Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $40K: 3 More Worth Over $1,000:- The 1976 Bicentennial quarter holds a special place in American history and the hearts of collectors. Minted to celebrate the United States’ 200th anniversary.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $40K: 3 More Worth Over $1,000
These quarters feature a unique dual date “1776–1976” and a colonial drummer on the reverse side, distinguishing them from regular Washington quarters.
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While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value, some rare varieties can fetch significant sums. One particular silver Bicentennial quarter has been valued at nearly $40,000.
Here, we’ll explore the story behind this valuable quarter and look at three additional quarters worth over $1,000, each carrying its own distinct value due to minting errors, low mintage, or unique features.
1. The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $40,000
The U.S. Mint produced millions of Bicentennial quarters in copper-nickel clad composition, making most of them common and worth little more than face value.
However, a special silver version was minted, originally intended only for collectors in special sets. A small number of these silver Bicentennial quarters accidentally entered circulation, which is what makes them so valuable.
Why It’s Valuable:
This rare Bicentennial quarter was struck in 40% silver rather than the usual copper-nickel composition. While it was intended for collector proof sets, a few of these quarters mistakenly found their way into circulation.
High-grade examples of this silver Bicentennial quarter have sold for nearly $40,000, primarily because of the rarity and quality of the error combined with the silver content, which makes them a sought-after collectible.
What to Look For:
To identify a silver Bicentennial quarter, check the coin’s edge. Silver quarters have a solid silver edge without the copper-colored core that is visible in regular clad quarters.
A weight test can also confirm the silver composition, as these quarters are slightly heavier. Coins in near-perfect condition have the highest value and are worth authenticating with a professional grading service to verify their rarity.
2. The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
The Delaware state quarter was the first coin in the U.S. Mint’s State Quarters Program, issued in 1999. The coin features a design commemorating Caesar Rodney’s historic ride on horseback to cast Delaware’s vote for independence.
Some of these quarters have a unique “Spitting Horse” error, which appears as a line or raised metal defect extending from the horse’s mouth, making it look like the horse is spitting.
Why It’s Valuable:
The “Spitting Horse” error on the 1999 Delaware quarter is a minting anomaly, and coins with this feature are highly collectible.
Depending on the prominence of the error and the coin’s condition, these quarters can fetch $1,000 or more. The error is especially appealing to collectors interested in unusual minting quirks.
What to Look For:
To spot a “Spitting Horse” quarter, closely examine the area near the horse’s mouth. If there’s a raised line or metal streak extending from the mouth, you may have an error coin. The clearer and more defined the error, the more valuable the coin is likely to be.
3. The 1983 Washington Quarter with No Mint Mark
The 1983 Washington quarter is one of the rarest modern error coins due to a minting mistake that omitted the mint mark. Typically, quarters minted in Philadelphia lack a mint mark, while those from Denver carry a “D.”
However, some quarters from the San Francisco Mint, intended as proof coins, were accidentally released without a mint mark, making them rare and valuable.
Why It’s Valuable:
The absence of a mint mark on proof quarters, which usually display an “S” for San Francisco, makes these 1983 Washington quarters exceptionally rare. High-quality, no-mint-mark quarters from 1983 have been known to fetch over $1,000.
This coin is highly desirable among collectors due to its unique error and the fact that most proof coins are carefully controlled by the U.S. Mint, making such errors uncommon.
What to Look For:
Inspect the area under Washington’s neck for the mint mark. If there is no mint mark on a 1983 quarter that appears to be a proof (a mirror-like finish), you may have a rare coin worth considerable value. Verification from a grading service can confirm its authenticity and rarity.
4. The 1965 Washington Quarter with a Silver Planchet Error
In 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from 90% silver quarters to copper-nickel clad quarters to reduce costs. However, some quarters in 1965 were accidentally struck on leftover silver planchets from 1964.
These silver 1965 quarters are exceedingly rare and valuable because they represent a transition error in the U.S. Mint’s materials.
Why It’s Valuable:
A 1965 quarter struck on a silver planchet is extremely rare, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for these transitional error coins. Depending on its condition, a silver 1965 quarter can easily be worth over $1,000, with some high-grade examples selling for much more.
The combination of the transition period and the silver composition makes this an exceptionally collectible error coin.
What to Look For:
Examine the edge of the coin. If there’s no visible copper core, and the edge appears silver all the way through, it could be a 1965 silver error quarter. These quarters will also weigh slightly more than standard clad quarters.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Rare and Valuable Quarters
1. How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is valuable?
The most valuable Bicentennial quarters are the ones struck in 40% silver, which were meant for special collector sets. To identify a potentially valuable Bicentennial quarter, check the edge. Silver quarters have a solid silver edge with no visible copper core.
A weight test can also help, as silver quarters are heavier. If you believe you have a silver Bicentennial quarter, getting it authenticated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC can confirm its value.
2. What makes a quarter valuable?
Several factors contribute to a quarter’s value, including rarity, historical significance, mint errors, and condition.
Coins with minting errors or those struck on the wrong metal planchets are especially valuable. High-grade coins with minimal wear are also worth more, as collectors prefer coins in pristine condition.
3. Can valuable quarters still be found in circulation?
Yes, valuable quarters occasionally surface in circulation, particularly those with mint errors or rare varieties. Many collectors find valuable coins by carefully inspecting dates, mint marks, and other features on quarters they receive as change or purchase in coin rolls.
4. Should I get my quarters professionally graded?
Yes, having valuable quarters professionally graded is recommended. Grading services like PCGS and NGC provide an official assessment of the coin’s condition, authenticity, and value, which can significantly increase its appeal to buyers and collectors.
5. What’s the best way to store valuable quarters?
To protect valuable quarters, store them in protective holders or coin capsules to prevent scratches and exposure to the environment. Keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid oxidation and tarnish. For high-value coins, consider a safe or a bank safety deposit box for added security.
6. Are specific years or mints more valuable for quarters?
Yes, quarters from specific years or mints with low mintage numbers or unique errors can be highly valuable.
For example, the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are valuable due to their limited production, while quarters from the Carson City Mint (“CC” mint mark) are sought after for their historical significance.
7. How often do mint errors appear in quarters?
Mint errors are relatively rare because the U.S. Mint has strict quality control processes. However, occasional errors do slip through, and these coins become highly collectible.
Examples include doubled dies, missing mint marks, or coins struck on incorrect planchets, all of which can add significant value to a quarter.
Conclusion
From the silver Bicentennial quarter worth nearly $40,000 to the unique 1965 silver planchet error, these quarters demonstrate that some coins hold tremendous value beyond their face worth. Whether due to minting errors, unusual materials, or limited production runs, each of these coins.
Carries a story that has captivated collectors and numismatists alike. By knowing what to look for, you might even discover a valuable quarter in your change, proving that a keen eye can sometimes turn everyday currency into a remarkable find.
