22 Rare Quarter Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

The quarter is one of the most common coins in the United States, yet few people realize that manufacturing defects can make some error coins worth far more than their face value.

Unlike commemorative designs or variations, error quarters result from unexpected events during the minting process. These flaws can be caused by errors in die preparation, strike failures, and irregularities in the planchette. Depending on the severity of the flaw and their rarity, these coins can fetch anywhere from a few dozen dollars to tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

This guide covers important types of quarter errors, detailing their formation and characteristics. Whether you’re interested in building a specialized error collection or simply want to learn about unusual quarters you encounter in everyday transactions, this information is relevant.

Looking for rare quarters from other years?

• Auto Coin Appraisal Tool: Best Coin Identifier App
• (1965-Present):  Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Quarters Worth Money List
• (1999 – 2008):  Top 30 Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money List
• (1776-1976 Bicentennial):  Top 20 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Worth Money
• (1932 – 1998): Top 100 Most Valuable Washington Quarter Worth Money

 

Die Multiplication Quarter Errors

1. Double Die Obverse (DDO) Errors

Doubled Die Obverse errors, while documented across various U.S. coin series, are particularly well-cataloged in Washington Quarters (1932-1998) and modern commemorative series, including State Quarters and America the Beautiful quarters.

This manufacturing defect originates during die production when the hub—the master stamp used to create working dies—impresses the design onto a die multiple times with imperfect alignment between strikes, causing letters, numbers, or design elements to appear distinctly doubled.

Among Washington quarters, the 1943 DDO stands as the scarcest major doubled die for the entire series. One such example, graded in MS67, sold in 2020 for $22,250. The doubling on this variety is easily visible on the motto “In God We Trust” and the word “Liberty,” with even circulated examples commanding hundreds of dollars.

Collectors must distinguish genuine DDO errors from mechanical doubling (also called strike doubling, shelf doubling, or ejection doubling), which occurs during the striking process when the die shifts, bounces, or vibrates after impact.

The differences are diagnostic: True DDO exhibits rounded, well-defined doubling with clear separation between design elements and split serifs, while mechanical doubling appears flat and shelf-like, with a smeared or pushed-down appearance and no true separation.

Crucially, a genuine DDO affects every coin struck from that particular die, making it a true variety, whereas mechanical doubling varies from coin to coin and adds minimal value.

 

2. Double Die Reverse (DDR) Errors

Doubled Die Reverse errors occur through the same hubbing process as DDO, but affect the reverse (tails) side of the coin, with misalignment during multiple hub impressions creating doubled images on design elements such as the eagle, lettering, or motto on Washington quarters.

Visually, DDR doubling is most readily found in the lettering of “QUARTER DOLLAR” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” as well as within the eagle’s feathers, though magnification is typically required for proper identification.

The most valuable DDR in Washington quarter history is the 1967 SMS quarter, with DDR coins in SP67 CAM grade commanding $550 or more, while SP64 specimens typically bring $60 or more. Other notable examples include the 1942-D DDR, which achieved $5,750 at auction in MS66 grade, and the extremely rare 1966 DDR, which is so scarce that even circulated XF45 examples hold significant value.

3. Triple Die Obverse (TDO) Errors

The triple die obverse error is an extremely rare occurrence in quarter strikes. This error occurs during the die making process, where the center of the die must strike the die multiple times to transmit all design features. A triple die occurs when misalignment occurs in three different locations.

For the obverse of the coin, tripling most commonly appears on inscriptions such as “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with the date also being a frequent location for this phenomenon. The mint mark (the small letter below the date indicating the minting facility) typically displays more prominent tripling effects, making it an excellent starting point for examination.

While TDO errors have been documented in other denominations, particularly the 1964-D Kennedy half dollar series, confirmed TDO examples in quarters remain extraordinarily scarce. The rarity stems from the precision required in modern minting equipment and quality control measures that typically catch such significant deviations before coins enter circulation.

4. Triple Die Reverse (TDR) Errors

Triple Die Reverse errors follow the same formation process as TDO varieties, occurring when the hub creates three misaligned impressions on the reverse die.

Among Washington quarters, a 1956-D TDR variety has been certified by ANACS and appeared in the numismatic marketplace. More recently, collectors have reported discovering potential TDR varieties on 1988-D Washington quarters, though comprehensive documentation remains limited.

When examining potential TDR varieties, collectors should look for three distinct, raised images of design elements, particularly visible in lettering, the eagle’s features, or denomination markings on the reverse.

The tripling should appear as clear, rounded multiple images that are part of the die itself, rather than effects from the striking process. A genuine tripled die will display three separate, raised images, not smeared or flattened effects.

The scarcity of authenticated TDR quarters in the marketplace suggests these errors occur far less frequently than their doubled die counterparts. Professional authentication becomes essential for any suspected TDR discovery, as these varieties command significant premiums when genuine but are often confused with lesser forms of doubling or post-strike damage.

 

Mint Mark Quarter Errors

5. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Errors

Repunched Mint Mark errors formed when mint workers manually punched the mint mark into working dies multiple times before 1990, with the punch moving between strikes of the mallet, resulting in doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled mint marks at slightly different angles or positions.

These mishaps occurred due to various factors: failure to position the punch precisely, a bouncing punch landing on the rebound, a non-vertical punch causing skipping, attempts to correct malpositioned initial marks, or incomplete abrasion of an incorrect mark before proper repunching.

Visually, RPM errors manifest only on the mint mark itself—the letter appears doubled, shadowed, or positioned incorrectly, often with overlapping or touching impressions. The 1960-D Washington quarter exemplifies this error’s prevalence, with over 100 different repunched mint mark varieties documented, demonstrating how common RPMs were during the hand-punching era.

Values of these errors vary widely depending on the visibility and scarcity of the specific variety. While most RPMs trade for $5-$30 in circulated grades, sharply struck examples with dramatic doubling in high grades can sell for several hundred dollars.

 

6. Over Mint Mark (OMM) Errors

Over Mint Mark errors occur when two distinct mint marks overlap one another on the same die. Unlike RPMs where the same mint mark is punched multiple times, OMM errors feature one mint’s letter punched over a different mint’s letter—such as D/S (Denver over San Francisco) or S/D.

These errors resulted when dies originally prepared for one mint facility were later transferred to another mint and repunched with the new mint’s mark.

You can examine the mint mark area carefully under magnification. Look for traces, ghost impressions, or portions of a secondary mint mark visible around or beneath the primary mark. The underlying mint mark may have been partially ground or filed away before the new mark was applied, leaving subtle but detectable evidence.

The most famous OMM examples in quarter history come from the Washington series. The 1950-D over S Quarter Dollar is one of the more popular varieties in the series. There are two major varieties for the 1950 Washington quarters, the D over S and the S over D.

Mint State examples of the 1950-D/S variety appear on the market fairly frequently in grades up to MS67. In 2014, an MS 66 coin sold for $9,400, giving you an idea of ​​its value.

 

7. Inverted Mint Mark Errors

Inverted Mint Mark errors occurred when mint workers accidentally punched the mint mark upside down into the working die during the manual hand-punching process that was standard before 1990.

Visually, the mint mark appears inverted from its intended orientation, though the “S” mint mark is particularly challenging to identify because it looks nearly identical upside down—only careful examination of the serifs and comparing the relative sizes of the upper versus lower loops reveals the inversion.

The most notable example is the 1928-S Standing Liberty Quarter Inverted Mint Mark (FS-501), valued between $80-$300 depending on condition. These errors are exceptionally rare across the entire Quarter series, making them highly desirable to variety collectors. Many examples prove difficult to attribute definitively, which increases the value of properly authenticated specimens.

 

8. Misplaced Mint Mark Errors

Misplaced Mint Mark errors occur when the mint mark is punched into the die in the wrong location—not inverted or repunched, but simply positioned incorrectly, like a stamp that missed its target. Unlike RPMs or OMMs, a misplaced mint mark shows only one clear impression—it’s just sitting in the wrong neighborhood.

Hand-punching mint marks was tedious work, and even skilled Mint employees could misjudge the placement after hundreds of strikes. Fatigue, poor lighting, or a moment’s distraction could send that “D” or “S” slightly off course. The result? A mint mark that looks like it’s trying to escape its designated spot.

The most celebrated example is the 1957-D Misplaced Mint Mark FS-501. Normally, Denver’s “D” should appear on the reverse beneath the wreath, centered just above the “R” in “QUARTER.” On the FS-501 variety, however, the “D” is dramatically misplaced—positioned by the left wreath stem instead. This conspicuous deviation is obvious enough that even novice collectors can identify it, making the FS-501 an ideal gateway variety for error coin enthusiasts.

 

Die Damage & Defect Quarter Errors

9. Die Crack

Die cracks form when dies develop fractures under the extreme pressures of the minting process, with these cracks filling with metal during striking and appearing as raised lines on finished coins. As dies strike thousands or even millions of coins, the repeated stress causes metal fatigue that eventually manifests as cracks radiating across the die surface.

When talking about this error, we have to mention the 1983-P Spitting Eagle, the most famous die crack pattern in the history of the $25 coin.This variety features a distinctive raised line extending from the eagle’s beak on the reverse, creating the memorable appearance that the eagle is spitting. The feature earned its evocative nickname from collectors who immediately recognized its distinctive appearance. NGC announced in 2013 that it would certify the “Spitting Eagle” edition as a separate series.

What makes the Spitting Eagle particularly noteworthy is its sustained popularity despite modest values. The variety’s accessibility, distinctive appearance, and evocative name have transformed it into an iconic entry point for modern quarter variety collectors. Its fame demonstrates how even relatively affordable die anomalies can capture lasting collector interest when they create visually striking features with memorable nicknames.

 

10. Re-engraved Errors

Re-engraved errors occur when mint personnel manually modify working dies after hubbing or installation, typically attempting to restore design elements lost through over-polishing, die abrasion, or extended use.

Dies commonly suffered loss of clarity from overpolishing performed to remove clash marks and other superficial damage, with shallow recesses erased and borders softened in the process. Rather than discarding compromised dies, mint engravers occasionally attempted crude repairs using hand tools. Restored designs rarely match original details, with hand-cut lines often appearing inexact or extending beyond intended boundaries.

Among quarters, the most documented re-engraved varieties appear in 1950s proof issues, particularly the 1952 and 1953 proof quarters featuring re-engraved tail feathers where hand-engraved rachis (central quills) were added to individual feathers.

Re-engraving remains puzzling to numismatists—throughout the twentieth century, countless dies suffered similar problems, yet the vast majority were never repaired, with repair efforts clustering inexplicably within narrow time periods and certain denominations, particularly 1938 Jefferson nickels and 1950s proof quarters. These sporadic interventions create highly sought varieties documenting rare human corrections in mechanical production.

 

11. Die Gouge Errors

A die gouge forms when foreign objects like debris or tools accidentally scrape, rub, or puncture the coin die’s surface, creating a depression in the die itself. This happens during die preparation or maintenance, whether through accidental damage or deliberate modifications, and the resulting indentation strikes every subsequent coin, producing raised metal marks that mirror the gouge’s exact shape and dimensions. These raised bulges typically appear on the coin’s fields, though they occasionally affect design elements as well.

Die gouge is universal. Die gouge errors occur across all quarter series from the earliest Draped Bust quarters through modern issues, but their rarity and value vary significantly by era.

Early examples like the 1857 Liberty Seated “Smoking Liberty” FS-401 are exceptionally scarce, with fewer than 20 known examples discovered after searching over 30,000 coins. In contrast, modern die gouges such as the 2022 “Drooling George” appear across multiple mints and dies, relatively common, but of limited value unless particularly remarkable or interesting.

 

12. Die Clash Errors

Ever wonder what happens when two coin dies slam together with no planchet between them? That’s a die clash. When this mishap occurs, the dies to damage each other and transfer design elements from one die onto the opposite die, transferring ghost-like impressions that show up on every coin struck afterward.

This happens during the striking process when the feeding mechanism fails and a blank doesn’t make it into the press. If the dies are out of adjustment, they’ll collide directly. The Mint usually catches this quickly, pulls the dies, and polishes them smooth. But sometimes they miss the marks or don’t polish thoroughly enough, and those dies keep churning out clashed coins.

Die clashes are scarce as a category with some being unique and others exhibiting rarely occurring marks. Older silver coins like three-cent pieces, dimes, and half dimes are particularly known for die clashes. While minor clashes appear across all quarter series, dramatic examples worth actively seeking are considerably rarer.

The 1857 Flying Eagle cent clashed with Seated Liberty quarter (FS-901) is exceptionally rare with fewer than 50 known in all grades. A matched pair of 1857 clashed coins (Flying Eagle cent and Seated quarter) in PCGS holders sold for $7,050.

 

Design Element Quarter Errors

13. Blundered Denomination Errors

A “Blundered Denomination” represents a fascinating die production error from the early U.S. Mint era, most notably appearing on certain 1822 and 1828 Capped Bust quarters. The error occurred when a die engraver mistakenly punched “50” into what should have been a quarter die, believing he was working on a half dollar.

The visual characteristic is striking: collectors can clearly see the corrected denomination “25C” with the underlying “50” still visible beneath it, creating a distinctive overpunched appearance on the coin’s reverse.

This was a die production error, not a striking or planchet issue, meaning every coin produced from that particular die would carry the same blundered denomination marking. Based on die evidence, researcher Steve Tompkins concluded that the blundered die was originally created in 1818 but was stored and reused for the 1822 production run.

Market values for blundered denomination quarters vary dramatically based on condition and specific date. An 1822 example in Good 6 grade sold for $7,750. Higher grade examples command exponential premiums: a gem 1822 quarter from the Eliasberg collection realized $184,000, while an NGC MS67* 1828 quarter from the Eric Newman Collection set a variety record at $352,500.

These errors are genuinely scarce, blundered denomination quarters are absolutely worth pursuing and retaining if discovered. These errors appear exclusively on early Capped Bust quarters from 1822 and 1828, so collectors should focus their search efforts on these specific dates.

 

14. Repunched Letter Errors

Repunched Letters (RPL) refers to coins where at least one or more letters exhibit a distinct double outline or shadow effect due to re-punching. RPL occurs during the die-making process when a die technician uses a steel punch (a small steel rod with a mirrored letter carved on one end) to imprint letters on the die. If the image is not clear enough, the technician will punch again, and if the punch position shifts between the two strikes, a double image is produced.

RPL typically appears in inscription areas: “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST” (obverse), and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” or denomination text (reverse). These peripheral elements were added via individual iron punches due to technological limitations that made simultaneous striking of central and peripheral designs difficult.

Repunched Letters and another common error—doubled die errors—are easily confused, as both produce double images. The key difference lies in the stage of production: Doubled die errors occur early in die creation and affect entire designs or large areas. RPL occurs later when technicians manually add individual letters to nearly-complete working dies, affecting only specific re-punched letters.

In actual authentication, you should use a magnifying glass to carefully observe the range of the double image: if only individual letters show doubling, it is likely RPL; if the entire inscription area or multiple design elements show doubling, it is more likely a doubled die error.

 

15. Extra Design Elements Errors

Extra Design Element Errors occur when additional features—such as leaves or trees—appear on a coin beyond the original design. These errors manifest as distinct raised elements that seem part of the design but are incorrectly positioned or entirely extraneous.

These errors form during die preparation or maintenance. Die gouging is the most common cause, where accidental scratches or damage create indentations in the die surface that translate into raised elements on struck coins. Over-polishing also causes these errors when mint workers aggressively grind dies to remove defects, inadvertently creating new raised areas.

The most famous examples include the 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf High and Low varieties, featuring an additional corn leaf, and the 2005-P Minnesota Extra Tree. To distinguish genuine errors from post-mint damage, verify that the extra element matches the surrounding design’s luster and surface characteristics, appears in the documented location for known varieties, and shows consistent striking characteristics across multiple specimens.

If you find any Extra Design Element Error, it’s definitely worth keeping—even heavily circulated examples have value above face value. These errors most commonly surface in original bank rolls, though some still appear in circulation, particularly in Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

 

16. Goiter

The “Goiter” is an unusual die variety found on the 1943-S Washington Quarter, designated as FS-401. This error gets its nickname from a distinctive raised bulge that appears at the junction of Washington’s jaw and throat on the obverse, resembling a goiter (a medical condition causing swelling on the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland).

The Goiter variety results from dramatic die failure during the striking process. The obverse die developed a depression or sinking area beneath Washington’s chin, which caused metal from struck planchets to flow into this abnormal space, creating the raised, swollen appearance that characterizes this variety. 

The bulge is so pronounced that it actually distorted surrounding design elements, causing the letters in “IN GOD WE TRUST” to lean left, particularly visible in the word “WE” and the letters “UST.”

The 1943-S Goiter is scarce across all grades. PCGS has certified fewer than 100 of these pieces, and only six of them have been graded higher than MS-65 to MS-67. Market values vary considerably—an MS-67 example sold at auction for approximately $4,935 in 2016. Current price guides list values ranging from $125 to over $5,750 in mint state depending on grade and die state.

 

Date Quarter Errors

17. Overdate Errors

An overdate occurs when a coin die from one year is repunched with a different date, creating a visible overlap of two different years on the finished coin. This distinctive error presents itself as numerals from an earlier year showing beneath or alongside the final date, creating what collectors often describe as a “ghosting” effect where multiple digits appear superimposed.

The formation of overdates connects directly to early minting practices and economic necessity. During periods when the United States Mint faced die shortages or wanted to maximize the use of expensive die steel, workers would modify existing dies. Because the original date was already impressed into the die steel, and because removing it completely proved difficult or impossible, the new date would overlap the old one.

Overdates command significant premiums that fluctuate dramatically based on the specific coin, date combination, clarity of the error, and overall condition. Minor overdates on common coins in lower grades might range from twenty to fifty dollars, representing modest multiples of the coin’s base value.

Exceptional specimens combining famous overdate varieties with high preservation grades, such as  1806/5 Draped Bust Quarter, graded MS 66, have achieved $188,000 at major auctions.

 

18. Re-punched Date

A re-punched date (RPD) error occurs during the die preparation stage when mint technicians manually punch the date digits into a working die using a steel punch and mallet. This error happens when the punch strikes the die more than once in slightly different positions, creating overlapping or doubled date numerals.

The visibility can range from subtle doubling to dramatic multiple impressions, with the secondary date typically appearing smaller or offset from the primary date. Historically, this occurred before 1909 when dies were in an annealed (softened) state and dates were added by hand rather than being part of the master hub design.

Re-punched date errors exist on quarters from different eras, with values varying significantly based on the coin series, specific variety, and condition. Multiple RPD varieties exist for Washington quarters, and coins with clear, distinct re-punched dates command premium prices above their base values. For 19th-century Seated Liberty quarters with RPD errors, auction records show prices ranging from $82 to $2,084 depending on grade.

For example, an 1877-CC Seated Liberty Quarter RPD FS-301 graded MS-65 sold for $2,280, while an 1845 Seated Liberty Quarter RPD FS-301 in MS-66 sold for $7,800.

 

19. Misplaced Date

Misplaced Date errors occur when date digits are punched into a die in incorrect locations, appearing in areas far removed from the normal date position—most commonly in the denticles, but also in devices, legends, or other unexpected areas of the design. A date is considered misplaced if any part of the date, even a single digit, is found where it does not belong.

During the 19th century, dates were hand-punched into working dies as the final production step. The engraver would take a steel rod with the raised image of all four date digits and strike it with a mallet into the annealed (softened) working die.

Most MPDs resulted from mint employees testing date punches on dies, intentionally striking digits in areas they believed would be obscured during the striking process—but this strategy often failed, leaving visible evidence.

The era of misplaced dates ended in 1909, when numerals stopped being punched into the working die by hand, as dates began being incorporated into master hubs. MPD errors are found on Seated Liberty Quarters from various dates including 1856 and 1876, making them collectible varieties exclusive to pre-1909 quarter series. Any MPD variety is scarce enough to warrant examination and may carry significant collector value.

 

Strike Quarter Errors

20. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-Center Strike errors occur when a planchet is not properly positioned in the coining press during striking, resulting in only a portion of the coin’s design being struck onto the planchet. The unstruck area appears as blank metal, while the struck portion shows the design shifted to one side.

The degree of off-centering is measured as a percentage, ranging from 1% to 99%, with coins retaining a visible date being most desirable. Unlike broadstrikes where the entire design is present but expanded, off-center strikes show a partial design with blank planchet space visible.

The demarcation of Genuine off-center strikes  between the struck and unstruck areas is clear. The struck portion should show normal design elements with proper relief and detail, while the unstruck area displays smooth, blank metal with the planchet’s original surface texture.

Values for off-center strikes vary dramatically based on the degree of displacement and whether the date is visible. The most valuable off-center strikes are those showing 80-95% displacement with full dates, which can sell for $500-$3,000 or more depending on the series and condition.

 

21. Broadstrike

Broadstrike errors occur when a coin is struck without the collar—the retaining ring that establishes the final diameter and edge characteristics of a newly struck coin.

With no collar to constrain the planchet, the coin expands beyond normal boundaries, producing a piece that is wider and flatter than standard specimens. All U.S. coins with broadstrikes have plain edges instead of the normal reeding. Design elements typically appear weakly struck or partially missing, and the coin is usually not perfectly round.

These errors form when the striking press malfunctions, causing the collar to be in an incorrect position or fail to deploy entirely. To qualify as a broadstrike, the coin’s full design must be present on both faces; if the design is cut off on either side, it’s classified as an off-center strike.

Partial collar and broadstrike errors on Washington quarters typically trade in the $50-$150 range depending on condition and error severity. Standard broadstrikes on modern quarters range from $5 to $50, while more dramatic examples in premium grades  can reach $200-$500 in high grades among error collectors.

 

22. Brockage

Brockage errors occur when a previously struck coin fails to eject from the coining press and either remains adhered to a die or falls onto an incoming planchet, acting as an impromptu striking surface.

After a struck coin fails to eject, a new blank is fed between the stuck coin and the hammer die. The hammer die strikes the second blank leaving its image on one side while pressing the blank against the previously stuck coin, which sinks its image into the opposite side.

A single die-stuck coin can cause brockage errors on hundreds of coins if it isn’t caught by a worker in time. The design on the brockaged side will be mirrored and incuse, with design elements that normally rise above a coin’s fields appearing sunken into the surface.

Values for these errors vary significantly based on completeness and rarity, with simple partial brockages on modern clad quarters typically selling in the $99-$380 range, while more dramatic examples in higher grades can reach over $1,000.

A particularly remarkable example is a 1971-D Washington Quarter with a first-strike brockage created by a quarter struck on a nickel planchet—a double error combining wrong planchet and brockage errors.

This coin, graded MS65 by PCGS, exhibits brilliant eye appeal with a shallow die-cap-like appearance and a pronounced narrow “fin” indicating the smaller nickel planchet origin, and was featured in Heritage Auctions’ August 2019 ANA World’s Fair of Money sale.  The combination of both a brockage error and a wrong planchet error in high grade makes such pieces exceptionally rare and valuable to advanced error collectors.

 

Conclusion

Quarter errors span every stage of production—from die preparation mishaps like doubled dies and repunched mint marks to striking failures such as off-center strikes and brockages. Values of these errors range dramatically from $5 for minor varieties to hundreds of thousands for rare specimens like the 1806/5 overdate or blundered denomination quarters.

Whether examining circulated pocket change or building a specialized collection, understanding these error types helps identify potentially valuable finds. Each error represents a unique production failure that escaped mint quality control, transforming ordinary 25-cent pieces into fascinating numismatic treasures worth preserving and studying.