The Ultimate 2026 Guide to All U.S. Quarters: History, Types, Values, Rare Coins, Mintage and Price Chart

The United States quarter dollar has been an important part of American coinage since the first federal quarters were struck in 1796. Valued at 25 cents, the quarter has changed dramatically during more than two centuries of production. Early examples were made primarily of silver and featured symbolic images of Liberty, while modern quarters use copper-nickel clad construction and frequently celebrate American history, places, events, and influential people.

For collectors, U.S. quarters offer one of the broadest areas of American numismatics. Some common modern quarters remain worth exactly 25 cents, while rare dates, scarce mint marks, important varieties, exceptional grades, and genuine mint errors can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This 2026 guide covers the major U.S. quarter types, important mintages, silver composition, key dates, valuable varieties, modern collectible quarters, and approximate market values.

History of the United States Quarter

Congress authorized American coinage through the Coinage Act of 1792, but the first quarter dollars were not produced until 1796. The earliest quarters were struck at Philadelphia and were substantially different from today's coins.

From 1796 through 1930, Liberty was the dominant figure on the obverse. George Washington first appeared on the denomination in 1932. Washington remained closely associated with the quarter for decades, although reverse designs began changing frequently starting with the 50 State Quarters Program in 1999.

Silver was used in standard circulating quarters through 1964. Beginning in 1965, regular circulation quarters changed to a copper core covered by copper-nickel outer layers.

Draped Bust Quarters: 1796–1807

The Draped Bust quarter was the first U.S. quarter design. The 1796 coin displays Liberty on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse. Only 6,146 examples were produced, immediately making the first-year quarter one of America's important early coin rarities.

Production resumed in 1804 with a redesigned heraldic eagle reverse and continued through 1807. Mintages remained tiny compared with modern coin production. The 1807 issue, for example, had a mintage of approximately 220,643 pieces.

Collectors prize Draped Bust quarters because of their age, low survival rate, historical significance, and limited original production. Even heavily worn genuine examples can command substantial premiums.

Capped Bust Quarters: 1815–1838

After several years without quarter production, the denomination returned in 1815 with the Capped Bust design. Liberty wears a cloth cap on the obverse, while an eagle appears on the reverse.

Capped Bust quarters were made in relatively small quantities, and several dates and varieties are highly scarce. The famous 1827 issue has a reported original mintage of only 4,000 pieces, although surviving genuine examples are far fewer.

Collectors also study these coins by die marriage, overdate, and other small design differences. Professionally authenticated examples of the rarest varieties can reach extraordinary prices.

Liberty Seated Quarters: 1838–1891

The Liberty Seated quarter became one of the longest-running quarter designs in U.S. history. Liberty is shown seated while holding a shield and staff.

Several design variations appeared during the series, including No Motto coins, Arrows and Rays issues, Arrows at Date varieties, and coins carrying the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

One of the greatest rarities is the 1873-CC No Arrows quarter from the Carson City Mint. Only 4,000 were originally produced, and very few genuine examples survive. The series also includes numerous low-mintage Carson City, San Francisco, and New Orleans issues.

Most Liberty Seated quarters contain 90% silver and 10% copper.

Barber Quarters: 1892–1916

Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Barber quarter features a classical portrait of Liberty on the front and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Three San Francisco issues dominate collector interest. The 1896-S had a mintage of approximately 188,039 coins, the 1901-S only 72,664, and the 1913-S just 40,000.

The 1913-S is the lowest-mintage regular business-strike Barber quarter. All three key dates can be expensive even when heavily circulated, while attractive higher-grade examples can bring much stronger prices.

Standing Liberty Quarters: 1916–1930

The Standing Liberty quarter introduced a dramatic new design by sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil. Liberty stands holding a shield and an olive branch, while an eagle appears on the reverse.

The great key date is the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter. Only 52,000 were struck, making it one of the lowest-mintage regular U.S. coins of the twentieth century.

The design was modified during 1917, and the date position was improved in 1925 because earlier dates tended to wear away rapidly. Collectors frequently pay premiums for sharply struck examples displaying strong head detail, commonly described as Full Head coins.

Washington Silver Quarters: 1932–1964

The Washington quarter debuted in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth. John Flanagan's portrait of Washington became one of America's most familiar coin designs.

The two principal key dates are the 1932-D and 1932-S.

These are the only two regular Washington quarters from the original silver series with mintages below one million.

Washington quarters dated 1932 through 1964 generally contain 90% silver and 10% copper. Each standard silver quarter contains approximately 0.1808 troy ounce of silver when calculated from original specifications.

Because silver prices change constantly, even common-date circulated examples can be worth considerably more than their 25-cent face value.

Clad Washington Quarters: 1965–1998

Rising silver prices led the United States to remove silver from regular circulating quarters beginning in 1965. The new coins used outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core.

Most circulated quarters from this era are common, but condition, proof status, varieties, and mint errors can create significant premiums.

The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is especially popular. These coins carry the dual date 1776–1976 and feature a colonial drummer on the reverse. No quarter dated simply 1975 was issued; quarters manufactured for the Bicentennial design carry the dual date.

Ordinary circulated Bicentennial quarters are generally common. However, special San Francisco collector issues were produced in both clad and 40% silver versions.

50 State Quarters and U.S. Territories: 1999–2009

The 50 State Quarters Program transformed modern coin collecting. Five new state designs were released annually from 1999 through 2008.

In 2009, six additional quarters represented the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

Most were produced in very large quantities and remain common in circulated condition. Nevertheless, pristine high-grade coins and recognized varieties can carry premiums.

One of the most famous is the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter with an Extra Leaf High or Extra Leaf Low variety near the corn stalk. Genuine certified examples can sell for significantly more than ordinary Wisconsin quarters.

America the Beautiful Quarters: 2010–2021

The America the Beautiful Quarters Program featured national parks and other significant American sites.

A particularly important development occurred in 2019 when the West Point Mint produced 10 million quarters for circulation—two million of each of the year's five designs. These coins carry the W mint mark and were intentionally mixed into normal circulating quarter supplies.

West Point quarters returned in 2020. The 2020-W coins also carry a special V75 privy mark honoring the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Circulated W quarters are therefore worth checking carefully because they were issued in much smaller numbers than standard Philadelphia and Denver quarters.

The final America the Beautiful design, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, was released in 2021.

Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter: 2021

Later in 2021, the quarter temporarily featured George Washington crossing the Delaware River on the reverse.

This one-year design served as a transition between the America the Beautiful series and the American Women Quarters Program.

Ordinary circulated examples are generally worth face value, although superbly preserved coins and important mint errors may command premiums.

American Women Quarters: 2022–2025

The American Women Quarters Program ran for four years from 2022 through 2025, with five different honorees appearing annually.

The series recognized women whose achievements influenced fields such as science, civil rights, politics, aviation, the arts, education, sports, and social reform.

The 2025 issues were the final American Women Quarters and honored Ida B. Wells, Juliette Gordon Low, Vera Rubin, Stacey Park Milbern, and Althea Gibson.

Because these coins are modern and widely collected, ordinary circulated Philadelphia and Denver issues are generally worth face value today. Exceptional Mint State coins, proof issues, scarce errors, and unusual varieties may be more valuable.

2026 Semiquincentennial Quarters

The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, and the quarter received five special one-year historical themes.

The designs represent the Mayflower Compact, Revolutionary War, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Gettysburg Address.

Unlike the traditional Washington-quarter format, the 2026 designs use different historical figures or symbolic scenes on their obverses to complement the reverse themes. The coins also carry the dual date 1776–2026.

Because 2026 production is still part of the current minting year, final circulating mintage totals should not be treated as complete until official production figures are finalized.

Collectors may wish to preserve high-quality Philadelphia and Denver examples of every design while they remain easy to obtain.

Important Low-Mintage U.S. Quarters

Mintage alone does not determine value. Survival rates, grade, demand, strike quality, and rarity within a particular condition can be equally important.

2026 U.S. Quarter Value and Price Guide

Approximate collector values vary significantly with grade and certification.

These figures are general 2026 collector ranges rather than guaranteed selling prices. Grade, authenticity, surface quality, certification, and current demand can dramatically affect market value.

Valuable Quarter Errors and Varieties

Modern quarters should be examined for genuine minting abnormalities rather than ordinary circulation damage. Valuable examples may include dramatic off-center strikes, double strikes, wrong-planchet errors, missing clad layers, major doubled dies, and recognized die varieties.

The 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low quarters remain among the best-known modern varieties. West Point quarters from 2019 and 2020 are also frequently removed from circulation because of their relatively low production.

Not every unusual-looking quarter is an error. Scratches, flattened rims, corrosion, discoloration, damaged lettering, and altered surfaces are normally post-mint damage and add little or no value.

How to Identify a Valuable Quarter

Start with the date and mint mark. Older coins, especially silver issues and low-mintage dates, deserve closer examination. Next, inspect the coin's overall condition. A common quarter in extraordinary Mint State condition can occasionally be worth far more than a heavily worn example of the same date.

Never clean a potentially valuable quarter. Abrasive cleaning, polishing, chemicals, and rubbing can permanently damage the original surface and sharply reduce collector value.

For rare dates such as a 1796 Draped Bust quarter, 1901-S Barber quarter, 1916 Standing Liberty quarter, or 1932-D Washington quarter, professional authentication is especially important because valuable U.S. coins are frequently counterfeited or altered.

📚 Quick Reference Table: U.S. Quarters Overview (1796–2025)

🏛️ 1. Draped Bust Quarters (1796–1807)

Draped Bust Quarters, issued from 1796 to 1807, are among the earliest and most historic U.S. quarter coins. Designed by Robert Scot, these silver coins feature Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The first 1796 quarter had a small eagle design, while later issues used a larger heraldic eagle. Mintages were low, making every date valuable to collectors. Condition, rarity, strike quality, and original surface greatly affect market value. Well-preserved examples can command high prices at auction. Draped Bust Quarters remain important symbols of early American coinage and national history today for collectors.

• Mint Location: Philadelphia only

• Key Date: 1796 (First quarter, mintage ~6,146)

• Value (2025): $2,500 – $85,000+

• Notes: The earliest and rarest U.S. quarters. Very high value in almost all conditions.

🎩 2. Capped Bust Quarters (1815–1838)

The U.S. Capped Bust Quarter, minted from 1815 to 1838, is a highly collectible early American silver coin series known for its classic Liberty design and historical importance. One of the most valuable varieties is the 1823/2 overdate, a key date strongly sought after by collectors. Depending on the year, rarity, grade, strike quality, and overall condition, Capped Bust Quarter values can range from around $120 to more than $25,000. Scarce dates, notable varieties, and well-preserved examples may command substantially higher prices. Their limited availability, early U.S. Mint heritage, and distinctive design continue to make Capped Bust Quarters popular among numismatists in 2026.

• Key Date: 1823/2 overdate

• Value Range: $120 to $25,000+

• Highlights: Classic design with high demand among collectors.

🗽 Seated Liberty Quarters (1838–1891): Key Dates and Values

The Seated Liberty Quarter, minted from 1838 to 1891, is one of the longest-running quarter designs in U.S. coinage history. Collectors recognize several major sub-types, including No Motto, Arrows & Rays, and With Motto varieties. Important key dates include the scarce 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter and the popular 1853 Arrows & Rays issue. Depending on date, mint mark, condition, and rarity, values can range from around $25 to more than $20,000. The series is especially interesting because it underwent multiple design, weight, and specification changes during its long production period, creating many collectible varieties.

• Sub-Types: No Motto, Arrows & Rays, With Motto

• Key Dates: 1870-CC, 1853 Arrows & Rays

• Value Range: $25 – $20,000+

• Fact: Multiple changes in design and weight over this long series.

🧔 4. Barber Quarters (1892–1916): Value, Key Dates and Mint Marks

Barber Quarters, minted from 1892 to 1916, are classic U.S. silver coins designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. These historic 25-cent coins are popular among collectors because of their attractive Liberty design, silver composition, and relatively short production period.

Barber Quarters were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Philadelphia coins generally have no mint mark, while D, O, and S identify the other mints.

Some of the most valuable Barber Quarters are the 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1913-S, all considered important key dates because of their low mintages and strong collector demand. The 1913-S is especially scarce.

Common circulated Barber Quarters may be worth around $8 to $30 or more, while scarce dates, high-grade examples, and professionally certified coins can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Exceptional key-date specimens may command $10,000 or more, depending on grade and market demand.

• Mint Marks: P, D, O, S

• Key Dates: 1896-S, 1901-S, 1913-S

• Value: $8 – $10,000+

• Notes: Popular with type coin collectors due to the short run and beautiful design.

🕊️ 5. Standing Liberty Quarters (1916–1930)

• Type I and II: Type I (bare-breasted Liberty), Type II (armored)

• Key Date: 1916 (Only 52,000 minted)

• Value: $125 – $25,000+

• Feature: Elegant Art Deco style design.

🇺🇸 6. Washington Quarters (1932–Present)

🔹 Silver Quarters (1932–1964)

• Composition: 90% Silver

• Key Dates: 1932-D, 1932-S

• Value: $5.50 – $1,500+

• Investment Tip: Worth saving for silver melt value alone.

🔹 Clad Quarters (1965–1998)

• Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad

• Notable Years: 1970-D DDR, 1983-P (no mint sets)

• Value: Face – $15+

🌎 7. 50 State Quarters Program (1999–2008)

• Total Designs: 50, one per U.S. state

• Key Errors: 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf (Low/High)

• Collector Value: $0.25 – $500+

• Mint Marks: P, D, S (proof versions are more valuable)

🏝️ 8. D.C. and U.S. Territories Quarters (2009)

• Locations Represented: DC, PR, GU, AS, VI, MP

• Value: $0.25 – $20+

• Tip: Look for uncirculated rolls or mint errors.

🏞️ 9. America the Beautiful Quarters (2010–2021)

• Theme: National Parks and Sites

• Notable Designs: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon

• Collector Value: $0.25 – $25+

• Silver Proofs: Higher value, 99.9% silver

👩‍🔬 10. American Women Quarters (2022–2025)

• Honorees: Maya Angelou, Sally Ride, Anna May Wong, etc.

• Proof and Mint Sets: Available in silver and clad

• Collector Value: $0.25 – $15+

• Popular in: Modern numismatics and educational sets

🪙 U.S. Quarter Errors Worth Big Money

🧮 U.S. Silver Quarter Melt Value in 2025

• 90% Silver Quarters (pre-1965):

  • Weight: 6.25g

  • Silver Content: 0.1808 oz

  • 2025 Spot Price (Est.): $29.50/oz

  • Melt Value: ~$5.33 per coin

📊 Collector Value Chart by Quarter Type (2025)

🧠 FAQs About U.S. Quarters

❓ What U.S. quarters are worth money in 2025?

• 1916 Standing Liberty

• 1932-D/S Washington

• 2004-D Extra Leaf

• Pre-1965 Silver Quarters

• Double die and mint error coins

❓ Are all 1965 quarters clad?

Yes, starting in 1965, the U.S. Mint switched to copper-nickel clad composition. No regular 1965 quarters are silver.

❓ Can you still find valuable quarters in circulation?

Yes! Key dates, error coins, and even silver quarters occasionally turn up in rolls, change, or estate sales.

🧭 Conclusion

Whether you're collecting quarters for fun, investment, or history, the U.S. quarter series offers one of the most diverse and rewarding experiences in numismatics. From ultra-rare early examples to modern releases with beautiful designs and unique errors, there's a coin for every budget and interest.

Use this 2025 guide as your ultimate reference to identify, assess, and collect U.S. quarters with confidence and accuracy.

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