Best Personal Finance Platform at the APAC Business Awards 2023

Exploring the Worth of a Gold Quarter: What's Its Value?

two men looking at real gold coins

8 min read.

When it comes to collectible coins, some of the most sought-after pieces are 24-karat gold coins. A gold quarter coin offers not only a physical representation of currency from the past but can also be valuable in terms of investment potential and worth. Whether you’ve discovered a shiny gold coin among your old coins or found one while walking around, it’s natural to wonder how much is a gold quarter worth.

Gold quarter coins have been minted by the U.S. government since 1795, so if you think you have a real gold quarter in your hands, then this means it may be centuries old!

Several factors must be considered to determine the value of a gold quarter. This guide will take an in-depth look at the complexities of gauging gold coins and understanding their worth today.

Gold has been an attractive investment for centuries due to its long-term appreciation and resilience during economic turmoil. To accurately assess gold quarter prices, you must understand the difference between melt and face values and identify genuine gold coins from their gold-plated counterparts.

In addition to discussing various types of gold quarter coins and their composition details affecting their resale value, we will also explore some notable examples of rare coins that have fetched impressive sums at auctions.

 

The banner ads and some links in this blog post contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and join, I may receive a referral commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own and each company featured is individually selected

The Standing Liberty Centennial Gold Coins

a man looking at quarter eagles through magnifying lens

The Standing Liberty Centennial Gold Coin is the only officially sanctioned gold quarter, minted out of West Point and weighing 0.25 troy ounces, with a melt value derived from the current spot price of gold, making it a valuable investment asset that has appreciated by +66.98% over the past five years.

The 1917 edition of the standing liberty quarter design features the Lady's right breast engraved, with almost 12 million coins created. The current design has covered the Lady's breasts and added a chain cover. Although, the bare-breast versions that still exist are some of the most expensive items available in the coin market. 

1792 Coinage Act

The United States Mint was established with the passage of the Coinage Act in 1792, laying down guidelines for producing coins like gold quarters and other coins, ensuring their quality and authenticity.

Bull Run Predictions for Gold Quarters

  • Gold IRA Companies: Many gold IRAs companies predict a bull run for precious metals such as pure gold coins due to global economic uncertainty.

  • Mint Mark: The mint mark on your coin indicates its minting location, such as the W mint mark for West Point, D for Denver Mints or Dahlonega, or P for the Philadelphia Mint.

  • Growth Potential: With historical performance indicating increased worth during times of economic instability, investing in fine gold can be an excellent long-term strategy.

Investing in genuine gold quarters can be a smart long-term strategy, with historical performance indicating increased worth during times of instability. #goldquarters #investing Click to Tweet

Although modern gold coins are considered legal tender, their metal value usually surpasses their nominal value, so they are not commonly used for regular financial transactions. 

 

Gold Quarters: Real Value vs. Gold-Plated Quarters

the obverse side of a state quarters 

Investing in genuine gold quarters offers protection against inflation and potential for increased aftermarket value, while "gold-plated" quarters hold little more than face value.

  • Real gold coins: Have intrinsic worth based on their gold content and can be sold for their current spot price or higher if they possess numismatic significance.

  • Gold-plated coins: Contain only a small amount of gold, making them worth considerably less than gold quarters. Special coins and commemorative coins may still hold a value between collectors.

For those looking to buy gold quarters or other metals, focus on officially sanctioned pieces like the Standing Liberty Centennial Gold Quarter to ensure authenticity and value.

Investing in genuine gold quarters like the Standing Liberty Centennial Gold Coin offers protection against inflation and the potential for increased value. #goldquarters #investing Click to Tweet

Determining Authenticity of Golden Coins

Don't get fooled by fake gold quarters, get a professional coin grading service by certified experts like PCGS and NGC for accurate assessment and grading based on gold prices.

  • Coin grading services: PCGS and NGC can authenticate your coins and assign a grade based on their condition.

  • Certified appraisers: Professional appraisers affiliated with the American Society of Appraisers can determine the authenticity and value of your gold coins.

When buying legitimate gold quarters, approach reputable dealerships like American Hartford Gold to avoid scams and worthless imitations.

"Protect your investment. Consult certified experts like PCGS and NGC to authenticate and grade your gold quarters. #investingtips #goldcoins" Click to Tweet

Most Valuable Golden Coins

Investors and collectors alike are captivated by the Rare Double Eagle minted in 1933, the most valuable golden coin known to date, fetching over $18 million at auction due to its rarity. More on this fascinating story below.

 

Standing Liberty Centennial Quarter Gold Coin

The genuine gold quarter's worth depends on its weight, condition, rarity, and current market price for gold.

With over 9% compound annual growth rate since 2000, gold is a wise addition for those looking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals.

Price History of Gold Quarters

Gold quarters have been a popular investment option for those interested in precious metals. As with any other gold coin, the price of gold quarters has seen an upward trend since their inception.

The 24-karat gold Standing Liberty Centennial coin is one such example that was first minted in 2016, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the standing liberty quarter design. Initially available for $485, it is nowadays being sold for over $900 - an 85 % increase in 7 years.

Gold Price History

gold price history and value of gold last 15 years

Source: goldprice.org

Differences Based on Melt Value

Authentic gold bullion contains pure gold with a minute amount of copper or silver alloy added for durability purposes. In contrast, a gold-plated quarter is made from base metal coated with a thin layer of gold through electroplating techniques.

The melt value refers to the intrinsic value derived from melting down the coin into its raw materials without considering its rarity or collectability factor.

A genuine 0.064-inch thick Standing Liberty Centennial Gold coin weighs an approximately one-tenth ounce and has a melt value equivalent to around 90% of an ounce at current spot prices.

Get Your Free Info Guide on Digital Currency IRA

The Most Valuable Golden Coin

The 1933 Double Eagle is the final gold coin minted as a U.S. currency. Although hundreds of thousands of coins were produced, they did not enter circulation. Almost all the coins were melted down under the government's Depression-era gold acquisition program, except two that are currently in the Smithsonian Institution. The government also took 11 of the 12 other known remaining examples. The only legal remaining coin sold for an astounding $18,872,250 at a Sotheby's auction on June 8, 2021.

The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is another rare coin; one sold at auction in January 2021 for $9.36 million.

Is gold quarter worth anything? Investing in precious metals like gold can provide diversification benefits for your portfolio while also acting as a hedge against inflation. It's worth investing in a genuine gold quarter or other forms of gold bullion if you're looking to add precious metals exposure to your investment strategy - do your research to find a reputable dealer.

 

Gold Quarters: Worth Investing in?

range of coins illustrating the purchase gold quarters

The value of gold quarters is determined by their weight, purity, and the current spot price of gold, making them a valuable long-term investment asset.

  • Weight: The heavier the coin, the more gold content it has, thus increasing its worth.

  • Purity: Coins with higher purity levels like .9999 fine (24 karat gold) are more valuable than those with lower purities.

  • Spot Price: Keep track of the daily fluctuations in the spot price of gold for an accurate valuation.

During times of instability, gold coins have shown to be a safe haven for investors seeking refuge from stock market volatility.

For example, between 2008 and 2023 - amidst the global financial crisis - gold prices soared by over 223%.

Investing in gold quarters is a smart move. Their worth depends on gold's weight, purity, and spot price. They're valuable assets during economic turmoil. #goldquarters #investing Click to Tweet

How to invest in Gold?

If you're interested in learning more about investing in precious metals, either directly or through Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), there are a few options available:

  • Physical Gold: The Texas-based JM Bullion is a leader in online precious metals. You can also sell through the site any silver and gold bullion.

  • Digital Gold: With Vaulted, you have direct ownership of specific bars. Only with your permission can your gold be physically delivered to your home, business, or another vault via FedEx.

  • Bitcoin & Gold IRA: As we recently covered in our self-directed IRA Review, you may consider diversifying away from the stock market by allocating a small portion of your investments to cryptocurrencies. Amongst 60 digital assets, with BitcoinIRA you can invest in Pax Gold (PAXG) - a token that gives ownership rights to physical gold.

Investing in Precious Metals for Economic Security

quarter eagles to represent the gold currency

Diversifying your savings by holding various precious metals and gold quarters such as a new jersey state quarter can protect against economic turmoil or uncertainty.

Benefits of diversifying with precious metals

  • Hedge against inflation: Gold, silver, and other precious metals maintain their value during times of high inflation.

  • Tangible assets: You can physically hold gold coins or bars as a tangible investment.

  • Liquidity: You can easily buy and sell precious metal investments through reputable dealers

Inflation-proof nature and rising prices

Gold quarters like the Standing Liberty Centennial Gold Coin have shown an inherent ability to withstand market fluctuations.

By including genuine gold quarters within your investment portfolio alongside other forms of gold IRA investments, you're setting yourself up for long-term financial stability even during uncertain times.

"Secure your financial future by diversifying with precious metals like gold quarters. Protect against inflation and market fluctuations for long-term stability. #investing #goldquarters #financialfreedom" Click to Tweet

Financial freedom eBooks 

FAQs about How Much Is a Gold Quarter Worth

What's the Value of a Gold Quarter?

The gold quarter dollar value depends on its melt value, rarity, and condition.

Melt value is calculated using the current spot price of gold multiplied by the coin's weight in pure gold.

To determine an accurate valuation for your specific coin, consult reputable resources like NGC Coin or PCGS.

How Much is a Gold-Plated Quarter Worth?

A gold-plated quarter has minimal intrinsic value beyond its face value of $0.25 since it contains only a thin layer of actual gold.

Gold-plated quarters may be used to scam people who are made to believe they can purchase gold quarters for a fraction of the value of gold.

How is Gold Plating Done?

Gold plating is a process used to deposit a slim layer of gold onto the surface of an object to enhance its appearance and provide a protective coating.

To apply gold plating:

  1. Clean and polish the object to ensure a smooth surface;

  2. Apply a layer of a conductive material, such as nickel or copper, to facilitate the adhesion of the gold;

  3. Submerge the object in a solution containing gold ions, and pass an electrical current through the solution, causing the gold ions to bond to the surface. This process, known as electroplating, allows for precise control over the thickness of the gold layer;

  4. Carefully rinse, dry, and polish the plated object to achieve a lustrous finish.

 

Gold plating is commonly used in jewelry, electronics, gold-plated quarters, and decorative items to add a touch of luxury and corrosion resistance.

How Much is a 1965 Gold Quarter Valued At?

A genuine 1965 US Mint Washington Quarter does not exist in solid-gold form; they were struck in clad copper-nickel composition instead.

If your version is gold-plated, it's not worth more than 25 cents, similar to most other gold-plated quarters.

Collectible specimens may command higher values depending on their grade and provenance.

get stock market investing tips 

Conclusion

In conclusion, gold quarter coins have a rich history and can potentially be a very valuable asset for both coin collectors and investors.

Efforts must be taken to identify the accurate melt value of each gold quarter, their numismatic value, and specific grade. Don't be fooled by gold-plated quarters, as they are not worth much more than their face value.

For those interested in finding out more about investing in this precious metal, you may want to consider using Vaulted – an app that was specifically created to meet the needs of novice and experienced gold traders alike.

 

No Investment Advice. What is a gold quarter worth article does not provide financial advice and has been prepared without taking into account any person’s investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published