Bicentennial quarters are coins that were minted in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. While many people consider them common, there are a few extremely rare versions of these coins that are worth a fortune. One rare Bicentennial quarter is valued at nearly $1 million, and there are even more rare coins that have sold for over $10 million USD. In this article, we’ll explore these valuable coins, what makes them special, and how you can identify one.
What Is a Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial quarter is a special edition of the Washington quarter that was created in honor of the United States’ 200th birthday. These coins feature a unique design on the back (reverse) with a drummer boy instead of the traditional eagle. The front (obverse) of the coin still displays President George Washington.
Why Are Some Bicentennial Quarters So Valuable?
While most Bicentennial quarters aren’t worth much more than their face value of 25 cents, a few are extremely valuable. The reason some coins are worth so much comes down to factors like rarity, condition, and any unique errors during the minting process. For example, if a coin was made with a mistake or in very limited quantities, it becomes a rare collector’s item.
The Nearly $1 Million Bicentennial Quarter
One of the most valuable Bicentennial quarters is a 1976-D type, which was struck on a silver planchet. This specific error coin is extremely rare and has been valued at close to $1 million. The fact that it was struck using silver, instead of the more common copper-nickel mix, makes it a prized item for collectors.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| What is a Bicentennial quarter? | A special quarter minted in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. |
| Design of Bicentennial quarter | Features a drummer boy on the reverse and President George Washington on the obverse. |
| Common value | Most Bicentennial quarters are worth their face value of 25 cents. |
| Why are some Bicentennial quarters valuable? | Rare coins with minting errors or silver planchets are highly valuable due to rarity and collector demand. |
| Value of the most expensive Bicentennial quarter | Nearly $1 million, due to a rare minting error where it was struck on a silver planchet. |
| How to identify a rare Bicentennial quarter | Check for errors (off-center strikes, double strikes), material (silver), and condition (uncirculated or mint). |
| Where to appraise a Bicentennial quarter | Certified coin dealers or services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). |
| Other valuable U.S. coins | Coins like the 1933 Double Eagle and the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar have sold for over $10 million. |
| How to start coin collecting | Research rare coins, use a magnifying glass to inspect coins, and join coin-collecting groups or visit shows. |
| Tips for coin care | Store in coin holders or albums, avoid handling with bare hands, and never clean rare coins. |
7 More Coins Worth Over $10 Million
Besides the rare Bicentennial quarter, there are several other coins in the world that have sold for jaw-dropping amounts. Here are seven coins that have been valued at over $10 million:
1. Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (1794)
This coin is often considered the first silver dollar ever minted in the United States. It sold for an astounding $10 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever.
2. 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
Though never released into circulation, a few of these gold coins made their way into private hands. One of these coins sold for over $18 million at auction.
3. Brasher Doubloon (1787)
This coin was hand-struck by a goldsmith named Ephraim Brasher in 1787. The Brasher Doubloon has sold for over $10 million.
4. 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This coin is known for its beautiful design and is considered one of the most artistic U.S. coins. It’s been sold for prices reaching $7.5 million.
5. Liberty Head Nickel (1913)
This rare coin was struck in very limited quantities, and only five are known to exist. One of these coins was sold for nearly $5 million.
6. 1804 Silver Dollar
Despite the 1804 date, these coins were actually minted in the 1830s for diplomatic gifts. An 1804 silver dollar sold for over $4 million.
7. Edward III Florin (1343)
One of the oldest coins ever sold at auction, the Edward III Florin was sold for around $6.8 million. It’s a rare piece of medieval English history.
How to Identify a Valuable Coin
If you think you may have a valuable coin, there are a few steps you can take to identify it:
- Check the Date: Look at the year the coin was minted. Coins from certain years, especially older ones, tend to be more valuable.
- Look for Errors: Coins with minting errors are often worth much more. Errors can include off-center strikes, double strikes, or coins made from the wrong material.
- Condition Matters: Coins that are in excellent condition, with little to no wear, are generally worth more than those that are heavily circulated.
- Get an Expert Opinion: If you’re not sure about a coin’s value, take it to a professional coin dealer or appraiser for a closer look.
FAQs
What is a Bicentennial quarter?
A Bicentennial quarter is a special U.S. coin minted in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. It features a drummer boy on the reverse side instead of the usual eagle design.
Why is the Bicentennial quarter special?
The Bicentennial quarter was made to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial, making it a significant historical piece. While many of these coins were made, some rare versions or error coins are highly valuable due to their unique characteristics.
How much is a Bicentennial quarter worth?
Most Bicentennial quarters are worth their face value of 25 cents. However, certain rare versions, especially error coins struck in silver, can be worth significant amounts. One such coin is valued at nearly $1 million.
What makes the nearly $1 million Bicentennial quarter so valuable?
The most valuable Bicentennial quarter was struck on a silver planchet (metal disc) by mistake. This error, combined with the coin’s rarity, makes it worth close to $1 million.
How can I tell if I have a rare Bicentennial quarter?
Check for the following:
Material: Regular Bicentennial quarters were made from copper-nickel. However, rare error coins might be struck in silver.
Condition: Coins in uncirculated or mint condition are more valuable.
Errors: Look for unusual features, such as being struck off-center or on the wrong planchet.
Rare coins, like the nearly $1 million Bicentennial quarter, can turn a small investment into a fortune. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, knowing what to look for in rare coins can be a fun and potentially profitable hobby. Keep an eye out for old coins with unique features—you never know when you might have a hidden treasure in your pocket!
