Coin collecting is extremely interesting not only because of their amazing appearance and the stories associated with them but also because of the possibility of finding a piece more valuable than its actual value. Out of all the treasures, the Bicentennial Quarter stands out in particular, with the value of one specific edition reaching almost $1,350,000 USD.
However, this excitement does not end there, and there are six more quarters that have their own interesting stories and are worth more than $80,000. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications of these unique coins.
Bicentennial Quarter
This quarter is like no other quarter: a quarter minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The reason why this specific coin can be considered more valuable is due to a specific minting mistake and the fact that this coin has never been in circulation.
This mistake could be a misprint or a doubled die, which makes this piece absolutely unique. Such obvious ‘abnormalities’ are very attractive to collectors and true admirers who are willing to pay millions of dollars for such a priceless piece. A specimen of a similar type was once sold at a public auction for just $1,350,000 USD. This unique coin is rare, and for this reason, it is usually found in excellent condition and therefore makes an excellent exhibit for any collector.
Washington Quarter
The 1932 Washington Quarter is known as the first official Washington Quarter and was designed as a one-year-only commemorative type before being adopted as a long-lasting type of U.S. currency. An example of an unblemished Morgan Dollar, particularly one bearing the D (Denver) or S (San Francisco) mint mark, which has never been in circulation, can sell for over $80,000. This piece is considered highly valuable due to its historical value and its rarity.
Also Read: Rare Bicentennial Quarter: Worth Nearly $75 Million, Including 4 Other High Value Quarters
Copper Quarter
Prior to 1943, lower-value quarters were made of steel with a zinc coating because the base copper material was used for war purposes. However, very few 1943 copper quarters have been obtained, considering they were likely created due to minting mistakes when copper planchets were used. These copper quarters are very hard to find and, even in very good condition, can fetch a collector up to $100,000.
Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S quarter is another interesting piece because this piece was produced from an overmintmark error. The D (Denver) mintmark was overstamping the S (San Francisco) mintmark. This error occurred when dies intended for one mint were sent to another mint. When these quarters are in mint, uncirculated condition, they go for over $80,000, and this, in addition to the fact that it is a very rare find, makes it a favorite among collectors.
SMS Quarter
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) quarter is still somewhat of a mystery as the U.S. Mint has never given a clear report on them. These coins are identified by a distinctive patina that sets them apart from the normal and proof issues of that year. These are probably not in circulation, and a 1964 SMS quarter in mint condition can easily fetch over $100,000.
Proof Quarter on Canadian Coin
This extraordinary thing happened when a 1970-S Proof quarter was struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter. Knowing that this coin was a hybrid that had elements of some U.S. and Canadian coinage. Because of this error and the story it presents, this quarter can sell for over $80,000 at auction.
Broadstruck Quarter
A broadstruck quarter is a quarter that was produced without a collar, which is used to hold the coin in place; therefore, the coins will be wide and not the correct size. The quarter mentioned here is the 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter. Because of their rarity and special design, these coins in MS-65 condition can be worth over $80,000 US dollars.
Also Read: $5 Million Worth of Rare Dimes in Circulation: 2024 Update
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, the hobby and community of coin collecting are made up of many stories of the discovery of unusual and valuable coins. These Bicentennial quarters, as well as the other six quarters mentioned above, clearly show how errors, history, and rarity can come together to compose highly valuable pieces.
Engaging in the search for these coins, whether as a beginning collector or an experienced collector, can be a lot of fun as well as profitable.
FAQs
Q. What is the significance of the Bicentennial Quarter?
A. It was minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Q. Why is the Washington Quarter valuable?
A. It is the first official Washington quarter and was designed as a one-year commemorative type only.
Q. What is the significance of the Copper Quarter?
A. The 1943 copper quarters were created due to minting mistakes and are extremely rare.
Q. What is an Overmintmark Quarter?
A. This quarter was produced from an overmintmark error, with the D mintmark overstamping the S mintmark.
Q. What is the significance of the SMS Quarter?
A. The 1964 SMS quarter is identified by its distinctive patina and is very rare, it can be worth over $100,000 in mint condition.