In the world of coin collecting, minting errors can turn an otherwise ordinary coin into a priceless treasure. These rare quarters with minting mistakes have become some of the most sought-after collectibles, with some even worth thousands of dollars. In this article, we will explore four such quarters that have become iconic due to their minting errors and how these mistakes have made them worth far more than their face value.
1. 1937-D Doubled Die Quarter
The 1937-D Doubled Die Quarter is one of the most famous error coins. It features a noticeable doubling of the design on the obverse, particularly around the word “LIBERTY” and the date. This error occurred due to a misalignment during the coin’s strike, causing the design to be stamped twice. A 1937-D Doubled Die Quarter can fetch prices from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on its condition.
2. 1970-S Overdate Quarter
The 1970-S Overdate Quarter is another rare minting error, where the “S” mint mark is overstruck on top of the number “9” from the previous year’s coin. This mistake happened when a worn die was used, resulting in a distorted mint mark that became a significant collector’s item. In mint condition, this quarter can be worth anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000.
3. 1932-S Washington Quarter with Weak Mint Mark
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is considered one of the key dates for this series, but some of these quarters are particularly valuable due to a minting error. A weak or partially missing mint mark on the reverse makes this quarter a highly desirable piece among collectors. The weak mint mark error can increase its value to $4,000 or more, depending on its condition.
4. 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Quarter
The 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Quarter is a coin with a unique error where the letters “AM” in “AMERICA” are spaced unusually far apart, unlike most quarters of that year. This error, which occurs in only a small percentage of 1999 quarters, has become a rare find. A 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Quarter can fetch prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
Minting mistakes can turn ordinary quarters into extraordinary collectibles, and these four rare quarters with errors are prime examples of how valuable such mistakes can be. If you’re a coin collector or enthusiast, keeping an eye out for these rare error coins could help you discover a hidden treasure that could be worth thousands.
FAQ’s:
1. What makes the 1937-D Doubled Die Quarter so valuable?
The doubling of the design, especially around the word “LIBERTY,” makes this coin highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and distinct appearance.
2. Why is the 1970-S Overdate Quarter so rare?
The overstruck mint mark on the 1970-S Overdate Quarter, where the “S” mint mark overlaps with a “9,” makes it an extremely rare error.
3. How do I identify a weak mint mark on the 1932-S Washington Quarter?
The mint mark on the reverse of the 1932-S quarter may appear faint or partially missing, which significantly increases its value.
4. What is the “Wide AM” error on the 1999 Quarter?
The “Wide AM” error occurs when the letters “AM” in “AMERICA” are spaced unusually far apart on the reverse of the coin, making it highly valuable.
5. Where can I find these rare error quarters?
Look for them in your personal coin collection, at coin shops, online auctions, or at estate sales, where these valuable pieces may be hiding in plain sight!
