The double headed quarter is an elusive and intriguing error coin that has captured the imagination of numismatists and collectors for decades. But just how unusual are these coins? In this article, we’ll explore the origins, rarity, and value of the double headed quarter to shed light on this iconic rarity.
What is a double headed quarter?
A double headed (or two-headed) quarter has identical images on both the obverse (heads) side and reverse (tails) side of the coin. Normally, a quarter has a profile portrait of George Washington on the obverse and an eagle symbol on the reverse. But on a double headed quarter, the same face of Washington or the same eagle appears on both sides.
These coins occur when a blank planchet intended for one side of the coin inadvertently gets struck with the dies for both sides. This error happens early in the minting process, when the blank planchets are fed into the coin press to be struck by the dies containing each coin face. When a planchet gets struck by both obverse and reverse dies, it creates the double headed effect.
History of the double headed quarter
The first reported double headed quarter was minted in 1937 or 1938 at the Denver Mint facility. Coin collectors were immediately enthralled by the idea of a coin with two identical heads. In the 1940s, a small number of additional double headed quarters surfaced, mostly dated in the 1930s.
For decades after, very few new discoveries were made. Then, in 1970, a Denver Mint double headed quarter dated 1932 was authenticated and certified by the American Numismatic Association, sparking renewed interest in the coin. More were discovered in the decades that followed, with most originating from the Denver or San Francisco Mints and dated between 1932 and 1964.
How are double headed quarters minted?
Double headed quarters occur when a blank planchet intended for one side of the coin gets struck by both the obverse and reverse dies. This happens in early stage minting processes:
- Planchets are punched from strips of metal.
- The planchets are heated and cleaned.
- Planchets move down a hopper and are individually fed into the coin press.
- If a planchet gets struck by both dies, a double headed coin occurs.
- The struck coin is inspected for errors.
If a double struck coin passes inspection, it enters circulation along with normal coins. The double strike error happens so quickly that inspectors can easily miss it. So a small number of double headed quarters inevitably get released into circulation.
Rarity and value of double headed quarters
The double headed quarter is extremely rare. In a typical year, the US mints produce nearly 1 billion quarters. But over the entire history of the coin, there are likely no more than 100 double headed quarters known to exist. Here are some key facts about their scarcity and value:
- Fewer than 100 authenticated specimens are known.
- They rank among the rarest US mint errors.
- Most known examples grade Poor to Good condition.
- In average circulated grades, they are valued around $2,000-$5,000.
- In uncirculated grades over MS60, they can be worth $20,000+.
- The most valuable double headed quarter ever sold was an MS63 graded specimen that sold at auction for $119,500 in 2008.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Poor to Good | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Very Good to Fine | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Very Fine to AU | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| MS60 and up | $20,000+ |
As the table shows, condition has a significant impact on a double headed quarter’s value. Well-worn specimens in the lowest “Good” grades trade for around $2,000. But uncirculated examples certified MS60 or higher can command $20,000 or more at auction. This huge range is due to the rarity and demand from collectors.
Other rare double headed US coins
While double headed quarters are highly sought after, they are not the only double struck US coin variety. Here are some other extremely rare double headed errors:
Double headed dimes
Like quarters, a small number of dimes have been found with identical portraits on both sides. Maybe 25 or fewer exist, mostly dated in the 1950s and 1960s. Values range from approximately $5,000 in worn condition to $50,000+ for uncirculated specimens.
Double headed nickels
Nickels dated from the 1940s through the 1960s are sometimes found double struck. About 20 or fewer are known. Average circulated examples are worth around $5,000, while MS63 and higher graded coins can auction for $50,000 to $100,000+.
Double headed half dollars
Double struck Franklin and Kennedy half dollars are extraordinarily scarce, with 15 or fewer known. Like other denominations, values range widely based on condition. An MS65 example sold for $192,000 in 2015, demonstrating the unbelievable rarity of double headed half dollars.
Should you look for a double headed quarter?
While confirming the discovery of a double headed quarter may seem like a windfall, the odds of finding one in circulation are essentially zero. If you check each quarter by hand, you would have to sort through thousands or even millions to have a realistic chance of noticing the error. Normal quarter rolls and bags should always be searched as they contain more common and still desirable mint errors. But focused hunting for a double headed quarter is likely not worth the time and effort.
Nevertheless, always keeping an eye out for the double headed quarter and other elusive errors makes coin collecting exciting. While your chances of finding one are tiny, you can never be certain when a tremendous rarity like the double headed quarter might turn up.
Conclusion
The double headed quarter stands as one of the rarest and most coveted United States coinage errors. While the odds of discovering one are astronomically low, these fascinating misprints continue to generate great enthusiasm among collectors. Their elusive nature, appealing origin story, and value that often reaches five or even six figures make the double headed quarter a true treasure and icon of American numismatics.