RaRE Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $420k: 7 More Worth Over $11,000:- The 1976 Bicentennial quarter, minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, is a memorable piece of U.S. currency known for its distinctive colonial drummer design and the dual date “1776–1976.”
RaRE Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $420k: 7 More Worth Over $11,000
While most Bicentennial quarters hold little value beyond their face value, a few rare variations have become collector’s items with significant worth.
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Recently, one exceptionally rare Bicentennial quarter sold for nearly $420,000, and several other quarters have surpassed the $11,000 mark. Here’s a look at these valuable quarters and what makes them so desirable to collectors.
1. The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $420,000
In 1975 and 1976, the U.S. Mint struck millions of Bicentennial quarters in a copper-nickel clad composition, making them common and low in value. However, a select number of silver Bicentennial quarters were minted, originally intended only for collector sets.
A rare few of these silver quarters mistakenly entered circulation, and one in pristine condition recently fetched close to $420,000 at auction due to its rarity and exceptional quality.
Why It’s Valuable:
This particular silver Bicentennial quarter is valuable because it was struck on a 40% silver planchet intended for collector proof sets.
Its accidental release into circulation makes it exceptionally rare, and its pristine condition greatly enhances its worth. The combination of a high-grade silver coin with a unique error makes this one of the most valuable Bicentennial quarters.
What to Look For:
To identify a silver Bicentennial quarter, examine the coin’s edge. Unlike standard clad quarters, silver quarters have a solid silver edge without the copper-colored stripe.
These coins are also slightly heavier than regular copper-nickel quarters, and a professional grading service can confirm their authenticity and grade.
2. The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter was first introduced in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. The 1932-D (Denver) Washington quarter is among the rarest and most valuable coins in the Washington series, especially in high-grade condition.
Why It’s Valuable:
Only 436,800 of these quarters were minted in Denver, making the 1932-D quarter one of the scarcest in the series.
High-grade examples are particularly sought after, with some selling for over $11,000. Its scarcity and historical importance as an inaugural Washington quarter make it highly desirable to collectors.
What to Look For:
Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side of the coin, below the eagle. Even circulated examples hold value, but quarters in near-mint or mint condition command the highest prices.
3. The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The Liberty Seated quarter series, minted from 1838 to 1891, includes some of the most sought-after U.S. coins.
The 1870-CC quarter, minted in Carson City, is one of the rarest quarters from this series, especially prized for its historical value as one of the first quarters produced by the Carson City Mint.
Why It’s Valuable:
With only 8,340 coins minted, the 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter is exceptionally rare. Surviving examples in good condition can sell for over $11,000.
With high-grade examples commanding even higher prices. The Carson City Mint’s limited production and historical significance add to this coin’s appeal.
What to Look For:
The “CC” mint mark on the reverse side under the eagle distinguishes this coin as one minted in Carson City. Due to its value, authentication by a reputable grading service is crucial.
4. The 1901-S Barber Quarter
The Barber quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was minted from 1892 to 1916. The 1901-S Barber quarter, minted in San Francisco, is one of the rarest and most valuable in the series.
Why It’s Valuable:
With only 72,664 quarters minted in San Francisco in 1901, this coin’s rarity is immediately apparent. High-grade examples of the 1901-S Barber quarter can sell for well over $11,000, making it a key coin for Barber quarter collectors.
What to Look For:
Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse side beneath the eagle. Even worn examples are valuable, but well-preserved quarters in high grade are particularly prized.
5. The 1955 Washington Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 Washington quarter is well-known among collectors for a “doubled die” error, where parts of the design appear doubled, creating a striking visual effect. This error occurred when the die used to strike the coins was improperly aligned, causing the doubled image.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1955 doubled die Washington quarter is rare, and quarters with this error are highly collectible, often selling for over $11,000 in top condition. The doubling effect is easily visible to the naked eye, adding to the coin’s appeal among collectors.
What to Look For:
Inspect the obverse side of the coin, particularly around the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” If you see clear doubling, you may have a valuable error coin on your hands.
6. The 1943 Washington Quarter with Overpolished Die Error
The 1943 Washington quarter has an error known as the “overpolished die” effect, where parts of the design appear faint or missing due to excessive die polishing. These quarters are valued for their unusual appearance, as collectors seek out unique and visually interesting coins.
Why It’s Valuable:
An overpolished die can create a collectible oddity that is in high demand among enthusiasts. High-grade 1943 quarters with this error are worth over $11,000. Their scarcity and the distinctiveness of the error make these coins appealing to collectors.
What to Look For:
Look for faint or missing details, especially around the “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscription. If the design appears weaker or faded, it may be an overpolished die error.
7. 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’s reuse of a die intended for 1822 coins, making it one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. quarters from the early 19th century.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1823/2 overdate Capped Bust quarter is rare, and high-grade examples can exceed $11,000. The coin’s age, combined with the unique overdate error, makes it one of the most sought-after early American quarters.
What to Look For:
Examine the date on the obverse side, looking for traces of the underlying “2” beneath the “3.” This error can be subtle, so magnification may be necessary to confirm it.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Rare and Valuable Quarters
1. How can I identify a rare silver Bicentennial quarter?
The most valuable Bicentennial quarters are those struck in 40% silver. Silver quarters have a solid silver edge, unlike the copper-nickel versions with a visible copper core.
A silver Bicentennial quarter will also weigh slightly more. Having the coin professionally graded can verify its authenticity.
2. What factors determine a quarter’s value?
A quarter’s value is influenced by factors like rarity, historical significance, mint errors, and condition. Coins with low mintage, unique mint errors, or well-preserved condition are typically the most valuable. Error coins and those from specific mints, like Carson City, can also be worth more.
3. Where can I find valuable quarters?
Valuable quarters can be found in circulation, inherited collections, or by purchasing coin rolls from banks. Estate sales, auctions, and antique stores are also good places to find collectible coins, as sellers may not always know the coin’s value.
4. Should I get my quarters professionally graded?
Yes, having rare quarters professionally graded is recommended, especially for high-value coins. Grading services like PCGS and NGC assess the coin’s authenticity, grade, and market value, which can increase its appeal and price to potential buyers.
5. Can valuable quarters still be found in circulation?
Yes, valuable quarters do occasionally turn up in circulation. Checking dates, mint marks, and examining coins for unusual features or errors can lead to a valuable discovery. Many collectors have found treasures just by looking at their pocket change.
6. Are there specific mint marks that make quarters more valuable?
Yes, quarters from certain mints, like the Carson City Mint (“CC” mint mark), are often more valuable due to their limited production and historical context. Coins from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints with specific dates or errors can also be highly collectible.
7. How should I store valuable quarters?
Store valuable quarters in protective holders or capsules to avoid scratches and exposure to air. Keep them in a cool, dry environment. For high-value coins, consider a safe or a bank safety deposit box for added security.
Conclusion
From the rare Bicentennial quarter worth nearly $420,000 to the highly sought-after 1932-D Washington quarter, these valuable coins prove that even ordinary currency can hold extraordinary worth. Whether due to errors, historical significance, or low mintage.
