Some U.S. quarters in circulation are worth more than their face value. Their value comes from specific minting features: limited mint marks, short production runs, surface quality, and true mint errors. 

So, what are quarters worth money? A newer piece with a rare variety may be worth more than an older silver one. But here it is important to notice differences in strike, texture, and design and know some nuances. Right now we are going to consider some examples.

Where These Quarters Can Be Found Today

Most finds come from ordinary circulation. Searching requires patience and volume, but the process is direct:

• Rolled quarters from banks

• Change from supermarkets, small shops, and vending

• Coin machine return slots

• Dealer “bulk boxes” of circulated state quarters

• Loose lots at local coin shows

When checking many coins side by side, differences in strike, texture, and detail become easier to see.

And here it can be wise to keep records of finds. Photos and brief notes help compare surfaces and avoid repeating the same evaluations. At this stage, many collectors use Coin ID Scanner to photograph coins, identify them, check and record mint information, store surface notes, and know which pieces are worth more than a few cents without hours of googling.

Alt: A collector reviews dozens of quarters spread across the table, inspecting each closely to find if the one can be valuable.

Quarters Worth Money You Can Still Find in Circulation

These 25-cent coins still show up in change, bank rolls, and coin machine returns. Their value comes from identifiable mint characteristics, not age. Each example below explains what to look for and what affects price.

West Point “W” Quarters (2019–2020)

The U.S. Mint released a limited number of quarters with a W mint mark from West Point and placed them directly into circulation. They share the same designs as regular quarters but are scarce because they were not sold in sets. Even circulated examples bring value because the release was controlled.

Features:

• W mint mark below IN GOD WE TRUST

• Often found with moderate circulation wear

• Coins with original luster and no wiping or haze sell stronger

• Typical value: $15–$60+, depending on wear, luster, and contact marks.

Practical note: Check change from grocery stores, self-checkout stations, and car wash or parking kiosks: high cash-flow locations increase your chances.

2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter (High Leaf / Low Leaf)

On the reverse, the corn stalk on the Wisconsin design may show an extra leaf that was not meant to be there. The added leaf appears either slightly higher or lower than the normal leaf. The feature must look smoothly formed, as part of the die, not scratched or gouged.

Features:

• Extra leaf near the base of the corn stalk (High Leaf or Low Leaf)

• Clear, smooth contour indicates genuine die variation

• Cloudy surfaces or deep scratches lower value significantly

• Typical value: $60–$300+, with top prices for uncirculated coins.

2005-P Minnesota Doubled Die Quarters

The doubling appears in the trees on the reverse. There are many varieties, and strength ranges from subtle to very clear. Coins with sharp separation between the doubled tree lines reach the highest sums.

Features:

• Doubling in tree trunks or branches on the reverse

• Real doubled die shows rounded split lines, not flat steps

• Light circulation is acceptable; heavy wear reduces clarity

• Typical value: $20–$200+, depending on doubling strength and surface condition.

2022-P Maya Angelou Quarter (Strong Die Clash Varieties)

Some early dies struck out of alignment, causing outlines of the obverse portrait to appear faintly behind reverse elements. This is a die clash, not post-mint damage. The clash should look like soft, ghost-like shapes, not sharp scratches.

Features:

• Faint outline of Washington’s profile on the reverse

• Surfaces should remain smooth with natural metal texture

• Clashes that are clear and well-positioned are more desirable

• Typical value: $15–$120+, depending on visibility of the clash.

1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Die Crack

A die crack can appear as a raised line extending from Washington’s mouth toward the horse’s head. The crack forms during minting, so the raised line must look natural and smooth, not cut in.

Features:

• Raised (not incised) line from portrait to horse

• Length and thickness vary; stronger cracks bring more interest

• Heavy wear can make the crack faint and reduce value

• Typical value: $5–$45+, depending on clarity and wear.

2020-P Salt River Bay “Drooling George” Die Chip

A die chip forms a small raised blob under Washington’s lower lip. It is part of the metal flow from a worn die, not damage. The chip should appear rounded, almost bead-like.

Features:

• Rounded raised chip beneath the mouth

• Smooth edges indicate mint formation

• Irregular, sharp-edged spots are usually post-mint damage

• Typical value: $3–$25+, with larger and cleaner chips preferred.

1965–1967 SMS (Special Mint Set) Quarters

SMS coins display a satin-like finish rather than proof mirrors or standard circulation surfaces. They were produced to replace proof sets during these years. The best examples show even luster with no spotting and signs of handling.

Features:

• Satin surfaces and strong strike

• Smooth, uninterrupted cartwheel reflection

• Cloudy spots or dull areas reduce demand

• Typical value: $8–$75+, depending on luster and absence of marks.

Higher-Grade Silver Quarters (1932–1964)

Most circulated silver quarters have value tied to silver melt price. Collectible value appears when the coin still shows strong detail and original surface texture. The difference is visible in high-point areas.

Features:

• Look at hair above Washington’s ear and eagle’s breast feathers

• A flowing cartwheel reflection in fields signals original surface

• Bright mirror-like surfaces often indicate cleaning, which lowers price

Typical value:

• $6–$50+ for better circulated examples

• Significantly higher if near uncirculated with natural luster

Alt: A person tilts two quarters in the soft window light, examining the difference in luster and preservation.

Quick Value Reference Table

How to Examine Quarters Correctly

A steady routine helps the eye notice differences. The goal is to judge the surface honestly and avoid coins that were cleaned or altered.

Lighting

Use soft, indirect light, such as a lamp with a shade or daylight through a window. Hard direct LED light produces glare and hides texture. Good lighting should let you see luster move across the surface rather than shining directly back at you.

Tilt

Hold the coin at a slight angle and rotate it slowly. A coin with natural surfaces will show a smooth cartwheel reflection that moves evenly. If the reflection stops, jumps, or looks dull in sections, the surface may be worn or disturbed.

Texture

The original mint texture is extremely fine and even. It has a dry, metallic look rather than a mirror shine. Cleaning removes that texture and leaves:

• Thin parallel lines

• A flat, glass-like brightness

• Patchy shine that looks “too new” in some spots

Strong luster and natural metal grain indicate a stable surface.

Compare

Place several coins of the same type next to each other. When coins are seen side-by-side, differences in color, luster, and strike become obvious. Comparison teaches faster than studying single coins one at a time.

Simple Working Rule: If the surface looks smooth, even, and natural, continue examining. If the coin looks bright but flat, like polished copper or chrome, stop. That “bright but flat” look almost always comes from cleaning, and cleaning lowers value immediately.

What Makes These Finds Worth Keeping

Circulating quarters still offer pieces with added value, but the reason is always specific: a clear variety, a recognized mint mark, a stable surface, or a confirmed error that repeats from coin to coin. Each example listed above has a known cause and documented market interest. 

When a coin matches one of these traits and the surface remains original, it is worth holding aside or comparing with confirmed references. Thus, hold onto the coins with clear features and good surfaces. Those are the ones with value. The others are just regular change.