Among the United States quarters that came into being due to minting flaws, or due to scarcity and historical value, some have managed to become highly collectible. Of those, one of the rarest is a Bicentennial quarter that has recently been estimated at close to one million dollars. Let’s take a look at this fabulous coin and a few more quarters that have made it to the value of $100,000.
Bicentennial Quarter
Included in the Bicentennial quarters that were minted for the 200th anniversary of the United States of America was a distinctive reverse design highlighting the dual date “1776–1976”. While the majority was of copper-nickel composition and provides little, if any added value, a small percentage was accidentally struck on 90% silver planchets intended for proof coins.
Why It’s Valuable
There is so little of the silver Bicentennial quarter because it was accidentally permitted into circulation. This is the fate of regular copper-nickel coins. Due to its unique composition and outstanding preservation, it was highly valued as a collector, recently estimated at about one million dollars.
What to Look For
- Authentication of the Edge: Silver There are no copper core stripes evident on clad coins, such as these bicentennial quarters.
- These quarters weigh a little more due to the inclusion of silver.
- Verification: Authentication and grading services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and price it.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The first of all the quarter series was the Washington quarter that had been issued in 1932, honoring George Washington’s 200th birthday. Of those, the 1932-D is one of the rarest as it was made in such a small quantity.
Why It’s Valuable
One of the rarest Washington quarters, and for this reason as the only one ever minted in a total of 436,800 pieces, is the 1932-D. High-grade samples in nearly mint condition fetch more than one hundred thousand dollars at auction because of the combination of rarity and historical significance.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: The “D” mint mark is on the back side of the coin, below the eagle.
- Grade: While circulated specimens are worth a premium, mint-state coins are highly prized.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Among them are the Liberty Seated quarter series, which was minted from 1838 until 1891. Many coins in this series are extremely rare and valuable. The 1870-CC quarter, for instance, is believed to be the most valuable coin in the series, since it was minted at the Carson City Mint.
Why It’s Valuable
Due to the fact that the Carson City Mint produced only 8,340 quarters in the year 1870, this coin is extremely rare. Very few examples have survived in good grades, and those that do are worth over one hundred thousand dollars.
What to Look For
- The “CC” that is located below the eagle on the back of the coin indicates that it is a Carson City coin.
- Authentication: This is because a large percentage of the produced coins has been counterfeited, and hence professional authentication would be very necessary.
1901-S Barber Quarter
Most collectors prefer the Barber quarter which was specifically issued between the years 1892 and 1916. Among the cars in the series, the most precious and rare one is the 1901-S produced in San Francisco.
Why It’s Valuable
Of these, only 72,664 were ever minted in total and are distributed throughout the country, so only a few survive in decent condition. While coins that are badly worn may still be worth a lot, a high-grade example can sell for over one hundred thousand dollars.
What to Look For
- This coin can be identified by the mint mark-a “S” located below the eagle on the reverse.
- A high-grade coin is an extremely rare and valuable piece for its condition.
By these coins, collectors gain a look into the artistry, history, and peculiarities of American minting representing some of the most expensive quarters in the history of the United States.
FAQs
1. What makes the Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
The Bicentennial Quarter’s limited mintage, distinctive design, and rarity make it desirable. Certain quarters can be worth much more than face value—nearly $1 million, in some cases, particularly those with defects or uncommon minting years.
2. How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is worth a lot?
Check for uncommon mistakes like misprints or double die to ascertain its worth. Particularly in auction settings or with coin dealers, coins in mint condition with limited circulation or unique mint markings can command higher values.
3. Which other coins are valued over $100,000?
In addition to the Bicentennial Quarter, additional rare coins are the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle, and the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. These coins can fetch significant sums and are much sought after by collectors.