Have you ever wondered if the spare change in your pocket could be worth a small fortune? A rare Washington error coin recently sold online for an astounding $300 – and you might just have one lying around without even knowing it.
It’s widely known that rare coins can fetch impressive sums of money, especially when they feature unique errors, discussions, or other distinctive characteristics. A recently closed auction on eBay highlighted the potential hidden treasures in our everyday change. A 1983 Washington quarter, boasting a special error, sold for an astounding $300!
What is this coin valuable?
The specimen in question is notable due to a unique error in which the stamp appears offset. This makes it highly sought after by collectors. It’s a circulated 25-cent denomination coin that was minted in Denver, United States. To identify where your quarter was minted, check the mintmark located next to Washington’s head on the back of the Washington Quarter.
The world of numismatics and collecting is full of surprises, and what seems like an insignificant change could actually hold immense value. Here are a few tips to help you identify potentially valuable coins:
- Check for unique errors such as offset stamps or double prints.
- Look for specific mintmarks that indicate where the coin was produced.
- Research the specimen’s year and compare it to known valuable coins.
Some quarters are more valuable than others. For instance, the rarest quarter could fetch up to an incredible $89,000! This underscores the importance of carefully examining your change.
So next time you receive change, take a closer look – you might just find a treasure worth far more than its face value.
Are you curious about the value of your Washington quarter? One key detail to look for is the mint mark. A “D” indicates that the coin was minted in Denver.
Offset Errors and Their Impact on Value
An interesting feature on some quarters is an offset error. When the “D” mint mark is filled and obscured, it increases the coin’s value, distinguishing it from the standard Washington quarter.
The Historical Value of Washington Quarters
While Washington quarters are still in circulation today, the ones minted during the very first year in 1932 are the most valuable. To check the date on your quarter, look underneath Washington’s head for the year.
Mint Locations and Their Significance
The United States Mint produced Washington quarters at three different mints:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S)
Among these, the quarters struck in Denver are the rarest today.
Rarest Washington Quarters
If you are lucky enough to have a 1932-D Washington quarter, it could be extremely valuable. These coins had an original mintage of just 436,800 pieces, making them very rare.