What are Gold Quarter Coins?

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Investing in gold quarters gives you many options, but some are less financially favorable. In this article, you will learn the differences between genuine gold and plated and why melt value is essential.

The information we provide here is perfect for beginners and seasoned investors alike.

What Are Gold Quarters?

Genuine gold quarters are valuable and rising in worth. The only officially sanctioned gold quarter is the Standing Liberty Centennial Gold Quarter, released in 2016. Unlike gold-plated quarters, these feature 99.99% 24-karat gold. Although these quarters have a face value of 25 cents, they are worth considerably more.

Are Government-Sanctioned Quarters Worth Anything?

Government-sanctioned gold quarters are ideal for investors because of their melt value and rarity. The United States Mint only produced 91,752 of this Standing Liberty Centennial Gold Coin.

Each weighs .25 troy ounces and features a “W” mint mark, indicating the Standing Liberty Quarter Design was minted at West Point. These coins have risen in value every year since their release.

The Standing Liberty Centennial Gold coin is an excellent investment opportunity that can pay off for new investors. These coins will always be worth considerably more than their face value of 25 cents because they contain a significant weight of gold. A damaged quarter can bring in money based on its melt value alone.

What Are Gold-Plated Quarters?

Gold-plated quarters are marketed to new collectors who mistakenly believe them to be a worthwhile investment. You see them advertised on television and in popular magazines.

They come displayed on lovely displays that make you think they are a valid investment option, but the truth is, a gold-plated quarter has very little gold.

When these coins were first released, many snatched them up, hoping to cash in later.

Buyers soon discovered these gold-plated coins were only ordinary quarters covered in an ultra-thin layer of gold. These gold-plated coins are not worth much more than their face value if anything at all.

Is a Gold-Plated Quarter Worth Anything?

Gold-plated quarters are not worth your time as a sound investment. These sets are often over-priced and come with meaningless certificates of authenticity.

They are genuine quarters that have been altered to become works of art and should be considered as such instead of precious metals investments.

These quarters are nothing more than colorized coins and do not contain enough pure gold to warrant a melt value. Those wanting to invest in genuinely valuable coins should seek quarter eagles.

Most Valuable Genuine Gold Quarters

Aside from the Standing Liberty Centennial Gold coins, other investment options are much older. The United States has produced gold coins since the Coinage Act of 1792, which allowed the US Mint to begin producing copper, silver, and gold quarters and coins for circulation.

You may need to look to much earlier mintages to invest in gold coins. Below, we will list some of the most valuable gold coins in the coin market. Maybe you will be lucky enough to get your hands on one.

Now that you know gold plating is not worth your time because the gold's thickness is less than that of human hair, at only 0.003 an inch thick, let's explore better options.

Not everyone will have the money for these precious metal coins in uncirculated condition. We can at least all dream of owning one! Check out this comprehensive list of some of the top rare and valuable gold coins.

1808 Capped Bust Gold $2.50 Quarter Eagle

The 1808 Capped Bust Gold $2.50 Quarter Eagle only has a face value of $2.50, but you will not believe the actual value of one of these coins in uncirculated condition.

This coin is 20 mm and weighs 4.37 grams. It is 92% pure gold and 8% silver and copper.

This real gold quarter has an estimated value of $2,350,000. Only 2,710 were minted in the United States. The 1808 Capped Bust Gold Quarter is a prime example of coins worth much more than their face value or spot price.

1796 Turban Head Gold $2.50 Quarter Eagle with No Stars on the Obverse Side

Our best advice when buying small amounts of rare coins is to research their value carefully. If you come across one of these rare coins being sold, know its value before shelling out your dollars.

There were only 1,094 made with 92% gold and 8% silver and copper. These coins are 20 mm and weigh 4.37 grams. Each uncirculated coin has an estimated worth of $763,750. These are challenging to find but worth the investment of dollars.

1839-O Classic Head Quarter Eagle HM-1 Winter-1

The price of these 1839 coins will also surprise you. This coin weighs 4.18 grams, and it is 18.22 mm. These coins are 90% gold and 10% copper.

In most cases, people sell these coins for around $120,000. This coin is expensive but worth investing in for such a scarce mintage, with only 4,000 in circulation.

1841 Liberty Head Gold $2.50 Quarter Eagle

If you have extra money to invest, this beautiful specimen is a find! Only 20 of these exist in the world. Despite its rarity, it retails for less than the coins above, at only $105,800.

This coin is made of 90% gold and 10% copper. Of course, you will find it challenging to find one for sale while investing in a gold wuarter.

1824/1 Capped Head Left Quarter Eagle

There are 2,600 of these coins, but the rare uncirculated ones can fetch up to $91,062. This is not a quarter golden but one with 92% gold and 8% silver and copper. Imagine the aftermarket value of this gold.

1834 Capped Bust Gold $2.50 Quarter Eagles

There are 4,000 of these, and they feature 92% gold and 8% silver and copper. An uncirculated find will sell for around $84,591. This gold quarter worth is less than some quarters because there is a larger quantity.

You will not find them for sale on the stock market, but they are available from some coin dealers and private sellers. If you decide to sell, ensure you get a fair price for its value and rarity, not just the gold weight.

The price of these can go up substantially in auctions. Of course, you should always investigate what you purchase, including the gold content. Never purchase a coin without knowing its history and value, whether gold or platinum.

FAQ About Gold Quarters

A gold quarter can be minted of genuine gold or may only have a small amount of gold or platinum. Collectors need to avoid the quarters that go through a plating process.

A golden quarter will not offer any value. You should consider it artwork more than a genuine gold quarter dollar.

Some quarters are made of gold to commemorate special people or events, such as the 2016 Standing Liberty coin. The majority of gold quarters have some other precious metals, including silver. It is essential to realize these coins are much different than colorized coins.


Colorized coins have thin gold coatings, less than human hair's thickness. These coins are worth nothing more than the face value because they do not have a melt value. If you try to sell these, you will be hard-pressed to find an interested dealer.

A gold quarter can be minted of genuine gold or may only have a small amount of gold or platinum. Collectors need to avoid the quarters that go through a plating process.

A golden quarter will not offer any value. You should consider it artwork more than a genuine gold quarter dollar.

Some gold quarters are real, but you will sometimes find a gold-colored quarter. Do not confuse the two, or you could experience a financial loss.

Why are there gold quarters? The United States Mint has released a 2016 Standing Liberty Quarter design and other coins not meant for circulation.

Strike the coin against another or a hard surface to test for genuine gold. It should produce a nice ring.

The quarter should also feel heavier in your hand and have an excellent yellow luster. If you find a golden quater, know that it has no value.

The United States Mint made 91,752 quarter-dollar gold coins. This 25-cent gold quarter is very valuable and sought-after by investors.

A quarter-dollar gold coin retails for around $838 at the time of this writing, though it has consistently grown in value since its release in 2016.

What does a gold quarter mean? Gold quarters are often minted to commemorate people or special events in history. The majority of these coins are never circulated.

Gold quarters weigh 7.78 grams. This quarter features the stunning Lady Liberty, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil. She holds a shield in one hand and, in the other, an olive branch. The coin features 13 stars.

Should You Invest in Gold Quarters?

Investing in gold quarters is wise because the price continues to rise through the years, giving you a great return on investment. Investing in coins is more profitable than jewelry.

More people bought them for retirement last year than other forms of precious metals. Just remember gold plating is not the same per ounce as solid gold. Always know what you are buying before you invest.