Coin collecting is more than a pastime; it imparts lessons of history, art, and economy. Some coins are deservedly coveted for their material worth but are even more sought after for the stories they tell.
One prime example is the rare Bicentennial Quarter, with its historical significance and great valuation that forever secured this coin’s place in the hearts of collectors.
This article reviews the rare Bicentennial Quarter, valued at almost $75 million, with an additional four quarters that have been venerated throughout the numismatic organization. From important historical events to mistakes in minting, these coins have everything it takes to attract the attention of collectors around the world.
| Coin Name | Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Unique design, rare minting errors | Up to $75 million |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Limited mintage, historical value | Tens of thousands |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | Extremely rare, low production | Comparable to 1932-D |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | Artistic design, limited mintage | Over $100,000 |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | First U.S. quarter, extreme rarity | Hundreds of thousands |
Rare Bicentennial Quarter
The rare Bicentennial Quarter was released in 1976, commemorating the 200th year of American independence, and displays a patriotically unique design. Unlike the usual quarters, it features a drummer boy on the reverse surrounded by 13 stars and a flaming torch. The coin represents independence and unity.
Why It Is So Important?
While the production of millions of Bicentennial Quarters took place, only a handful of fairly rare versions have attained astronomical values because of:
- Errors during minting,
- Silver proof finishes,
- Perfect grade (uncirculated) or proof coin condition.
Some of these rare Bicentennial Quarters have sold for almost $75,000, thus one of the most expensive coins in U.S. history.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Special in U.S. history as the first coin of the Washington quarter series, the 1932-D Washington Quarter was minted during the period of the Great Depression, when a great many coins would be melted or lost.
Why is it scarce?
- A total of coinage of 436,800 was minted at Denver Mint
- The conditions of the economy then contributed to a significant lower survival rate.
- In very fine example nearly tens of thousands may be possible for this quarter.
Collectors highly desirously search this coin because of its historical significance as well as scarcity.
1932-S Washington Quarter
San Francisco mint was where another extremely valuable coin from the same series was struck: the 1932-S Washington Quarter. With only 408,000 pieces struck, this coin is even rarer than the 1932-D quarter.
Why Is It This Valuable?
That’s because it is a main piece for any Washington quarter collection for the completists. Just by its low mintage, it is one of the rarest quarters in this series.
Most of the time, it sells for prices similar to that of the 1932-D quarter because of its excellent condition.
1916 Standing liberty quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter has one of the best designs of all U.S. coins. Sculptor Hermon A. MacNeil created it, with Lady Liberty holding an olive branch and shield, symbols of peace and protection.
Why so rare?
Because only 52,000 coins were ever minted, this is one of history’s scarcest quarters. With its elaborate design and limited mintage, it is every collector’s dream. In auction, a near-perfect example can fetch over $100,000.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter has an exceptionally unique value in U.S. numismatic history for it marks the very first quarter minted in the United States. It signifies the early days of the U.S. Mint as well as the formative years of American currency.
Why Is It Worth More?
Only 6,146 coins were struck, thereby ranking it as one of the rarest U.S. quarters.
Survivors are rare, and values can reach hundred of thousands of dollars.
It is a historic object, representing America’s early coinage system.
FAQS:
Is a Rare Bicentennial Quarter really worth $75 million?
While certain rare Bicentennial Quarters may be expected to bring notable prices when they are minted erroneously, specially made, or of high grades, the oft-quoted figure of $75 million may suggest a confusion or an exaggeration at best. Coin values should always be checked with a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC.
What are other valuable quarters to look out for?
1932-D Washington Quarter — Key date, very low mintage.
1943-S Washington Quarter — Rare wartime silver coin.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter — Rarity of a mint error.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf Error) — Very collectible modern error.