The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and occasionally, coins that were once considered commonplace can become highly sought-after treasures.
One such example is the Bicentennial Quarter, a commemorative coin minted in 1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence.
While most of these coins are worth just 25 cents, some rare versions have sold for astronomical sums—as high as $2.8 million!
In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind the extraordinary value of the Bicentennial Quarter, and also highlight 10 other coins valued at over $150,000, offering insight into the fascinating world of rare coin collecting.
The Bicentennial Quarter: A Coin Worth Millions
The Bicentennial Quarter was released in 1976 as part of a series of coins designed to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence.
The coin features a unique reverse design with a drummer boy, the Liberty Bell, and 13 stars representing the original colonies.
These coins were initially produced in large quantities for general circulation, and the typical Bicentennial Quarter is worth just its face value of 25 cents.
However, there are certain versions of the Bicentennial Quarter that have become extremely valuable due to minting errors or unique characteristics.
The most notable of these is the Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter, where the design was unintentionally struck twice, causing a doubling effect on the image of George Washington.
This error makes the coin much more collectible, and in 2021, one of these rare quarters sold for a staggering $2.8 million at auction.
Collectors and investors are drawn to coins with minting errors because they are rare, unique, and often the result of a mistake that makes them stand out from regular production coins.
As a result, the value of certain Bicentennial Quarters has skyrocketed, and they continue to be among the most sought-after coins in the market today.
6 Other Coins Valued at Over $150,000
In addition to the Bicentennial Quarter, several other rare and valuable coins have sold for amounts exceeding $150,000.
These coins often have unique characteristics such as limited mintages, historical significance, or mistakes made during the minting process. Here are 10 more coins that have fetched large sums in recent years:
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
One of the most famous coins in American history, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was never officially circulated due to the country’s decision to abandon the gold standard during the Great Depression.
A small number of these coins were illegally retained, and they are now worth millions. A high-grade example sold for $7.5 million in 2002, but others can still fetch over $200,000.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most highly sought-after pennies in the world. The “VDB” initials on the reverse of the coin represent the designer, Victor David Brenner, and were removed after public outcry.
With a limited mintage and the “S” mintmark indicating it was struck in San Francisco, this coin can fetch well over $200,000 in mint condition.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
There are only five known specimens of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, which was never officially issued by the U.S. Mint.
The coins were secretly struck by a mint official and are considered one of the greatest rarities in American coinage. The value of these coins can exceed $3 million, with examples in less-than-perfect condition still commanding prices above $150,000.
4. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is considered the first silver dollar ever minted by the United States.
Only a small number of these coins were produced, and they are highly prized by collectors. A well-preserved specimen sold for $10 million in 2013, and coins in good condition are worth at least $200,000.
5. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is a famous error coin. Due to a metal shortage during World War II, most pennies were made from steel, but a few were accidentally struck in copper.
These rare pennies can be worth over $1 million, and even coins in less-than-perfect condition can command prices exceeding $200,000.
6. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most desirable dimes in the United States. The “D” mintmark indicates it was struck in Denver, and only a limited number of these coins were produced. High-quality versions of this coin can easily surpass $200,000 at auction.
| Coin Type | Year Released | Key Features | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Double Die Obverse, High Grade | $2.8 million |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | Gold Coin, Limited Circulation | $7.5 million |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Low Mintage, VDB Initials | $200,000+ |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Secret Minting, 5 Known Coins | $3 million |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | First U.S. Dollar, Historical Value | $10 million |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Minting Error, Copper Variant | $1 million |
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter worth so much?
The Bicentennial Quarter is valuable due to rare minting errors, such as the double die obverse, where the coin’s design was struck twice, creating a doubled image. These errors make the coin unique and highly collectible.
How do I know if I have a rare coin?
To determine if you have a rare coin, check for minting errors, limited mintage, or historical significance. You can also consult a professional numismatist or use online price guides to help you evaluate the coin.
Where can I sell my rare coin?
You can sell rare coins at coin auctions, through professional dealers, or via online platforms dedicated to coin trading. Always get an appraisal first to ensure you’re getting the right price.