Coins have always been more than just pocket change — for numismatists and collectors, they are potential treasures. While most of us casually toss our loose change into jars, the reality is that some coins can be worth a small fortune.
Take, for instance, the Bicentennial Quarter, a coin originally minted in 1976 to celebrate the United States’ 200th anniversary.
Though most Bicentennial Quarters are worth just 25 cents, one specific variety has been appraised at nearly $27 million USD. Yes, you read that correctly: $27 million!
It’s not just the Bicentennial Quarter that holds value, though. There are several other coins worth over $199,999 that could be hiding in your loose change or coin jar.
In this blog, we will explore the rare Bicentennial Quarter and share 8 more valuable coins that could potentially turn up in your collection.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $27 Million USD
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976, was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States. Most of these coins feature the Liberty Bell on the reverse side and a drummer boy in the design, making them distinct from the regular Washington Quarters.
Although millions of these coins were produced, it’s important to note that most are worth only their face value — just 25 cents.
However, there’s one specific variety of the Bicentennial Quarter that can fetch a fortune: the Doubled Die Error. A Doubled Die occurs when a coin is struck more than once, leading to a duplication of the coin’s design.
For the Bicentennial Quarter, this error affects the letters “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”, making them appear doubled or blurry. These types of errors are incredibly rare and highly valuable.
One example of a Doubled Die Error Bicentennial Quarter was recently sold for nearly $27 million USD. The exact cause of the error is still a subject of debate, but the coin’s rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable in the world today.
The discovery of this coin has put other collectors on the lookout for similar examples, though finding one of these rare coins in circulation is extremely unlikely.
8 More Coins Worth Over $199,999 That Could Be Hiding in Your Pocket
If you think the Bicentennial Quarter is the only coin worth a fortune, think again. Here are eight other rare coins that could be worth $199,999 or more, and they might just be hiding in your pocket or change jar.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
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- Estimated Value: $4.5 million+
- The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous U.S. coins, as it was never officially issued. Only five known examples of this coin exist, making it incredibly rare and valuable. A well-preserved example can sell for millions of dollars.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
- Estimated Value: $20 million+
- Most of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were melted down after the U.S. stopped minting gold coins. However, a few survived and are among the most valuable coins ever. One sold for over $20 million USD at auction, making it one of the most expensive U.S. coins.
3. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
- Estimated Value: $1.8 million+
- The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is extremely rare due to its low mintage. Many collectors prize this coin, and examples in high grade can fetch over $1 million USD.
4. 1943 Copper Penny
- Estimated Value: $1.7 million+
- The 1943 Copper Penny is a famous error coin, as most pennies minted that year were made from steel. However, a few copper pennies were struck by mistake, making them rare and highly valuable.
5. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
- Estimated Value: $3.8 million+
- The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the most iconic U.S. coins. Only 15 examples are known to exist, and it’s often referred to as the “King of U.S. Coins.” Its rarity and historical significance have made it incredibly valuable.
6. 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- Estimated Value: $3 million+
- The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is prized for its stunning design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Only a limited number were produced, and its intricate design makes it highly desirable to collectors.
7. 2007 $1 Million Coin
- Estimated Value: $3 million+
- The 2007 $1 Million Coin, issued by the Royal Canadian Mint, is one of the world’s largest and most expensive coins. Made from 99.99% pure gold and weighing over 220 pounds, it is worth far more than its face value.
8. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- Estimated Value: $1.5 million+
- The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is a famous error coin. The design features a noticeable doubling of the date and the word “LIBERTY.” Because of this error, the coin is highly sought after and can sell for over a million dollars.
| Coin | Minted | Estimated Value | Key Identifying Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die) | 1976 | Up to $27 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 |
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, especially the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” If you notice this, you may have a rare and valuable coin.
What makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was never officially released by the U.S. Mint, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins. Only five examples are known to exist, making it highly collectible and worth millions.
Are there any other rare coins from the 1940s worth money?
Yes, the 1943 Copper Penny is an error coin from the 1940s that is worth a fortune. Most pennies from 1943 were made from steel, but a small number were mistakenly struck in copper, making them extremely valuable.