RaRe Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $1.35M : 6 More Worth Over 250,000:- The Bicentennial quarter, minted in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States, is a popular coin that many Americans recognize.
RaRe Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $1.35M : 6 More Worth Over 250,000
While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value, a few extraordinarily rare versions have skyrocketed in value due to unique characteristics or minting errors.
ALSO SEE : Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $1.2M : 3 More Worth Over $200,000
Recently, a rare Bicentennial quarter made headlines by selling for nearly $1.35 million. Let’s explore what makes this coin so special, along with six more quarters that are valued at over $250,000, each with its own remarkable story and collectible appeal.
1. The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $1.35 Million
In 1976, the U.S. Mint produced quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins with special designs to commemorate the nation’s 200th anniversary. The Bicentennial quarter features a distinctive design with a colonial drummer on the reverse and the dual date “1776–1976” on the obverse.
While most Bicentennial quarters were mass-produced in copper-nickel clad, a rare variant was struck on a 90% silver planchet intended for collector proof sets, and one of these silver planchet Bicentennial quarters recently sold for $1.35 million.
Why It’s Valuable:
This unique silver Bicentennial quarter stands out because it was mistakenly released into circulation rather than being preserved in a collector’s proof set.
Only a handful of these silver planchet errors exist, making it one of the rarest coins from the Bicentennial series. Its unusual metal composition and historical significance have made it a prized possession, leading to its remarkable auction price.
What to Look For:
The most notable feature of this valuable Bicentennial quarter is its silver composition. Check the coin’s weight, as silver quarters weigh slightly more than the usual copper-nickel clad versions. The edge of the silver quarter will also be solid silver rather than showing a copper stripe.
2. The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter series began in 1932, initially as a commemorative issue 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.
Why It’s Valuable:
Only 436,800 Washington quarters were minted in Denver in 1932, making the 1932-D one of the scarcest Washington quarters. In high grades, this coin is highly sought after by collectors, with some examples valued at over $250,000.
What to Look For:
Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side, beneath the eagle. Even circulated examples can fetch a premium, but coins in near-mint or mint condition are extremely valuable.
3. The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter is one of the most prized coins among collectors, especially due to its rarity as the first quarter minted at the Carson City Mint. Carson City coins are well-regarded for their historical importance and low mintage numbers.
Why It’s Valuable:
With a mintage of only 8,340 coins, the 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter is extremely rare. Many of these coins were lost or melted down, making well-preserved examples extraordinarily valuable. High-grade coins have been known to sell for over $250,000.
What to Look For:
The “CC” mint mark on the reverse side beneath the eagle identifies this rare quarter. Due to its rarity, 1870-CC quarters are also heavily counterfeited, so it’s crucial to have any potential finds authenticated.
4. The 1901-S Barber Quarter
The Barber quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was minted from 1892 to 1916. The 1901-S quarter, minted in San Francisco, is considered the rarest Barber quarter due to its very low mintage and scarcity in high-grade condition.
Why It’s Valuable:
With only 72,664 coins minted, the 1901-S Barber quarter is highly sought after, especially in uncirculated or high-grade condition. It is estimated that fewer than 1,000 examples survive today, and pristine specimens can command prices well over $250,000.
What to Look For:
Check for the “S” mint mark on the reverse of the coin, located beneath the eagle. High-grade examples with minimal wear are exceptionally valuable, and even circulated 1901-S quarters hold significant value.
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 a 1822 die in 1823, creating a rare and collectible variant.
Why It’s Valuable:
With only a few examples known to exist, the 1823/2 overdate Capped Bust quarter is one of the rarest quarters from the early 19th century. Examples in good condition are highly coveted, with some auctioned for over $300,000.
What to Look For:
Look for the “3” in the date to appear doubled or to have remnants of the underlying “2.” The overdate can be subtle, so a magnifying glass or professional grading can help verify authenticity.
6. The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter is the first quarter ever minted by the United States. With an extremely low mintage of only 6,146 coins, this coin is both historically and financially valuable.
Why It’s Valuable:
Due to its low mintage and the significance of being the first U.S. quarter, the 1796 Draped Bust quarter is highly collectible. High-grade examples in mint condition are rare, with values often exceeding $250,000 at auction.
What to Look For:
The obverse features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse displays a small eagle. Even low-grade versions of this coin are valuable due to its historical importance.
7. The 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1871-CC Liberty Seated quarter, another rarity from the Carson City Mint, is known for its low mintage and rarity in good condition. Carson City quarters have long been cherished by collectors due to their scarcity and the historical significance of the Nevada Mint.
Why It’s Valuable:
With a mintage of only 10,890, the 1871-CC Liberty Seated quarter is one of the rarest in the series. Well-preserved examples can sell for well over $250,000, and even circulated coins are highly valued.
What to Look For:
Check for the “CC” mint mark beneath the eagle on the reverse side. The Carson City Mint produced few quarters, making any CC-marked Liberty Seated quarter a desirable collectible.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Rare Quarters
1. How can I identify a rare Bicentennial quarter?
Rare Bicentennial quarters, such as those struck on a silver planchet, can be identified by their solid silver edge (no copper layer) and a slightly heavier weight. They may also have an “S” mint mark, which indicates a silver proof coin, although some silver planchet errors may not have a mint mark.
2. What makes a quarter valuable?
Several factors contribute to a quarter’s value: rarity (low mintage or unique minting errors), historical significance, condition (graded on the Sheldon scale), and collector demand. Quarters with high grades, rare errors, or historical relevance are generally more valuable.
3. Where should I look for valuable quarters?
Valuable quarters can be found in circulation, inherited collections, or coin rolls purchased from banks. It’s worth checking the dates, mint marks, and edge of quarters in circulation. Some collectors also buy coin rolls specifically for searching rare finds.
4. Are quarters with mint marks more valuable?
Not all quarters with mint marks are valuable, but quarters from the Carson City (CC), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D) Mints with low mintage years can be particularly desirable.
The mint mark alone doesn’t determine value but can add significance when combined with rarity and high-grade condition.
5. Should I get my rare quarters professionally graded?
Yes, grading by a professional service like PCGS or NGC is recommended for rare quarters. Professional grading authenticates the coin and provides a grade, which can significantly increase its market value and appeal to collectors.
6. What is the best way to store valuable quarters?
Store valuable quarters in protective holders or coin capsules to prevent scratches and exposure to air. A dry, temperature-controlled environment is ideal. High-value coins can be kept in a safe or bank safety deposit box for added security.
7. Can rare quarters still be found in pocket change?
Yes, while rare, valuable quarters occasionally surface in circulation. Checking dates, mint marks, and error features on quarters you receive in change or buy in rolls can sometimes lead to surprising finds worth more than their face value.
Conclusion
These rare quarters demonstrate the exceptional value that can be hidden in America’s pocket change.
From the nearly $1.35 million Bicentennial quarter to the scarce 1871-CC Liberty Seated quarter, each of these coins holds a fascinating story of rarity, history, and collectible appeal. Whether you’re a serious collector or just getting started, learning about these coins can turn
