exceptional condition, and unique errors.
- Regularly check pocket change and inherited collections for unexpected treasures.