Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $30 Million USD: 6 More Worth Over $150,000:- The U.S. Bicentennial quarter, issued in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, has captured the fascination of collectors for decades.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $30 Million USD: 6 More Worth Over $150,000
While most Bicentennial quarters hold nominal value, an exceptionally rare variety has reached a jaw-dropping valuation of nearly $30 million. This extraordinary figure reflects the rarity, condition, and unique attributes that make certain coins prized assets.
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Alongside this Bicentennial quarter, several other rare U.S. quarters are valued at over $150,000, each with its own story and allure. Here’s a closer look at these high-value quarters, what makes them so special, and answers to common questions about identifying valuable coins.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $30 Million
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter, featuring a Colonial drummer on the reverse and dual dates (1776-1976), was produced to mark the 200th anniversary of the United States.
Designed by Jack L. Ahr, this distinctive coin was minted in large quantities, making most of them common in circulation.
However, an ultra-rare variety, struck in flawless proof condition and featuring a 40% silver composition, has reached astonishing valuations, with one specific example valued close to $30 million due to its historical importance, minting perfection, and elite demand.
This exceptional Bicentennial quarter stands out because it was struck in 40% silver as part of a special collector’s edition, and its flawless proof grade, combined with unique minting characteristics, has made it one of the most coveted U.S. coins.
Pristine examples, certified by professional grading services at the highest levels (like PR70), become collector’s treasures due to their rarity and condition, commanding eye-popping prices among elite numismatists and investors.
6 More Quarters Worth Over $150,000
While the $30 million Bicentennial quarter might be a rare anomaly, other quarters have also reached impressive valuations due to their historical value, rarity, and collector demand. Here are six other U.S. quarters that have been valued at over $150,000:
1. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1804 Draped Bust quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins, with only six known examples. This quarter, featuring the early Draped Bust design, was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in limited numbers.
Few of these coins survived due to circulation and melting, and today, high-grade examples are valued at well over $150,000, with some fetching even more. This coin’s rarity, age, and role as an early American quarter contribute to its value and collector demand.
2. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter (Overdate)
The 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter is celebrated for its rare overdate error, where the “3” in the date was mistakenly stamped over a “2.” This rare minting error has made it one of the most sought-after U.S.
Quarters, especially among error coin collectors. High-grade examples of this coin regularly exceed $150,000, with some reaching closer to $200,000 due to the unique nature of the overdate error and the scarcity of surviving examples.
3. 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
Minted in Carson City, Nevada, the 1870-CC Seated Liberty quarter is highly prized among collectors. With a low mintage and the historical significance of being minted in a now-defunct mint, the 1870-CC quarter holds a special place in numismatic history.
High-grade versions of this coin, especially those that are uncirculated, can easily surpass $150,000, driven by collector demand and the allure of the Carson City mint mark.
4. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (Type 1)
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter is another iconic coin, minted for only one year before a design change. With a mintage of just 52,000, this quarter is incredibly rare, particularly in high-grade condition.
Collectors prize this coin not only for its scarcity but also for its historical importance, as it introduced the Standing Liberty design. High-grade examples of the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter often sell for more than $200,000, making it a prized possession for advanced collectors.
5. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter, minted in Denver, is one of the most valuable Washington quarters and holds a significant place in U.S. coinage.
As a first-year issue with a low mintage of only 436,800, the 1932-D quarter is highly sought after, especially in mint condition. Top-graded examples of this coin regularly reach values above $150,000, making it a valuable piece for Washington quarter enthusiasts.
6. 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington quarter is equally rare, with only 408,000 minted in San Francisco. Like the 1932-D, it is a key date in the Washington quarter series and commands a premium in high-grade, uncirculated condition.
Examples of the 1932-S quarter graded in mint condition have sold for well over $150,000, making it a highly desirable coin for Washington quarter collectors looking to complete their collections.
What Makes These Quarters So Valuable?
The high valuations of these quarters are determined by a combination of factors. Here’s what influences their value:
- Rarity: Coins with limited mintage or few surviving examples are inherently more valuable. This scarcity creates high demand among collectors, especially for completing full collections.
- Historical Significance: Coins minted during important historical events or periods, like the Bicentennial or early U.S. minting years, hold additional value.
- Condition and Grade: Coins in mint or proof state, particularly those certified at high grades by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, are worth significantly more. Minor wear can drastically reduce a coin’s value, making high-grade examples particularly prized.
- Mint Errors and Varieties: Errors such as overdates or misstruck mint marks add uniqueness to a coin, increasing its desirability and value among specialized collectors.
- Mint Location: Coins minted at certain locations, such as Carson City or San Francisco, carry added value due to the history and lower production volumes associated with these mints.
FAQs About Rare Quarters
Q1: How can I identify a rare Bicentennial quarter?
Rare Bicentennial quarters are typically 40% silver proofs minted for collector sets. If you believe you have a valuable Bicentennial quarter, consider its composition (silver vs. copper-nickel clad), grade, and any unique mint errors.
Having the coin graded by PCGS or NGC is advisable to determine its exact value.
Q2: What is an overdate error, and why does it matter?
An overdate error occurs when a mint reuses a die with an incorrect date, leading to a second, correct date over the original. Coins like the 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter showcase this error, which is highly valued due to its rarity and the unique minting process behind it.
Q3: Why are Carson City-minted coins particularly valuable?
The Carson City Mint, operational in the 19th century, produced relatively small quantities of coins, making its “CC” mint mark associated with rarity. Carson City coins are especially popular among collectors due to their historical context and limited availability.
Q4: How much does a high-grade 1916 Standing Liberty quarter cost?
High-grade 1916 Standing Liberty quarters, especially those graded MS65 or higher, can command prices over $200,000 due to their limited mintage and introduction of the iconic Standing Liberty design.
Q5: How should I handle a valuable quarter to avoid reducing its value?
Always handle coins by the edges to avoid adding fingerprints or oils, and avoid cleaning them, as it can decrease their worth. If you believe your quarter is valuable, consider having it professionally graded and stored in a protective holder.
Q6: Where can I sell a rare quarter if I own one?
Reputable coin dealers, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, and certified online marketplaces are good options for selling rare coins.
Coins certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC generally fetch higher prices due to buyer confidence in their authenticity.
Conclusion
From the nearly $30 million Bicentennial quarter to the 1804 Draped Bust and the 1916 Standing Liberty quarters valued over $150,000, these coins represent some of the most intriguing and valuable pieces in U.S. coinage.
Collecting quarters can be both a rewarding hobby and a valuable investment, especially when you understand the factors that drive their worth. For collectors and investors alike, rare quarters offer a unique opportunity to own a piece of history, and their allure only grows as time passes.
