RaRe Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $3500k: 6 More Worth Over $1,00,000:- The Bicentennial quarter, minted in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary, is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history.
RaRe Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $3500k: 6 More Worth Over $1,00,000
With its unique design featuring a colonial drummer and dual date “1776–1976,” it holds a special place in many Americans’ hearts. While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value, a rare few have become collector’s items worth thousands.
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One specific Bicentennial quarter recently sold for nearly $350,000, and several other quarters have surpassed the $100,000 mark. Here’s a closer look at these valuable quarters and what makes them stand out.
1. The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $350,000
Most Bicentennial quarters were minted in copper-nickel clad, making them common and low in value. However, some special variants were struck on 40% silver planchets meant for collector sets.
Occasionally, a silver quarter accidentally entered circulation instead of being preserved in a proof or uncirculated set. This rare silver Bicentennial quarter, struck in error and in near-perfect condition, recently fetched close to $350,000 at auction.
Why It’s Valuable:
This Bicentennial quarter’s silver composition, combined with its accidental release into circulation, makes it incredibly rare. As a high-grade coin, it’s a one-of-a-kind find for numismatists and has become highly valuable due to its historical significance and rarity.
What to Look For:
To identify a silver Bicentennial quarter, look at the coin’s edge. A silver quarter will have a solid silver edge without the typical copper core stripe.
It will also be slightly heavier than standard copper-nickel quarters. Coins that seem in near-mint condition are worth verifying through professional grading.
2. The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter series began in 1932, initially as a one-time commemorative coin to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. The 1932-D (Denver) Washington quarter is one of the rarest in the series due to its low mintage and historical significance.
Why It’s Valuable:
Only 436,800 of the 1932-D quarters were minted, making it one of the scarcest Washington quarters.
High-grade examples in near-mint condition can command prices of over $100,000, especially because this coin holds both historical and collectible value as an inaugural Washington quarter.
What to Look For:
Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side, below the eagle. Even circulated examples of the 1932-D are valuable, but those in high grades, particularly uncirculated, are exceptionally sought after.
3. The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The Liberty Seated quarter series, produced from 1838 to 1891, is well-regarded among collectors. The 1870-CC quarter, minted in Carson City, Nevada, is one of the rarest in the series and one of the first quarters produced by the Carson City Mint.
Why It’s Valuable:
With a mintage of only 8,340 coins, the 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter is scarce. Well-preserved examples in high grades can sell for well over $100,000, due to both their rarity and the unique history of the Carson City Mint.
What to Look For:
Check for the “CC” mint mark on the reverse side, under the eagle. Since the 1870-CC is a rare and desirable coin, it’s essential to have any potential finds authenticated by a grading service to verify their authenticity and value.
4. The 1901-S Barber Quarter
The Barber quarter series, designed by Charles E. Barber and minted from 1892 to 1916, includes several valuable coins, with the 1901-S quarter from the San Francisco Mint being the rarest and most sought-after.
Why It’s Valuable:
Only 72,664 of these quarters were minted, and few have survived in high-grade condition. Coins with minimal wear are exceedingly rare, with some examples reaching values of over $100,000. The 1901-S Barber quarter is highly prized for its rarity and the difficulty of finding it in mint condition.
What to Look For:
The “S” mint mark on the reverse side below the eagle identifies this coin as being from the San Francisco Mint. Even in lower grades, the 1901-S quarter holds significant value, but higher-grade examples are exceptionally valuable.
5. The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter is famous for its “overdate” error, where the “3” in the date was struck over a “2.” This error occurred due to the Mint reusing an 1822 die in 1823, creating a rare and collectible variety.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1823/2 overdate Capped Bust quarter is extremely rare, and its unique overdate feature adds to its allure. Examples in excellent condition can sell for over $100,000 due to the rarity of this type of error in early U.S. coinage.
What to Look For:
Look closely at the date, as the overdate error should show remnants of the underlying “2” beneath the “3.” This overdate can be subtle, so it may be worth consulting a professional or using magnification to confirm.
6. The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter, the first quarter ever minted by the United States, is a rare and historically significant coin with a limited mintage. This coin is a favorite among collectors of early American coinage due to its age and scarcity.
Why It’s Valuable:
With a mintage of only 6,146, the 1796 Draped Bust quarter is rare and holds significant historical value as the nation’s first quarter. Well-preserved examples in high grades can easily surpass $100,000, and even lower-grade coins are considered valuable due to their historical importance.
What to Look For:
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. These quarters are extremely rare, so any find should be authenticated to ensure its legitimacy.
7. The 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1871-CC Liberty Seated quarter is another rare coin from the Carson City Mint. With a low mintage and a historical connection to Nevada’s mining era, this coin is highly sought after by collectors.
Why It’s Valuable:
With only 10,890 coins minted, the 1871-CC is both rare and valuable. Well-preserved examples in higher grades have been known to exceed $100,000 at auction, making it a prized item for anyone interested in Carson City Mint coins.
What to Look For:
Look for the “CC” mint mark below the eagle on the reverse side of the coin. Like other Carson City coins, authenticity is crucial, as counterfeits are common for such valuable coins.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Rare and Valuable Quarters
1. How can I identify a rare Bicentennial quarter?
Rare Bicentennial quarters struck in silver can be identified by their solid silver edge, lacking the copper stripe typical of standard copper-nickel quarters.
They are also slightly heavier. If you believe you have a silver Bicentennial quarter, having it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC can confirm its authenticity.
2. Are certain mints more valuable than others?
Yes, quarters minted at the Carson City (CC) Mint, Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) in specific years can be more valuable due to their low production numbers and historical significance.
For example, quarters with a “CC” mint mark are highly desirable because of the Carson City Mint’s unique history and limited production.
3. How should I store valuable quarters to maintain their value?
Store valuable quarters in coin holders or capsules to prevent scratches and exposure to air. Keep them in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
High-value coins are best stored in a safe or safety deposit box to protect your investment.
4. Can valuable quarters still be found in circulation?
While it’s rare, valuable quarters occasionally surface in circulation. Checking dates, mint marks, and other features on quarters you receive in change or buy in rolls can lead to a valuable discovery. Many collectors have found treasures in regular pocket change or coin rolls.
5. Should I have my quarters professionally graded?
Yes, having valuable quarters professionally graded by a service like PCGS or NGC is recommended. Grading provides an official assessment of the coin’s authenticity and condition, which can significantly increase its market value and appeal to collectors.
6. What factors contribute to a quarter’s value?
A quarter’s value is determined by factors like rarity, condition, historical significance, and minting errors. Coins with limited production, unique errors, or historical context tend to be more valuable, especially in high-grade conditions with minimal wear.
7. Are rare quarters a good investment?
Yes, rare quarters can be a worthwhile investment due to consistent demand among collectors. Coins like the silver Bicentennial quarter and the 1932-D Washington quarter have shown a track record of appreciating in value, especially well-preserved examples.