The value of a US quarter dollar coin can range considerably, depending on several factors. Most quarters in circulation are worth their face value of 25 cents . However, certain characteristics can make a quarter significantly more valuable to collectors.
Here’s a breakdown of factors influencing a US quarter’s value:
- Silver Quarters (pre-1965): Quarters minted in 1964 and earlier were composed of 90% silver. These are inherently worth more than face value due to their silver content, currently around $5.50 (as of August 2025), [according to Hero Bullion].
- Copper-Nickel Clad Quarters (post-1964): Quarters minted from 1965 onwards are made of a copper-nickel clad composition (91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel) and generally hold only face value, unless they possess other desirable characteristics.
- Uncirculated/Mint State (MS): Quarters that have never been used in commerce and remain in pristine condition are graded on the Sheldon Scale (1-70) and can fetch significantly higher prices. A 1964 quarter in uncirculated condition can sell for as much as $6700.
- Circulated: Quarters showing signs of wear from use are typically worth their face value or only a slight premium.
- Older Quarters: Older quarters, particularly those with low mintages or from earlier series like Capped Bust quarters, tend to be more valuable than more recent designs.
- Key Dates: Certain years, known as “key dates”, have lower mintages and are therefore more valuable. For example, the 1932-S Washington Quarter in Almost Uncirculated condition is listed with a typical price of $188 – $313.
- Mint Marks: The mint where a coin was struck can impact its value. Some gold pieces with “C” (Charlotte) or “D” (Donga) mint marks are rare and valuable in any condition.
- Transitional Errors: A particularly valuable type of error, especially for 1965 quarters, are those mistakenly struck on silver planchets from the previous year during the transition to clad coinage. A 1965 quarter graded XF45 and struck on a silver planchet sold at auction in 2022 for $9,300.
- Doubled Die Errors: Coins with a doubled image due to the die being struck twice are highly collectible. An example is the Double Tail 1965 Washington Quarter, with three known copies, two of which sold for $41,000 and $80,000 respectively.
- Off-Center Strikes, Broad Strikes, Struck-Through Errors: Other minting errors, such as off-center strikes (ranging in value from $90 for mint condition 1965 quarters) or broad strikes where the coin’s metal spread beyond its normal boundaries, can also increase a quarter’s value.
In summary
Most quarters in circulation are worth 25 cents. However, if you have a quarter from 1964 or earlier, it’s likely made of silver and will be worth more than face value, based on the current price of silver. Additionally, look closely at your quarters for rare mint marks, errors, or exceptional condition, as these can dramatically increase their value to collectors. If you believe you have a valuable error coin, it’s recommended to have it professionally appraised.
