Rare Quarters For Sale

The U.S. Mint has issued many interesting and rare quarter coins over the years. You probably have some in your pocket or nightstand right now. Yes, they used to be handy for pinball and jukeboxes in simpler times, but quarters can also be valuable especially error coins like the recent Wisconsin extra leaf quarter. Check out useful information on U.S. quarters including those sought after silver pre-1964 Washingtons. Every coin collector should have one good example of each of these quarters. 

America the Beautiful (2010-Now)

DC & US Territories (2009)

U.S. State Quarters (1999-2008)

Washington Quarters (1932-1998)

Standing Liberty Quarters (1916-1930)

Barber Quarters (1892-1916)

Seated Liberty Quarters (1838-1891)

Capped Bust Quarters (1815-1838)

The U.S. quarter, a coin ingrained in the fabric of American commerce, has a history as fascinating as the nation it represents. From its humble beginnings to the varied designs we see today, the quarter has evolved over time, becoming more than just 25 cents in currency.

Inception: The Birth of the Quarter

The U.S. Mint first introduced the quarter in 1796, as a silver coin featuring the Draped Bust design on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Initially, the quarter had a weight of 6.74 grams, and its composition included 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. Over the years, the quarter has undergone numerous design changes and compositional adjustments.

The Seated Liberty Era: Mid-19th Century

The mid-19th century brought the Seated Liberty design to the quarter, featuring a seated Lady Liberty on the obverse and various iterations of the eagle on the reverse. This design endured for several decades, from 1838 to 1891, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of its time.

Barber and the Turn of the Century: Late 19th to Early 20th Century

Charles E. Barber’s design took center stage at the turn of the century. The Barber Quarter, named after its designer, was minted from 1892 to 1916. Its obverse featured a bust of Liberty facing right, while the reverse showcased an eagle with wings spread. The Barber Quarter marked a departure from the elaborate designs of the Seated Liberty era, offering a more conservative aesthetic.

The Iconic Washington Quarter: 1932 – Present

Perhaps the most iconic of all quarter designs is the Washington Quarter. Introduced in 1932 to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth, this design quickly became a symbol of American currency. The obverse features a left-facing profile of the first president, while the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings. Over the years, the Washington Quarter has seen various modifications, including changes to its metal composition and design details.

Fun Facts About the US Quarter:

1. State Quarters Program: In 1999, the U.S. Mint launched the State Quarters Program, one of the most popular coin programs in history. Over a period of 10 years, the Mint released quarters featuring unique designs representing each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
2. Bicentennial Quarters: In 1976, to celebrate the United States’ bicentennial, the U.S. Mint issued special quarters with unique reverse designs. The obverse retained George Washington’s profile, while the reverse featured a colonial drummer and a torch encircled by 13 stars.
3. Copper Nickel Composition: Since 1965, the composition of the quarter has shifted from a silver-copper alloy to a copper-nickel clad composition. The outer layer consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a pure copper core. This change was part of an effort to reduce production costs.
4. The Rare 1932-D Quarter: The 1932-D Washington Quarter holds a special place among collectors. With a low mintage and the distinction of being the first year of issue, the 1932-D quarter is considered a key date and is highly sought after in the numismatic community.
5. America the Beautiful Quarters: Following the success of the State Quarters Program, the U.S. Mint introduced the America the Beautiful Quarters Program in 2010. This ongoing series features designs representing national parks and other significant sites across the United States.

The U.S. quarter, a small piece of currency, carries within it a rich tapestry of history and cultural significance. From the early days of Draped Bust and Seated Liberty designs to the enduring legacy of George Washington on the Washington Quarter, this coin has witnessed the nation’s growth and change. Whether in the pockets of everyday Americans or collected by numismatists, the quarter continues to be a symbol of the United States’ economic vitality and enduring spirit.