Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $1.2M : 3 More Worth Over $200,000

1. The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $1.2 Million

In 1976, the U.S. Mint produced special quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins to commemorate the country’s 200th anniversary. These coins featured unique designs, with the quarter showing a drummer boy and a colonial victory torch on the reverse side.

While billions of Bicentennial quarters were minted, making most worth only face value, a few of these coins were struck in error on 90% silver planchets meant for proof coins or as “S” mint-marked special collector’s issues.

Why It’s Valuable:
This Bicentennial quarter is extraordinary because it was mistakenly struck on a 90% silver planchet instead of the usual copper-nickel clad metal used for circulating quarters.

This error gives the coin a unique metal composition that sets it apart from other Bicentennial quarters. Such an error is extremely rare and highly sought after, with one recently auctioned for nearly $1.2 million due to its unique combination of rarity and historical significance.

What to Look For:
To identify a potentially valuable Bicentennial quarter, examine the coin’s weight (silver quarters are slightly heavier) and the edge (it should have a solid silver appearance rather than the usual copper layer visible in clad coins).

Coins with a mint mark of “S” are generally intended for collectors, but if you find one without a mint mark or with an unusual luster, it could be worth investigating further.

2. The 1932-D Washington Quarter

The Washington quarter was first issued in 1932 to celebrate the 200th birthday of George Washington. While quarters minted that year are generally collectible, the 1932-D (Denver) quarter stands out as particularly valuable because of its low mintage.

Why It’s Valuable:
Only 436,800 quarters were minted in Denver in 1932, making the 1932-D one of the rarest Washington quarters.

This scarcity, combined with the fact that Washington quarters have become highly popular among collectors, makes it a valuable item. High-grade 1932-D quarters can easily fetch over $200,000, especially those in mint or near-mint condition.

What to Look For:
Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side of the quarter, just below the eagle. Quarters from 1932 without the “D” or “S” mint mark are worth less, as they were minted in higher quantities in Philadelphia.

Well-preserved examples of the 1932-D are rare, so if you find one with minimal wear, you could be looking at a significant find.

3. The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter

The Liberty Seated quarter series, produced from 1838 to 1891, includes several highly valuable coins, with the 1870-CC (Carson City) being among the rarest and most valuable.

The Carson City Mint, which operated from 1870 to 1893, had limited production capacity and minted fewer coins than other mints, making Carson City quarters especially rare.

Why It’s Valuable:
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter has an exceptionally low mintage of only 8,340 coins, many of which were lost or melted down over time.

Surviving examples are extremely rare, and even those in poor condition are highly valued by collectors. An 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter in mint condition can sell for over $200,000 due to its rarity and historical significance.

What to Look For:
On the reverse side of the coin, check for the “CC” mint mark beneath the eagle. If you find an 1870-CC quarter with good detail and minimal wear, you may have a highly valuable coin on your hands.

However, due to its rarity, it is also one of the most counterfeited coins, so it’s advisable to have it authenticated by a professional grading service.

4. The 1901-S Barber Quarter

The Barber quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was minted from 1892 to 1916. Among all the Barber quarters, the 1901-S (San Francisco) quarter is the most valuable due to its low mintage and scarcity in higher grades.

Many of these quarters were heavily circulated, making mint-condition examples especially rare.

Why It’s Valuable:
Only 72,664 quarters were minted in San Francisco in 1901, and few have survived in pristine condition.

Because Barber quarters were widely used, those remaining from 1901 in good condition are rare and highly prized. A 1901-S Barber quarter in near-perfect condition can command a price over $200,000, making it one of the most valuable U.S. quarters.

What to Look For:
Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse of the coin, located just below the eagle. High-grade 1901-S quarters with little to no wear are extraordinarily valuable. If you come across one, it is likely to be worth a considerable amount, especially if it has been well preserved.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Rare and Valuable Quarters

1. How can I tell if I have a rare Bicentennial quarter?
Most Bicentennial quarters are not rare, as billions were minted. However, if you have a Bicentennial quarter that appears to be struck on a silver planchet or has unusual characteristics, it may be valuable.

Look for a solid silver edge and check the weight. Silver quarters will weigh slightly more than the typical clad version.

2. Are there any other valuable Bicentennial coins besides the quarter?
Yes, the U.S. Mint produced Bicentennial half dollars and dollar coins in 1976 as well. Like the quarters, these coins were minted in large quantities, but a small number were struck in 40% silver and intended for collectors.

These silver Bicentennial coins are worth more than their face value, particularly in uncirculated condition.

3. How can I verify if a quarter is genuine and valuable?
For rare quarters, professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) offer authentication and grading services.

These organizations assess the coin’s authenticity, condition, and market value, ensuring you have a genuine coin.

4. What factors affect the value of rare quarters?
Several factors impact a quarter’s value: rarity (low mintage or unique mint errors), historical significance, condition, and collector demand.

Coins in near-mint or mint condition generally fetch higher prices, especially if they come from a low-mintage year or feature unique characteristics like a mint error.

5. Are quarters with mint marks more valuable?
Quarters with mint marks can be more valuable, particularly if they were minted in smaller quantities at facilities like the Denver (D), San Francisco (S), or Carson City (CC) Mints.

The mint mark alone doesn’t determine value, but when combined with factors like mintage numbers and condition, it can contribute significantly to a coin’s worth.

6. Is it worth checking pocket change for valuable quarters?
Yes! Many rare and valuable coins have been found in circulation. Coins like the 1932-D Washington quarter or even certain mint error coins occasionally surface in pocket change or coin rolls.

Checking your quarters for unusual features or mint marks could lead to a profitable find.

7. How should I store valuable quarters?
Store valuable quarters in protective holders, like coin flips or capsules, to prevent scratching and exposure to environmental factors. Keep them in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.

For coins of significant value, consider using a safe or safety deposit box to protect your investment.

Conclusion

These valuable quarters demonstrate that coins in everyday use can carry significant worth due to rare characteristics, historical relevance, or unique minting errors.

From the nearly $1.2 million Bicentennial quarter to the rare 1901-S Barber quarter, each of these coins tells a fascinating story that appeals to collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a curious beginner, knowing what to look for can turn a simple quarter into a remarkable discovery and potentially a profitable investment. So next time you’re checking your change, take a closer look—you might just find a treasure.