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    How Much Is A Gold Quarter Worth?

    Many American coins over the years have used gold in their composition. However, the quarter has not traditionally been one of them.

    Nowadays, quarters are made with cupronickel, a copper-nickel alloy common to most of our coins. Until 1932, they were made primarily with silver. At no point – except one – has the US Mint issued a quarter with gold in the mix.

    This statement probably doesn’t align with some commercials you’ve seen on late-night television. There are numerous ads for gold-plated “official” quarters.

    They aren’t. With so much confusion, though, it’s critical to understand what they are, along with what quarters actually contain gold. This page is here expressly for that purpose.

    Gold-Plated Quarters

    Now, let’s discuss gold-plated quarters. A quick Google search reveals numerous options to buy sets of gold-plated state quarters. They purport to offer you “proof” versions of these coins as a complete set, and tout its value to you.

    However, these are a sham. Companies selling these are taking regular quarters from the Mint’s State Quarters Program and coating them with a very thin layer of gold.

    The amount of gold is so thin as to be negligible to the coins’ value. Though you’ll end up paying as if there is a significant amount of gold on your purchases, the reality is that these coins are worth nothing more than their face value.

    Furthermore, this gold plating is neither official nor endorsed by the US Mint. Any reputable dealer does not offer much on these sets, and they are nothing more than novelty items.

    Please don’t be duped. There are no gold quarters aside from the 2016 Standing Liberty.

    Authentic Gold Quarters

    The 2016 Standing Liberty quarter is part of the Mint’s Centennial Gold Coin Program. The other coins in the program are the Mercury dime and the Walking Liberty half dollar.

    Each of these quarters was minted in 24-karat gold, or with a 99.99% purity level. The quarter itself weighs 0.25 troy ounces.

    Thus, the melt value alone of these quarters is ¼ of the spot price for gold. At present values, this translates to a melt value of around $665. Please note, however, that you should be sure to calculate the value yourself according to the spot price when you read this information.

    Like all coins, the value of a 2016 Standing Liberty is also a function of its condition and rarity. Only 125,000 of these quarters were ever made. All of them were produced at the West Point location of the US Mint, which produces fewer quarters than the other facilities. It is not out of the question to see mint condition or uncirculated versions of the coin to sell for more than $1,000.

    Original 1916 Design Features

    The Centennial quarter features a version of Hermon MacNeil’s Standing Liberty design. Like all quarters prior to the Washington quarter (our present design), the coin’s obverse included a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty.

    In this case, Lady Liberty’s body is forward-facing, but her head is turned to the right. She is holding a shield in her left hand and olive branches in her right.

    She is dressed in a robe or cape. However, the most notable aspect of Lady Liberty is the front of her clothing. In MacNeil’s original design, her breast is exposed, as is common in classical depictions. These quarters are known as “type 1” Standing Liberties.

    Type 2 Standing Liberties are slightly more prudish. The goddess’ exposed chest is covered with chainmail.

    The reverse of the coin is fairly simple. It portrays an eagle in flight – nothing more.

    The Mint, apparently feeling that modern Americans could deal with exposed flesh, chose the Type 1 design – the original – for the 2016 Centennial version.

    Investment Considerations

    When the US Mint released the 2016 Standing Liberty quarter, it set the coin’s price at $485 per coin. It limited each household to the purchase of two coins.

    Since then, the price has increased steadily for mint versions of the coin. They have reached as high as $2,300, and recent auctions have seen investors pay prices between $600 and $800.

    Reach out to us

    As you saw in the link above, we do have some gold quarters available for purchase. However, if you need more information – be it about the 2016 quarters or something else – let us know.

    All Market Updates are provided as a third party analysis and do not necessarily reflect the explicit views of JM Bullion Inc. and should not be construed as financial advice.