2010-D Mount Hood Quarter Value: Is It Worth More Than 25 Cents?

The 2010-D Mount Hood Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in worn pocket change to over $35 for coins in high-grade Mint State. While most examples you find in your wallet are only worth face value, certain specimens with high luster or rare minting errors can command a much higher premium.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average)	$0.25
Uncirculated (MS63)	$1.50 – $3.00
High Grade (MS67+)	$25.00 – $85.00+

A History of the 2010-D Mount Hood National Forest Quarter

The 2010-D Mount Hood Quarter holds a special place in American numismatic history as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters program. This ambitious series, launched by the U.S. Mint in 2010, was designed to celebrate the natural beauty and historical significance of national parks across all 50 states and territories. Mount Hood, located in Oregon, was chosen as the fifth and final release of the inaugural 2010 set.

If you are curious about the coins in your collection, using a top coin identifier and value app is the easiest way to differentiate between common change and rare treasures. The “D” mint mark on this quarter signifies that it was produced at the Denver Mint. In 2010, the United States was still recovering from a recession, which led to lower-than-average mintage numbers compared to the 1990s. This lower supply often piques the interest of collectors.

When inspecting your quarter, you will see the iconic image of Mount Hood with Lost Lake in the foreground. The design, created by Phebe Hemphill, captures the rugged majesty of the Cascades. Because these coins were released into circulation to be used every day, finding a “clean” one without scratches or dings is becoming increasingly difficult. If you find yourself holding a particularly shiny specimen, it might be time to check its professional grade.

Understanding the Scarcity and Mintage Numbers

Mintage numbers are a primary driver of value in the coin world. In 2010, the Denver Mint produced exactly 34,400,000 Mount Hood quarters. While 34 million might sound like a large number, it is actually quite low when compared to the hundreds of millions of quarters minted in later years. For instance, some later releases saw mintages exceeding 400 million. This relative scarcity is why the CoinKnow app often flags 2010 quarters as coins to watch.

Low mintage doesn’t always guarantee a high price, but it creates a “floor” for the value. Most of these coins were bagged and shipped to banks to facilitate commerce. Many were heavily handled, resulting in the “circulated” grade where the coin shows wear on the high points of the mountain and Washington’s hair. Collectors are specifically looking for coins that never entered circulation, often found in original rolls or mint sets.

For those tracking the market, checking the current 2010 quarter market data can provide insights into how prices fluctuate based on demand. While the Denver mint produced a steady supply, the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints also produced variations that collectors often compare against the “D” mint mark versions.

Mint Mark	Location	Total Mintage
D	Denver	34,400,000
P	Philadelphia	34,400,000
S	San Francisco (Proof)	1,603,388

Determining the Grade and Condition of Your Coin

To find out if your 2010-D Mount Hood quarter is worth more than twenty-five cents, you must learn to grade it. Numismatists use a 70-point scale. A coin graded 1 to 50 is considered “circulated.” If it looks like it just came out of a fresh roll and has a strong luster, it may be in “Mint State” (MS60 or higher). Most people use the CoinKnow app to get a preliminary idea of the grade by comparing their coin to high-resolution photos.

The highest value for the 2010-D Mount Hood Quarter is found in grades MS67 and MS68. At these levels, the coin must have almost no visible marks under magnification. The “strike” must be sharp, meaning the details of the trees and the reflection in the lake are crisp. Because the Denver Mint marks were sometimes prone to minor bag marks during transport, finding a perfect specimen is a rare feat for any hunter.

When assessing your coin, look for “chatter” or small nicks in the open fields of the coin’s surface. A coin with a clean field around the mountain peak will always fetch a higher price than one with scratches. You can see how these factors influence the high-grade quarter auction results for similar 2010 releases. Even a slight jump in grade from MS66 to MS67 can triple the price.

The Rarity of 2010-D Mount Hood Errors

Errors are where the real money is made for average coin hunters. While the 2010-D Mount Hood Quarter does not have a “major” famous error like the 1955 Doubled Die Penny, there are several minor errors that collectors pay heavily for. These include “Die Chips,” “Doubled Dies,” and “Off-Center Strikes.” A die chip near the mountain peak can turn a 25-cent coin into a $5 to $10 novelty item on eBay.

One particular error to look for is the “grease strike-through.” This happens when grease fills the die, resulting in faint or missing details in the design. For example, if parts of the “E Pluribus Unum” text are missing but the rest of the coin is sharp, you likely have an error. Always use the CoinKnow scanner to double-check any weird-looking features before spending the coin at the grocery store.

Another interesting collector’s item is the “Lead Edge” or issues with the reeded edge of the coin. If the ridges on the side of your quarter are missing or malformed, it could be a minting error. While these aren’t worth thousands, they are a fun way to start a collection and are worth significantly more than the face value of the metal.

Error Type	Visual Indicator	Price Range
Die Chip	Small bumps on the mountain	$3 – $12
Grease Strike	Faded letters or date	$5 – $20
Off-Center	Design shifted to one side	$25 – $100+

Why the 2010 Quarters are Different

The year 2010 was the first year of the America the Beautiful series. Because it was a new series, many people saved the coins, thinking they would be as valuable as the original State Quarters from 1999. However, because the economy was slow, fewer were actually released into the wild. This creates a “sweet spot” for collectors: there are enough of them to be found, but not enough to make high-grade versions cheap.

If you are building a full set of the America the Beautiful quarters, the 2010-D Mount Hood is a mandatory piece. Most collectors prefer to buy them in “Uncirculated Rolls.” A roll of 40 coins that has never been opened can sell for $40 to $60, which is significantly higher than the $10 face value. This “buy-and-hold” strategy is common among Americans who want to preserve a bit of history while potentially making a profit.

When you look at your change, remember that the 2010 coins represent the beginning of a decade-long journey for the U.S. Mint. They were produced using newer equipment than the coins of the 1970s and 80s, which usually means higher quality strikes. But because the Denver Mint is a “workhorse” facility, the sheer volume can lead to mechanical errors that are prize finds for any amateur numismatist.

Where to Sell Your Mount Hood Quarters

If you believe you have found a high-value 2010-D Mount Hood Quarter, you have several options for selling. For common uncirculated coins, eBay is often the best marketplace. You can list them as “Buy It Now” for a few dollars. However, if your coin is professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC, it may be worth taking to a local coin shop or a specialized auction.

Make sure to take clear, high-quality photos. Collectors want to see the “Denver” mint mark clearly and check for any scratches on the mountain. If the coin has a beautiful “toning” (natural rainbow-like coloration from oxidation), it might even sell for a higher premium to specialized buyers. Many users find that checking prices on a CoinKnow-linked database helps them set a fair asking price that ensures a quick sale without leaving money on the table.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of proper storage. If you find a shiny 2010-D quarter, don’t throw it in a jar with other coins. The metal hitting other coins will cause “bag marks,” which lower the grade and the value. Place it in a cardboard 2×2 holder or a plastic flip to preserve its condition. Your future self—or a future buyer—will thank you for the extra effort.

Selling Platform	Best For	Fees
eBay	Raw uncirculated coins & errors	Approx. 13%
Local Coin Shop	Quick cash / Bulk rolls	Varies (Wholesale prices)
Heritage Auctions	High-grade certified (MS67+)	Commission based

2010-D Mount Hood Quarter FAQ

Q: Where is the mint mark located on the 2010 Mount Hood quarter?

A: The mint mark (a small “D” for Denver or “P” for Philadelphia) is located on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just to the right of George Washington’s ponytail.

Q: Are all 2010 quarters worth money?

A: Broadly speaking, every quarter is worth at least 25 cents. However, 2010 quarters have lower mintages than most other years in the 21st century, so even average uncirculated ones can be worth $1-$2 to the right collector.

Q: Can I find a Silver 2010-D Mount Hood Quarter?

A: No, the “D” (Denver) and “P” (Philadelphia) mint marks are only found on copper-nickel clad coins. Silver versions were minted in San Francisco and will have an “S” mint mark.

Q: What is the highest recorded price for a 2010-D Mount Hood Quarter?

A: Exceptional specimens graded MS68 have sold at auction for over $500 in the past, though these are extremely rare and must be professionally certified to reach such prices.