Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby that combines history, art, and economics. Among the many coins coveted by collectors, rare quarters stand out as some of the most valuable and historically significant. One of the most extraordinary finds is the Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th birthday.
While most Bicentennial Quarters are only worth their face value, a few rare specimens have sold for staggering amounts, with one estimated to be worth nearly $10 million. This article examines some of the rarest quarters, including the Bicentennial Quarter and other historical coins valued at over $500,000.
Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter was issued to celebrate the 200th birthday of America. The unique design features a colonial drummer and torch on the reverse, with the double date “1776-1976” on the obverse.
These quarters were well circulated and still plentiful today. However, one rare Bicentennial Quarter, struck on a 90% silver planchet rather than the standard copper-nickel composition, is worth nearly $10 million.
Why is This Coin So Worthwhile?
The coin is worth so much due to its rarity and unique characteristics, including:
- Minting Flaws: Double-struck coins and off-center coins are more valuable.
- Material Content: The 90% silver content, which is unusual for Bicentennial Quarters, makes it very rare.
- Historical Significance: It is a commemorative coin marking an event in United States history.
- Collectors are shelling exorbitant prices for this coin, making it a true treasure for numismatists.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is another very sought-after treasure among collectors. Minted in Denver, this coin was the first of the Washington Quarter series.
Why Is It Special?
- Limited Mintage: Only 436,800 coins were minted, making it one of the rarest Washington Quarters.
- Historic Significance: As the initial Washington Quarter, it’s a unique coin in American numismatic history.
- Value: $500,000 or more can be realized at auction by this quarter in mint state.
- As a collector, having this coin is equivalent to owning a piece of American history.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar to the 1932-D, San Francisco-minted 1932-S Washington Quarter is equally sought after
What Makes It Unique?
- Rarity: While slightly more available than its Denver equivalent, the 1932-S remains very rare.
- Value in High Grades: Mint state coins can fetch over $500,000, especially those with outstanding details and luster.
- These quarters are an absolute must-have for collectors who prefer to stock their Washington Quarter set.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is not only renowned because it is a rarity, but also due to its stunning appearance.
Features and Value
- Low Mintage: Only 52,000 were produced, ranking it among the most scarce quarters in US history.
- Design Excellence: The portrayal of Lady Liberty standing with shield is iconic.
- Value: Specimens in high grade, especially those with complete head details, can sell over $500,000.
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is the dawn of modern quarter designs and is still a fan favorite among collectors.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
1796 Draped Bust Quarter was one of the first quarters struck in the US.
Key Points
- Historical Significance: As one of the earliest quarters struck, the coin represents America’s early days of minting.
- Rarity: With an overall mintage of only 6,146, it is extremely rare.
- Worth: Excellent condition coins, particularly those featuring the small eagle reverse design, are valued over $500,000.
- Holding this coin is like holding part of the history of the country’s founding.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is renowned for its interesting overdate error, in which the year “1823” was overlaid over “1822.”
Why Collectors Enjoy It
- Mint Error: The overdate is a unique flaw that only serves to enhance the attractiveness of the coin.
- Rarity: Not many of these coins exist, and as a result, they are highly sought after.
- Worth: When mint state, these coins have sold for well in excess of $500,000.
- This quarter stands as testament to the inventiveness and spontaneity of early American numismatics.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter, minted in the famous Carson City Mint, is a numismatic gem.
Distinctive Features
- Historical Significance: The Carson City Mint is famous for minting some of America’s most valuable coins.
- Rarity: The coin’s low mintage adds to its value.
- Value: Even lower-grade specimens are worth thousands, and mint-condition versions can fetch more than $500,000.
- This coin captures the essence of the Wild West and its history of minting.
Final Thoughts
The rare Bicentennial Quarter, worth nearly $10 million, shows that even coins from the contemporary era can be very valuable due to minting errors and unique compositions.
Also, other quarters in historical quarters such as the 1932-D Washington Quarter, 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, and 1796 Draped Bust Quarter have been sold for over $500,000 due to their rarity and historical value.
For collectors, these quarters are more than just currency—they are pieces of American history that tell stories of the past. Whether you’re searching through old coin collections or checking your pocket change, observing one of these rare quarters could be life-changing.
FAQ’s
Q. Why is the Bicentennial Quarter valued at $10 million?
A. A special version was minted on a 90% silver planchet, so it is extremely valuable.
Q. Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter valuable?
A. Its low mintage of 436,800 makes it one of the most scarce Washington Quarters.
Q. How many 1796 Draped Bust Quarters remain today?
A. Few, since only 6,146 were initially produced.
Q. What is an overdate error on a coin?
A. An overdate mistake happens when a fresh date is stamped over an original one, such as on the 1823/2 Quarter.
Q. Where do I sell a rare quarter?
A. You can sell precious quarters at coin auctions, numismatic dealers, or on online platforms like eBay.