Quarter Coin Value Checker

Few coins have captured the imagination and identity of the United States quite like the quarter. As a practical denomination used by millions every day and as a canvas for art, history, and national pride, the U.S. quarter has grown from a simple 25-cent piece into a multifaceted collector’s treasure.

Its transformation over more than two centuries is a testament to America’s evolving story.

Overview of the U.S. Quarter

• Value: 25 cents ($0.25)
  
• Diameter: 24.26 mm
  
• Composition: Silver (pre-1965), Copper-Nickel (post-1965)
  
• First minted: 1796

Early Quarters and Classical Roots (1796–1838)

When the U.S. Mint struck the first quarter in 1796, it joined a budding monetary system still finding its place in a young nation. That inaugural design—the Draped Bust quarter—set the tone for future coins, combining symbolism and classical influences.

Only 6,146 were minted, making it one of the rarest and most desirable quarters for collectors.

By 1815, after a production pause due to silver shortages and war, the Mint introduced the Capped Bust quarter (1815–1838). This design, featuring Liberty wearing a cloth cap, reflected the more mature face of American coinage. Its reverse featured a spread-wing eagle, a powerful image of national strength.

Liberty Takes a Seat (1838–1891)

The 1838 Seated Liberty quarter brought a dramatic shift. Liberty, now seated with a shield and pole, evoked themes of vigilance and freedom. This series ran until 1891 and encompassed multiple subtypes.

Changes such as added stars, arrows, and mottos like “In God We Trust” reflected historical developments and coinage reforms.

The Practical Barber Era (1892–1916)

By the 1890s, Charles Barber’s influence took hold. The Barber quarter, minted from 1892 to 1916, favored practicality over flourish. Liberty’s portrait wore a laurel wreath, and the reverse featured a no-nonsense heraldic eagle.

While some numismatists critique the Barber designs as uninspired, others praise their consistency and collectible key dates—especially low-mintage years like 1896-S and 1901-S.

Artistry with Standing Liberty (1916–1930)

In 1916, the Standing Liberty quarter introduced a more artistic direction. Sculpted by Hermon A. MacNeil, this stunning coin initially depicted Liberty bare-breasted, holding a shield and olive branch.

Public backlash prompted a revised version in 1917, where she was modestly covered in chainmail. The series lasted until 1930 and is often regarded as one of the most elegant in U.S. coinage. The 1916 issue is especially prized due to its low mintage.

Washington’s Legacy Begins (1932–1998)

1932 marked a defining moment: the debut of the Washington quarter. It was intended as a one-year commemorative for George Washington’s 200th birthday.

The design by John Flanagan became so popular that it was adopted permanently. The obverse featured a dignified portrait of Washington, while the reverse showed a bald eagle perched on arrows and olive branches.

Originally composed of 90% silver, these quarters continued until 1964. From 1965 onward, they shifted to a copper-nickel clad composition due to rising silver prices, though the design remained largely unchanged.

State Quarters Spark a Revival (1999–2008)

A modern renaissance began in 1999 with the launch of the 50 State Quarters Program. Each U.S. state received its own unique reverse design, released in the order of statehood.

This program rekindled widespread interest in coin collecting and served as a civics lesson in every American’s pocket. Over 34 billion state quarters were minted, making it one of the most successful initiatives in U.S. numismatic history.

Beyond the States: Territories and Parks (2009–2021)

The momentum continued in 2009 with the D.C. and U.S. Territories quarters. These coins honored areas like Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

From 2010 to 2021, the America the Beautiful Quarters series took over. Each coin celebrated a national park or historic site in every state and U.S. territory.

From Yellowstone (2010) to the Tuskegee Airmen Historic Site (2021), these quarters offered a scenic and educational journey across America.

Short but Significant: Washington Crossing the Delaware (2021)

In 2021, the Mint returned briefly to a more classic theme with the Washington Crossing the Delaware design. Though short-lived, this coin paid tribute to a pivotal moment in Revolutionary War history.

It served as a bridge between two major quarter programs.

Modern Voices: The American Women Quarters (2022–2025)

Beginning in 2022, the American Women Quarters Program launched a new era. The U.S. Mint is releasing five new quarters each year through 2025.

These coins honor trailblazing women such as Maya Angelou (2022), Sally Ride (2022), Wilma Mankiller (2022), and many others—celebrating their contributions to American history and culture.

This initiative represents a progressive shift in how coins commemorate the nation’s past and present.

A Collector’s Playground

The evolution of the quarter is not just about design. It’s a journey through American ideals, art, and values.

Collectors have plenty to chase—whether it’s key dates like the 1932-D and 1932-S, state quarters with low mintages like the 2008-D Oklahoma coin, or popular error coins such as the 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf variety.

Each quarter tells a different story and brings its own excitement to the hobby.

The Quarter’s Enduring Legacy

With its rich variety, aesthetic appeal, and accessibility, the quarter stands as one of the most iconic and enduring coins in U.S. history.

Whether found in spare change or treasured in a display case, the U.S. quarter offers a snapshot of American identity—one that continues to evolve, 25 cents at a time.