Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Almost $15 Million USD, Plus 6 Others Worth Over $250,000 Each!
When it comes to coin collecting, there are some coins that hold far more value than others. While most quarters, pennies, and dimes are worth their face value, certain rare and unique coins can fetch millions of dollars at auction. Among them, the Bicentennial Quarter, struck in 1976 to mark the United States’ 200th anniversary, has caught the attention of collectors and investors alike. This particular quarter, along with several other rare coins, is valued at astonishing amounts. In this article, we’ll delve into the story of the Bicentennial Quarter valued at nearly $15 million USD, as well as six other coins worth over $250,000 each.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter: Nearly $15 Million USD
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most iconic coins minted by the U.S. Mint. The design features the Liberty Bell over a background of 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies. On the obverse, the traditional portrait of George Washington appears. However, what sets some of these coins apart from the standard issue is a double die error. This mistake during the minting process creates a distinct and highly sought-after variation, giving the coin tremendous value.
One Bicentennial Quarter that has made headlines was found to be a double die error that greatly increased its value. A coin of this kind recently sold for a jaw-dropping $14.9 million at a public auction. While most of the Bicentennial Quarters are worth only a few dollars, this specific one is incredibly rare, and its value has skyrocketed due to the error and its condition. This event has sparked widespread interest in coin collecting and highlighted the enormous potential value of misprinted coins.
Six Other Coins Worth Over $250,000 Each
While the Bicentennial Quarter’s near $15 million value is the most eye-popping, there are other coins with impressive price tags that any collector or investor would dream of owning. Here are six more examples of rare U.S. coins that can be worth over $250,000 each.
1. 1943 Copper Penny
Value: $1.7 million (auction record)
Details: Due to a mistake at the U.S. Mint, a small number of 1943 pennies were struck using copper planchets instead of steel. This error is highly sought after, and a 1943 copper penny can fetch over $1 million at auction.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Value: $3.7 million (auction record)
Details: Only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known to exist, making them extremely rare. These were produced as an unauthorized issue after the U.S. Mint had already transitioned to the Buffalo Nickel design, making them an anomaly in coin history.
3. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Value: $10 million (auction record)
Details: The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is one of the first U.S. silver dollars to be minted, and it’s considered one of the most important coins in U.S. numismatic history. A specimen in excellent condition was sold for over $10 million.
4. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Value: $7.6 million (auction record)
Details: A famous gold coin designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the 1933 Double Eagle was never released into circulation due to an executive order to melt down gold coins during the Great Depression. Today, only a few examples are known to survive, making them worth millions.
5. 1870-S Indian Head $3 Gold Coin
Value: $5 million (auction record)
Details: Minted in San Francisco, this coin is famous for its rarity. Only a few examples were produced, and it remains one of the most coveted U.S. gold coins in the world.
6. 2000-P Sacagawea $1 Coin (Wide Rim Variety)
Value: $300,000 (auction record)
Details: The 2000-P Sacagawea $1 Coin with a wide rim is a notable error coin that has drawn the interest of collectors. The minting mistake creates a variation in the rim’s width, making the coin much more valuable than its face value.
Rare Coins Worth Over $250,000
| Coin Name | Year | Key Feature | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error) | 1976 | Double die error | $14.9 million | Struck with a double die error, this quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable from the Bicentennial series. |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Struck on a copper planchet by mistake | $1.7 million | Only a few copper pennies were struck in 1943, making them incredibly rare. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Last year of the Liberty Head design | $3.7 million | Only five of these coins are known to exist, making them extremely rare and valuable. |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | First U.S. silver dollar | $10 million | One of the first official U.S. silver dollars, and one of the rarest and most expensive coins ever sold at auction. |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | Minted during the Great Depression but largely melted | $7.6 million | Most of these coins were melted down, making the few surviving examples incredibly valuable. |
| 1870-S Indian Head $3 Gold Coin | 1870 | Extremely rare, minted in San Francisco | $5 million | This rare gold coin is highly sought after by collectors due to its limited mintage and historical significance. |
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $20 Million USD, Along with 3 More Worth Over $5 Million USD Each!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth millions?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter itself is not valuable, but some of them were struck with a rare double die error. This error makes the coin unique, and collectors are willing to pay millions for these rare variations.
2. What is a “double die error” in coin minting?
A double die error occurs when the design is stamped on the coin more than once, resulting in a doubled image. This error is extremely rare and makes the coin much more valuable than a regular example.
3. How can I tell if a coin is rare or valuable?
To determine if a coin is valuable, look for signs of rarity, such as minting errors, unique features, and historical significance. Consulting with a professional numismatist or getting the coin certified by a reputable grading service is the best way to know its value.
4. Where can I sell rare coins?
Rare coins can be sold through online auction sites, coin dealers, or numismatic conventions. It’s best to have the coin appraised and graded before selling to ensure that you receive its maximum value.
5. How do rare coins like the 1943 Copper Penny get their value?
The 1943 Copper Penny is valuable because it was mistakenly struck on copper planchets instead of the steel planchets intended for that year. The mistake makes it incredibly rare, and the value increases depending on the coin’s condition and demand from collectors.
6. Why are some coins from the early 20th century worth millions?
Coins from the early 20th century, such as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel and the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, are worth millions because they were minted in limited numbers, often due to either errors or unique circumstances like the Great Depression. Their scarcity makes them highly valuable.
7. What are “error coins” and why are they so valuable?
Error coins are coins that were produced with mistakes during the minting process. These errors make the coins unique, and their rarity makes them highly prized by collectors. Examples include misprints and double die errors.