Rare Bicentennial Quarter Has Nearly $90K Value — Plus 5 More Worth Big Money

1. The Rare Bicentennial Quarter: Why It’s Worth Nearly $90,000

The Bicentennial quarter, with its unique dual-dated design (1776-1976), was created to honor the 200th anniversary of American independence. Its reverse design, featuring a Colonial drummer and a torch surrounded by 13 stars, is iconic and was chosen from a public contest.

It became one of three circulating coins to receive a special design for the Bicentennial celebration, making it a cherished piece for collectors.

Most Bicentennial quarters aren’t particularly valuable, as they were produced in large numbers. However, certain varieties, especially those in pristine condition or with errors, have become exceptionally rare.

One notable variety is the 1976 Bicentennial quarter struck in 40% silver, minted as part of special collector’s sets. These quarters, particularly in high-grade, uncirculated condition, are highly valued.

Quarters graded MS67 and above by PCGS or NGC are rare, as any blemish can reduce their worth. An MS68-grade Bicentennial quarter sold at auction for nearly $90,000 due to its rarity and condition, making it one of the most valuable quarters ever.

2. The 1932-D Washington Quarter

The 1932-D Washington quarter, minted in Denver, is one of the most desirable quarters among collectors, as it marked the first year of the Washington quarter series.

Only 436,800 of these quarters were minted, making it a low-mintage rarity. In uncirculated, high-grade condition, the 1932-D quarter can fetch upwards of $80,000 to $90,000, especially if graded MS65 or higher.

The historical importance of this quarter as a first-year issue and its scarcity contribute to its high value.

3. The 1932-S Washington Quarter

Alongside the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington quarter is equally valuable and rare, with a mintage of only 408,000. This San Francisco-minted coin is a key date in the Washington quarter series, and high-grade examples are worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S quarter in MS65 or higher condition can reach values near $80,000, making it a coveted item among serious collectors. Its rarity and historical significance add to its allure and market demand.

4. The 1950-D/S Overmint Mark Error Quarter

The 1950-D/S Washington quarter is a well-known error coin with a fascinating history. Mint marks indicate where a coin was produced, and occasionally errors occur when one mint mark is mistakenly overstruck by another.

In the case of the 1950-D/S quarter, the “D” (Denver) mint mark was struck over an “S” (San Francisco) mint mark, creating an unusual and valuable error. Collectors highly prize this coin, and depending on the condition, it can fetch between $10,000 and $15,000.

This variety of overmint error coins is rare because the mints took corrective measures quickly once these errors were discovered. High-grade examples, graded MS65 or above, are particularly valuable, as they have the dual appeal of being a mint error and an older Washington quarter.

5. The 1964 Washington Quarter

The 1964 Washington quarter was the last year of 90% silver quarters before the U.S. transitioned to a clad composition, making it a milestone in American coinage history.

Although these quarters were minted in large numbers, high-quality, uncirculated examples have become valuable due to their silver content and historical significance.

Quarters from 1964 with high-grade designations (such as MS67 or MS68) can command prices ranging from $1,000 to $7,000.

Some of these coins also feature doubling errors, where elements of the design appear doubled due to a minting error. This doubling is particularly visible on the “In God We Trust” motto and the “Liberty” inscription, making them rarer and more desirable.

6. The 2004 Wisconsin Quarter with Extra Leaf Error

The 2004 Wisconsin quarter is a unique statehood quarter that gained attention due to an error on some of the coins. In 2004, the U.S. Mint issued a quarter featuring the state of Wisconsin’s design, which includes a cow, a cheese wheel, and a corn stalk.

In certain quarters, an extra “high” or “low” leaf appears on the corn stalk, likely due to a die defect. These error coins have become collectible and, depending on condition and whether they feature the “high” or “low” leaf, can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000.

FAQs About Rare Quarters

Q1: What makes the Bicentennial quarter valuable?

Most Bicentennial quarters are not valuable as they were produced in large numbers. However, special 40% silver Bicentennial quarters and high-grade examples in uncirculated condition (MS67 or higher) can be worth a lot, especially if they were part of special collector’s sets.

Q2: How can I tell if I have a valuable 1932-D or 1932-S Washington quarter?

Check the reverse side of the coin below the eagle’s tail feathers for the mint mark. The “D” indicates Denver and the “S” indicates San Francisco.

High-grade coins (MS65 or above) are significantly more valuable, so having the coin professionally graded is advisable to determine its exact value.

Q3: What is an overmint mark error, and why is it valuable?

An overmint mark error occurs when one mint mark is accidentally struck over another. For example, on the 1950-D/S quarter, the Denver mint mark (“D”) was struck over the San Francisco mint mark (“S”). These errors are rare and collectible because they reflect an unusual mistake in the minting process.

Q4: How can I determine if my 1964 quarter has a doubling error?

Doubling errors are visible as duplicated images on parts of the coin’s design, such as on the inscriptions. Doubling on the 1964 Washington quarter is typically found on “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.”

If you suspect you have a doubled die error, consider having it verified by a professional coin grading service.

Q5: What is the value of a Wisconsin quarter with the extra leaf error?

The Wisconsin quarter with an extra “high” or “low” leaf on the corn stalk is considered rare. Prices for these error coins range from around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on condition and the type of extra leaf.

This error resulted from a die defect during minting, making these quarters highly desirable to collectors.

Q6: Are there any special characteristics of the 1976 Bicentennial quarter to look for?

Yes, the most valuable Bicentennial quarters are those struck in 40% silver as part of special mint sets, as well as quarters that are in uncirculated, high-grade condition (MS67 or higher).

Additionally, rare error varieties, such as double strikes, can make Bicentennial quarters especially valuable.

Q7: Can I find valuable quarters in circulation today?

Finding a high-grade rare quarter in circulation today is unlikely, as most of the valuable quarters have been collected or removed from circulation. However, statehood quarters like the 2004 Wisconsin quarter with the extra leaf error have occasionally been found in circulation.

Conclusion

Collecting rare quarters can be both a hobby and an investment, with some quarters fetching impressive values. The 1976 Bicentennial quarter, along with other key dates like the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters.

Overmint mark error quarters, and doubling error coins, can command substantial prices in high-grade condition. While finding a valuable quarter in circulation may be rare, understanding what makes certain quarters collectible and valuable is crucial for any numismatics enthusiast.

If you believe you may have one of these rare quarters, consider consulting a professional coin grading service to authenticate and grade your coin, as condition plays a significant role in determining its worth.