Some have brought a small fortune because of the rarity of a strike, the striking flaws that occur in some coins, or a specific historical element. This is starkly at odds with the overwhelming majority of quarters, however, which brings little more than face value. Among them, a Bicentennial quarter recently sold close to three million dollars, leaving numismatists gobsmacked. Here, we take a closer look at this extraordinary coin, as well as four other quarters with a combined value of more than $300,000.
Bicentennial Quarter Worth $3 Million
As part of the celebration of the United States of America’s 200th birthday, the Bicentennial Quarter was minted in 1975 and 1976. Even though most of them were copper-nickel, a few were struck on the forty percent silver planchets which was intended for only the proof sets.
Why It’s Valuable
One of these silver Bicentennial Quarters made its way into circulation, an error that produced a scarcity and a makeup of one-of-a-kind composition. This coin, which was nearly perfect and nearly three million dollars at auction, was in almost flawless condition. It does have great value because of its high-grade condition and makes it a one-of-a-kind treasure. The second reason for its value is that it is constituted by forty percent silver and was never made for any person but the collectors.
What to Look For
- Edge Test: Silver quarters have a solid silver edge, and unlike clad quarters, they do not possess a core that is copper-coloured.
- The weight test reveals that silver quarters are somewhat heavier than copper-nickel quarters.
- Professional grading: If you have any reason to believe that you own one, you should have it verified by a grading agency.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter, which was issued to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, is extremely valuable to collectors, particularly in high grades.
Why It’s Valuable
This particular quarter is one of the rarest in the Washington series quarters because it was only produced in a total of 436,800 pieces. Considering the low manufacturing and low year, collectors value their coins to be minted in excellent conditions and have been sold at more than $300,000.
What to Look For
- To look for the mint mark, look at the letter “D” positioned under the eagle on the reverse side.
- Condition: The circulated copies are available but the copies of the same coin, which are non-circulated, have the highest price tag attached to it.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Within the Liberty Seated series is the rare coin, the 1870-CC quarter that was minted at the Carson City Mint; it is one of the oldest mints.
Why It’s Valuable
The 1870-CC is one of the rarest quarters because it was only produced in a total of 8,340 coins. Due to the rarity of the coin and the Carson City Mint’s popularity among collectors, high-grade copies are valued at more than $300,000.
What to Look For
- Look for the letter “CC” underneath the eagle to find the mint mark.
- This coin is highly counterfeited, so therefore, it needs verification if it is indeed an authentic expertly-approved coin.
1901-S Barber Quarter
One of the rarest coinage in the Barber series that was designed by Charles E. Barber is the 1901 S Barber Quarter produced in San Francisco.
Why It’s Valuable
This is a very rare quarter, especially in higher grades, with only 72,664 of them ever produced. Collectors have placed a high premium on the coin’s scarcity and desirability within the Barber series, with coins in nearly pristine condition selling for more than $300,000.
What to Look For
- Things to Look For in Mint Mark: The “S” mint mark, placed below the eagle, indicates this coin was minted at San Francisco.
- Grade: Even worn copies are worth money, but uncirculated examples command a premium price.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
This quarter from the United States was actually an early quarter known for its overdate error wherein the “3” in the date was struck over a “2.”
Why It’s Valuable
This makes this piece extremely rare because only a few of 1823/2 quarters are known to exist. The overdate inaccuracy does add to the historical interest of an item as is seen by the high-grade specimens fetching more than $300,000.
What to Look For
- When on the look for an overdate error, you should search for traces of the number “2” that are located behind the number “3” in the date.
- Condition: The coins are in good condition; all the overdates are different, with minimal wear on them.
These special coins show how rare features, unique and even historical significance can change ordinary coins into famous treasures valued in millions of dollars.
FAQs
1. Why is the Bicentennial Quarter worth $3 million?
Its rarity, which may include minting faults or special qualities, accounts for the $3 million valuation. Due to collectors’ intense desire for these uncommon Bicentennial Quarter varieties, their market value has skyrocketed.
2. What other coins are valued over $300,000?
Coins worth more than $300,000 include the 1804 Silver Dollar, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, and the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. In the numismatic market, these coins are extremely sought-after, rare, and historically significant.
3. How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for uncommon minting flaws like misprints or double strikes in addition to the coin’s general rarity and condition. With the use of expert appraisal or coin grading services, you can ascertain its possible worth.