As an avid coin collector, there‘s nothing more exciting than finding a rare and valuable error coin. While mint-made mistakes are usually caught and destroyed before leaving the facility, occasionally some slip through quality control and end up in circulation.
Of all the denominations, quarters tend to have some of the most dramatic and valuable types of errors. A keen eye could spot a quarter worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in pocket change or a bank roll.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about quarter errors worth money. You‘ll learn what errors to look for, how much they‘re worth, and see some incredible examples of error quarters that have crossed the auction block in recent years.
What Are Error Quarters?
Error quarters are coins that have some kind of mistake made during the minting process. This could be anything from the coin being struck off-center to having the wrong design imprinted on it.
These errors occur when there is a malfunction with the minting equipment, dies, or feeding mechanisms that press coin blanks into finished coins. Sometimes a blank coin will get stuck to a die, resulting in a brockage error. Other times a coin is fed into the press incorrectly, leading to an off-center strike.
Since the U.S. Mint produces billions of coins each year, it‘s inevitable that some mistakes will happen despite rigorous quality control measures. When error coins do make it out into the world, they become prized by collectors who appreciate their rarity and uniqueness.
Factors That Determine Error Quarter Values
Not all error quarters are created equal in terms of collectibility and value. There are a number of factors that go into pricing error coins:
Rarity/Mintage: In general, the rarer the error, the more valuable the coin. Errors on lower mintage coins tend to command higher premiums. For example, an off-center strike on a 1970-S proof quarter is much rarer than a similar error on a common circulation strike from the same year.
Error Type: Some types of errors, like double denomination mules, are more dramatic and desirable than minor striking errors. An impressive error that really stands out will garner more interest from collectors.
Grade/Condition: As with any coin, the condition matters for resale value. A high-grade mint state error quarter will be worth substantially more than a circulated example with wear.
Off-Center Percentage: For off-center strikes, the percentage the design is off makes a big difference in value. Generally, any off-center over 10% is considered a true error. But a quarter struck 50%+ off-center is even more prized.
Minting Location: Certain mints seem to have produced more error coins than others. Errors coming from branch mints like Denver or San Francisco tend to carry a bit more of a premium with collectors.
Most Valuable Error Quarter Types
With those valuation factors in mind, let‘s take a look at some of the most sought-after types of error quarters that are worth big bucks:
Off-Center Strikes: Perhaps the most common major error, off-center quarters occur when the coin isn‘t sitting properly between the dies. This results in a partial design strike, with some of the rim and blank planchet showing. The most valuable off-centers are those with a design struck 50% or more from the center.
Double/Multiple Strikes: When a coin isn‘t ejected properly from the dies, it can get stuck and be struck multiple times by the dies. Coins with dramatic double strikes rotated in different directions are very eye-catching and command high premiums.
Mules/Double Denominations: One of the most rare and valuable types of errors is when a coin is struck with mismatched dies, resulting in a blend of two different denominations. A famous example is the 2000-P "mule" error that has the Sacagawea dollar obverse paired with the Washington quarter reverse.
Broadstrikes: A broadstrike error happens when a coin is struck without the retaining collar die that normally creates the coin‘s rim and edge. The result is an oversized, misshapen coin that really stands out. Broadstrike quarters on large cent planchets or foreign planchets are especially dramatic.
Clipped Planchets: Sometimes the coin blanks aren‘t punched out correctly from the metal sheets, resulting in straight or crescent clipped planchets. When struck, this creates an unusual flat edge. While minor clips aren‘t too rare, large clips over 10% are seldom seen.
Fold-Over Strikes: If a coin blank isn‘t sitting flat between the dies, it can get folded during the striking process. The force is so strong it literally folds the coin in half onto itself. Since these errors are so dramatic and rare, they are very valuable, often in the thousands of dollars.
Bonded Pairs/Mated Pairs: Mated pairs or bonded coins occur when the striking press malfunctions and two coins are struck together without being ejected. The coins can either overlap or one can be struck off-center on top of the other. Mated pairs are very rare and highly sought-after by error collectors.
Most Valuable Error Quarters Sold
Now that you‘re familiar with the different major types of errors, let‘s take a look at some of the most incredible error quarters to have sold at auction in recent years. All prices are realized auction results from major coin auction houses:
- 2000-P Sacagawea $1 Muled with State Quarter Reverse Die Cap – MS67 PCGS – $264,000
- 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter Struck 65% Off-Center – PR68 Cameo PCGS – $21,600
- 1999-P Connecticut State Quarter Triple Struck – MS65 PCGS – $20,400
- Undated Delaware State Quarter Overstruck on 2000-P Sacagawea $1 – MS67 PCGS – $16,800
- 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter Overstruck on Barber Quarter – PR67 Cameo NGC – $15,600
- 1893 Barber Quarter Broadstruck on Costa Rica 25 Centimos – MS62 PCGS – $14,400
- 1932-S Washington Quarter Reverse Struck Thru Capped Die – MS64 NGC – $12,600
- 1964 90% Silver Proof Quarter 6-Piece Bonded Multiple Strike – PR66 NGC – $10,200
- 2000-P South Carolina State Quarter Struck on Experimental Planchet – MS66 PCGS – $9,600
- 1999-D Connecticut State Quarter Double Denomination on Dime – MS67 NGC – $7,200
- Undated Quarter Struck 50% Off-Center on a Nickel 3-Cent Piece – MS64 PCGS – $6,600
- 1942-S Washington Quarter Struck on a 1941 Philippines 10 Centavos – AU58 NGC – $4,935
As you can see, these error quarters are quite valuable, with some selling for six figures! Of course it‘s important to note that these are very rare, high grade examples. The odds of finding an error of this caliber in circulation is quite low. But more "minor" errors can still be worth hundreds or even a few thousand dollars.
Tips For Finding Valuable Error Quarters
Now that your appetite is whetted for error quarter collecting, you‘re probably wondering how you can get your hands on one of these rare treasures. Here are some tips to improve your odds of finding an error worth money:
Check your change: Get in the habit of giving your pocket change a quick glance before spending it. Look for anything unusual about the size, shape, design, and lettering on your quarters.
Weigh and measure: A coin scale and calipers are valuable tools for error collectors. Measuring coins that look atypical can help determine if they might be a wrong planchet, off-metal, or foreign planchet error.
Use a loupe: Having a jeweler‘s loupe or magnifying glass on hand lets you see your coins up close to spot more subtle errors like doubling, repunched mintmarks, or die cracks.
Buy bank rolls: If you have a good relationship with your local bank, you can ask if they have any loose quarter rolls available. Searching through rolls obtained directly from the bank improves your odds of finding an error that hasn‘t been cherrypicked.
Attend coin shows: Most major cities host coin collecting shows a few times a year. Attending these events allows you to see errors in person, talk to knowledgeable dealers, and potentially purchase a great error for your collection.
Get coins authenticated: If you think you found a genuine error, getting it authenticated and graded by a major third party grading service (PCGS, NGC, ANACS) is a wise idea. Not only does this certify your coin as a bona fide error, but it preserves it in a tamper-proof holder and can help with resale down the road.
Wrapping Up
Error quarters are some of the most fascinating and valuable treasures you can potentially find in your pocket change. While you likely won‘t stumble across a $200,000 Sacagawea mule, there are plenty of more obtainable off-center, broadstrike, and other errors that could be worth hundreds or a few thousand dollars.
Always be on the lookout for unusual strikes, shapes, and designs that could indicate a valuable minting mistake. With a little knowledge and a keen eye, you could be the next lucky collector to discover a true numismatic rarity!
Of course, coin values are always changing as more are discovered (or a hoard comes to market). So it‘s a good idea to keep up with the hobby by reading coin publications, attending shows, and checking auction results to stay on top of what your error coins could be worth.
To recap, here are some of the most valuable types of error quarters to look for:
- Off-center strikes over 10%
- Dramatic double/multiple strikes
- Mules and double denominations
- Fold-over strikes
- Large clips and missing edge lettering
- Broadstrikes and wrong planchet errors
- Bonded multiples and mated pairs
Whether you decide to actively search for errors or just want to be more mindful of your change, this guide should give you a solid foundation for appreciating these amazing mint-made mistakes. In the meantime, keep those eyes peeled and happy hunting!
Additional Resources
Want to learn even more about error coins and quarter rarities? Check out these resources for more in-depth info:
- What Are Error Coins and How Much Are They Worth? – An intro guide to error coins from PCGS
- NGC‘s Top 100 Modern U.S. Coins – See high-value error coins in the NGC census
- Strike It Rich With Pocket Change by Ken Potter and Brian Allen – Excellent book for beginning error collectors
