Introduction
As a special tribute to the nation’s 200th birthday in 1976, the U.S. Mint issued quarters featuring a colonial drummer design on the front, and a double date of “1776–1976” on the back. Among Bicentennial quarters, only a small number have high values – one, specifically, recently sold for almost $3 million and became a collector’s prized possession. We will explore the famous 1976 Bicentennial quarter and four other coin quarters that people paid more than $300,000 to own.
Bicentennial
Millions of Bicentennial quarters came off the assembly line at the U.S. Mint in 1975 and 1976, using primarily copper-nickel clad materials. But the Mint made only a small number of quarters from 40 percent silver, and those were meant for collector proof sets. This exceptional coin just sold for almost $3 million because of how few people own it and what it’s made from.
Why It’s Valuable
Its value comes from being one of a small group produced and having no major damaged. These accidentally released error coins are very sought after among collectors because they are extremely difficult to find in the public realm.
What to Look For
To identify a silver Bicentennial quarter:
- Edge: A pure silverborder that doesn’t contain the centering layer found in other coins.
- Weight: Example: It weighs a tiny bit more than normal copper-nickel quarters.
- Getting your coin professionally examined is necessary when you think it might be one of these special pieces.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington quarter from 1932-D marks the anniversary of George Washington’s 200th birthday. Because Denver struck only 436,800 Washington quarters during this series’ run, collectors prize this specific coin.
Why It’s Valuable
Because Denver produced only 436,800 of these quarters when the series started with Washington’s image, they are in high demand among collectors. People pay upwards of $300,000 at auction for really good condition ones.
What to Look For
Check for the “D” mint mark on the back of the coin under the flying eagle. The rarest Washington quarters are those that never entered circulation, far more valuable than those circulated.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Only 8,340 coins called 1870-CC were made, in Carson City under the Liberty Seated quarter series. Because it was only minted a small amount, and because of its special connection to history, this coin holds major value for collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
Of all Liberty Seated quarters, the 1870-CC is the hardest to find. Premium condition 1870-CC coins from Carson City pass the $300,000 mark because people value these historic coins very much.
What to Look For
In case you have a Liberty Seated quarter, look below the eagle on the back to spot the CC mint mark. Checking whether a coin is real before buying is important because fake Liberty Seated quarters are easy to find.
1901-S Barber Quarter
Because San Francisco minted only 72,664 of these Barber quarter dollars in 1901, collectors see this coin as something rare and special. Because only 72,664 of this coin were ever created, it ranks among the most difficult and valuable money to find.
Why It’s Valuable
Very little of these 1901-S Barber quarters survive in attractive condition. Because there’s so few of them and collectors love them, near-perfect 1901-S Barber quarters may fetch more than $300,000.
What to Look For
The “S” mintmark symbol below the flying eagle tells us where this coin was made. Though all examples are worth money, the finest and most well-preserved coins are regarded as having the most monetary value.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
A special 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter features a known error, as a “3” was stamped over a “2” years ago. A special collectible was made when a 1822 die was used again to create this error.
Why It’s Valuable
Because not many were made and it has a mistake, this piece has great value. Pieces with easily seen overdates retain more than $300,000 worth of value.
What to Look For
Study the date closely to find any parts of the original “2,” which are still visible under the “3.” People particularly want coins that are only slightly worn.
Conclusion
US quarters that don’t show up often carry historical significance and the tale of how they were produced, together with errors that happened during manufacturing. Every daily thing can become very important and useful when you look at unique quarters. Time to look around, because you might just find something special!
FAQ’s
What makes the silver Bicentennial quarter unusual?
40% silver composition and error release into circulation.
Why is the 1932-D Washington quarter rare?
It has low mintage and is the first series.
How do I recognize a silver Bicentennial quarter?
Check for a solid silver edge and heavier weight.
