Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $20 Million USD, Along with 3 More Worth Over $5 Million USD Each!
Coin collectors around the world are well aware that some rare coins can fetch prices far beyond their face value, sometimes reaching astronomical amounts. Among the most fascinating and valuable coins are those with historical significance, unique design errors, or simply those produced in extremely limited numbers. In this article, we focus on a particularly rare Bicentennial Quarter, which has been valued at nearly $20 million USD, along with three other incredibly valuable coins, each worth over $5 million USD. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just curious about rare coins, these stories will surely capture your attention.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Nearly $20 Million USD
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States. These quarters are easily recognizable by their unique reverse design, featuring the Liberty Bell, with 13 stars representing the original colonies, and the year “1776-1976” inscribed. The obverse side features a portrait of George Washington, as seen on all U.S. quarters.
While the Bicentennial Quarter is common and usually worth only its face value, a very rare error coin from this series has been valued at an eye-popping $20 million USD. This particular quarter is part of a double die error—an anomaly during the minting process where the coin’s design was stamped twice, resulting in a distinctive and unique pattern. Double die errors are extremely rare, and when found on a coin that was produced in large quantities like the Bicentennial Quarter, the coin becomes highly sought after by collectors. This rare error, along with the coin’s historical significance, has led to its enormous value.
If you ever come across a Bicentennial Quarter, it’s essential to check closely for any potential errors. While most are not worth much more than their face value, the rare error coins are worth millions, making them extremely valuable for collectors.
Three More Coins Worth Over $5 Million USD Each
While the rare Bicentennial Quarter might be the most extraordinary example, there are several other coins in the U.S. Mint’s history that are worth millions due to their rarity, historical importance, or minting mistakes. Here are three notable examples:
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most iconic and valuable U.S. coins. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin was meant to circulate as $20 gold coins, but in the midst of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the recall and melting of most of these coins in 1937. However, a few of them were kept by collectors and later surfaced on the market.
Today, the 1933 Double Eagle is considered a national treasure, and one example was sold for $7.6 million USD at an auction in 2002, setting a record for a coin sold at auction at the time. Despite its face value being $20, its rarity has driven its value to the millions.
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is another famous example of a coin error. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of copper planchets (the metal disks used to mint coins) were accidentally used to strike pennies in 1943. These copper pennies are incredibly rare, and collectors are willing to pay a fortune for one.
In recent years, a 1943 Copper Penny was sold for nearly $1.7 million USD at a public auction, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever sold. If you happen to find a 1943 penny, be sure to check if it’s made of copper—it could be worth a small fortune.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/US0005-Walton-1913-Liberty-Head-Nickel-PR63-lg-58a4754f5f9b58819c8b23a4.jpg)
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is another incredibly rare coin, with only five known examples in existence. The U.S. Mint had already transitioned to the Buffalo Nickel design by 1913, so the production of Liberty Head Nickels that year was unauthorized. As a result, this coin is a historical anomaly and highly sought after by collectors.
One of the five surviving 1913 Liberty Head Nickels was sold for $3.7 million USD in an auction in 2018. These coins are rare not only because of their limited mintage but also because they represent a fascinating chapter in U.S. coin history.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at $5 Million USD, Plus 5 More Worth Over $100,000 Each!
Why Are These Coins Worth Millions?
Several factors contribute to the high value of these rare coins:
- Rarity: Coins that were produced in small numbers, or those that were part of minting errors, are much rarer than regular circulation coins. The fewer the coins in existence, the higher the value.
- Historical Significance: Coins that are tied to significant events, like the Bicentennial Quarter or the 1933 Double Eagle, carry extra historical weight, making them more valuable to collectors.
- Minting Errors: Coins with minting errors—such as double die errors, copper planchets being used in the wrong year, or incorrect designs—are often viewed as treasures due to their unique nature.
- Condition: The condition of the coin is also crucial. Coins in mint or near-mint condition are worth much more than those that are worn or damaged.
Rare Coins Worth Over $5 Million USD
| Coin Name | Year | Key Feature | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Double die error | $20 million | A rare error coin from the Bicentennial series, worth millions due to a double die error during minting. |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | Rare, most were melted during the Great Depression | $7.6 million (auction record) | Only a few examples survived, and one was sold for a record $7.6 million at auction. |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Struck on copper planchets by mistake | $1.7 million (auction record) | A small number of copper pennies were struck during 1943, making them worth millions. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Last year of the Liberty Head design | $3.7 million (auction record) | Only five known examples, with one coin selling for over $3.7 million at auction in 2018. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much is a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth?
While most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are worth only their face value, a rare double die error version of this coin has been valued at nearly $20 million USD.
2. What is a double die error?
A double die error occurs when a coin is struck with the design twice, resulting in a misaligned or doubled image. This rare minting flaw makes coins with double die errors highly valuable.
3. What makes the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle so valuable?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is valuable because most of the coins were melted down during the Great Depression. Only a few survived, making them rare and highly sought after by collectors.
4. How can I identify a 1943 Copper Penny?
The 1943 Copper Penny is a rare error coin because it was struck on a copper planchet instead of the steel ones used for most pennies that year. If you find one, it could be worth over $1 million USD.
5. Why are the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels so rare?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is rare because the U.S. Mint had already switched to the Buffalo Nickel design, making any Liberty Head Nickels from that year an anomaly. Only five known examples exist, adding to their immense value.
6. How can I determine if my coin is valuable?
To determine if your coin is valuable, look for factors like rarity, historical significance, minting errors, and condition. For a precise valuation, it’s best to have the coin appraised by a professional numismatist.
7. Where can I sell my rare coins?
Rare coins can be sold at numismatic auctions, through dealers, or at coin conventions. It’s recommended to have the coin graded and appraised before selling to ensure you get the best price.