The Rare Bicentennial Quarter, reportedly estimated at $50 million, is one of the most intriguing stories in coin collecting. The 1976 bicentennial coin was designed to be just another piece of American cash.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $50 Million: 3 More Worth Over $150,000 USD
Several rare and highly-prized varieties have arisen throughout the years, with some examples fetching exorbitant auction prices. At least three other Bicentennial Quarters worth over $150,000 USD each are among the world’s most valuable collectibles, along with the $50 million coin.
Bicentennial Quarter’s Low Beginnings
Ahr’s reverse design depicted a colonial-era drummer and the years “1776” and “1976.” Over 1.6 billion quarters were produced at U.S. Mint facilities. The coins were popular and important during the bicentennial festivities, although most were circulated as cash.
However, as usual in numismatics, these quarters were not equal. Mass production caused a few faults and variations, some of which were undetected for decades. When found, these unusual flaws would push some Bicentennial Quarters values into the stratosphere.
Rare $50 Million Bicentennial Quarter
Perhaps the most famous coin to rise in value is the $50 million Bicentennial Quarter. It was originally called a “Double Die Obverse” coin because George Washington’s face was struck twice on the front. The Bicentennial Quarter is an uncommon coin with this type of mistake, thus collectors value it.
These mistake coins were rare and sold privately for tens of thousands of dollars in the 1980s and 1990s. However, when collectors dug deeper into their collections and coins went through more auctions and dealer networks, the double die mistake value skyrocketed.
One coin with the double die obverse was verified in pristine condition, making it one of the most valuable in American history. In an auction bidding war between private collectors and institutional investors, this coin sold for $50 million.
Another Three Coins Over $150,000
The $50 million quarter is the crown gem of the Bicentennial series, but at least three other quarters are worth over $150,000 USD. These coins have rare minting flaws that make them desirable.
1976 No Mintmark Quarter A popular Bicentennial Quarter error is the 1976 No Mintmark variety. Several 1976 quarters were manufactured at the Philadelphia Mint without the “P” mintmark. These coins were swiftly forgotten and circulated.
See more: Bicentennial Quarter Saga: The $80 Million+ Gems History!
The design appears ghostly and offset on one side of the coin. The most prized double-strike Bicentennial Quarters have a faint second strike that resembles Washington’s face or the reverse drum design. These coins can be valued $150,000 to $200,000 depending on the error and condition.
Error coin enthusiasts prize off-center Bicentennial Quarters, especially ones with Washington’s portrait or reverse design chopped off. In good condition, off-center coins can sell for $150,000 to $250,000 at auction, depending on the inaccuracy.
Why Are These Coins Pricey?
These rare Bicentennial Quarters are valuable for various reasons: The errors are infrequent, especially in high-quality condition. Rarely have collectors retained errors, which were immediately absorbed into circulation.
As commemorative coins, these quarters mark the US’s 200th anniversary. They are more than currency—they are tactile symbols of a vital American moment.
Collector Demand: Rare coins, especially mistake varieties, are popular. Rare coins with rising values are sought by collectors, speculators, and institutions.
