Coins often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life — they clink around in pockets, change jars, or just pile up in drawers. But for numismatists and coin collectors, some seemingly ordinary coins can carry extraordinary value.
Among these rare treasures, the Bicentennial Quarter has taken the spotlight recently, with one example being valued at nearly $85 million USD.
It’s not just the Bicentennial Quarter that can fetch life-changing sums, though. There are several other coins out there worth over $999,999, many of which could still be lurking in your spare change.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the Bicentennial Quarter worth millions and highlight other remarkable coins that might just make you a millionaire if you’re lucky enough to find one.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $85 Million USD
The Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976, was part of a special coin series created to mark the 200th anniversary of the United States.
Featuring an iconic design of the Liberty Bell and a drummer boy, the coin was minted in vast quantities, and most circulate today at face value — just 25 cents.
However, there are rare varieties of this coin that are worth much more. The most notable of these is the “Doubled Die Error” Bicentennial Quarter, where the designs appear doubled or blurry due to a mistake during the minting process.
In particular, the Doubled Die error often affects the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” making them appear distorted or blurry.
What makes the Doubled Die Error version of the Bicentennial Quarter so valuable is its extreme rarity. Only a few of these coins were produced, and they are highly sought after by collectors. One example, in perfect condition, was recently appraised at nearly $85 million USD.
Though it’s rare to find one in this condition, any coin exhibiting the doubled design error can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
7 More Rare Coins Worth Over $999,999 That Could Be in Your Coin Jar
In addition to the Bicentennial Quarter, there are several other rare coins that have been known to fetch prices in the millions. Below are seven other coins worth over $999,999, with some of them still circulating or in private collections.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- Estimated Value: $4.5 million+
- The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most iconic U.S. coins. It was never officially released, making it one of the rarest coins in existence. Only five known examples have survived, making it an incredible find for any collector.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
- Estimated Value: $20 million+
- The 1933 Gold Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history. Most of the 1933 series was melted down after being struck due to changes in U.S. currency policy, leaving only a few surviving examples. One such coin sold for over $20 million at auction.
3. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
- Estimated Value: $1.8 million+
- Known for its low mintage, the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is highly sought after by collectors. Only a small number were produced, and it’s considered one of the most valuable silver dollars in existence.
4. 1943 Copper Penny
- Estimated Value: $1.7 million+
- The 1943 Copper Penny is another famous minting error. Due to wartime material shortages, most pennies struck in 1943 were made of steel. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly minted, making them rare and highly valuable.
5. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
- Estimated Value: $3.8 million+
- Often referred to as the “King of U.S. Coins,” the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors. Only 15 examples are known to exist, and their value continues to rise over time.
6. 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- Estimated Value: $3 million+
- The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle features an intricate design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and was produced in limited numbers. Only a small number were made, and they are considered among the most beautiful U.S. coins.
7. 2007 $1 Million Coin
- Estimated Value: $3 million+
- This unique coin, created by the Royal Canadian Mint, is made from 99.99% pure gold and weighs a massive 100 kilograms (220 pounds). It’s one of the world’s most expensive coins, with a value that far exceeds its face value.
Coin | Minted | Estimated Value | Key Identifying Features |
---|---|---|---|
Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die) | 1976 | Up to $85 million | Doubled images or blurry text on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.5 million+ | Never officially minted, only five known examples |
1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle | 1933 | $20 million+ | Gold coin with high relief design, most melted down |
1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar | 1893 | $1.8 million+ | Low mintage, highly sought after in excellent condition |
1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | $1.7 million+ | Copper instead of steel, very rare error coin |
1804 Draped Bust Dollar | 1804 | $3.8 million+ | Iconic design, only 15 known examples |
1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1907 | $3 million+ | Ultra high relief design, rare and collectible |
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
The most valuable Bicentennial Quarters are those with a Doubled Die Error. Look for doubled or blurry text on the obverse, particularly the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was never officially released to the public, making it an ultra-rare collector’s item. Only five examples are known to exist, and they can fetch millions at auction.
Are there any other rare coins from the 1940s worth money?
Yes, the 1943 Copper Penny is a famous error coin from the 1940s. Most pennies from that year were made of steel, but a few were accidentally minted in copper, making them extremely valuable.