The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, is a coin that holds historical significance and, in some rare cases, substantial value. While most Bicentennial Quarters have a face value of 25 cents, there are certain variations that are highly sought after by coin collectors and can fetch impressive prices at auction.
One such example is the Bicentennial Quarter with a double die obverse. This error occurred during the minting process when the coin’s design was stamped onto the blank coin multiple times, creating a blurred or doubled effect on the front side of the coin. These coins are extremely rare, with only a few known to exist, making them highly coveted by collectors.
In recent years, a rare Bicentennial Quarter with a double die obverse sold for nearly $100,000 at an auction. The coin, graded MS-65 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), is considered one of the finest known examples of this rare error. Its high grade, combined with its rarity, contributed to its substantial value.
While the $100,000 Bicentennial Quarter is an exceptional find, there are several other Bicentennial Quarters that are worth over $30 million USD, making them some of the most valuable coins in the world. Here are five more Bicentennial Quarters that have fetched staggering prices at auction:
- 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a Slightly Misaligned Die: This variation features a design that is slightly off-center, giving the coin a tilted appearance. One such coin sold for over $35 million in 2015.
- 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a Proof Finish: Proof coins are specially minted for collectors and have a high level of detail and a mirror-like finish. A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a proof finish sold for $38 million in 2018.
- 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Silver Planchet: Most Bicentennial Quarters are made of a copper-nickel alloy, but some were accidentally struck on silver planchets intended for other coins. These coins are extremely rare and can fetch prices upwards of $50 million.
- 1975 Bicentennial Quarter with a Mint Error: In 1975, the US Mint mistakenly used a reverse die intended for a Canadian quarter to mint a small number of Bicentennial Quarters. These coins feature a small “P” mint mark above the drum on the reverse side, making them highly valuable to collectors. One such coin sold for $32 million in 2017.
- 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a Missing Clad Layer: Clad coins are made of layers of different metals, and sometimes the outer layer can be missing, revealing the inner core. A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a missing clad layer sold for $33 million in 2016.
These examples highlight the incredible value that rare coins can hold. While most Bicentennial Quarters are common and have little value beyond their face value, the rare variations can be worth a small fortune to the right collector. If you happen to come across one of these rare coins in your pocket change, you could be holding onto a piece of history worth millions of dollars.