Three more rare bicentennial quarters, each worth over $5 million USD, amount to about $20 million USD. For many collectors, numismatics or coin collecting is both a profitable investment and an entertaining hobby. While most of us are familiar with the regular coins that are in use, some rare and valuable coins can sell for extremely high amounts at auction.
The unique Bicentennial Quarter is considered one of the most valuable pieces of US currency due to its historical importance and uniqueness. It is estimated to be worth twenty million dollars in US money.
However, there are other rare coins with historical significance or minting flaws that have also sold for millions of dollars at auction, so this is not the only one worth millions of dollars.
We will study three other rare U.S. coins, each worth over $5 million, in addition to delving extensively into the Bicentennial Quarter, which is estimated to be worth around $20 million.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $20 Million USD
In 1976, a Bicentennial Quarter was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
United States Mint released over 1.6 billion of these quarters, making this a coin that the average public can easily get hold of. However, a few of these quarters have errors or special minting characteristics that significantly make them valuable. These quarters are very rare.
One of the most popular types of mistake is the Double Die Obverse, also known as DDO. Due to this anomaly, when the elements on the obverse of the coin of George Washington are doubled, it becomes one of the extremely rare finds.
These DDO quarters are very rare and when they have come up for sale, they have sold for anywhere from several thousand to a mind-boggling $20 million USD for a perfect one.
A discerning collector discovered the coin after witnessing this modest doubling effect in its design. The same coin has since reappeared and, as collectors fight to buy this piece of American history, prices have risen.
The Bicentennial Quarter is unique not only because it is inaccurate but also for the fact that it is one of the most historical pieces from America, being one that marks the 200th year of American independence.
Other Rare U.S. Coins Worth Over $5 Million Each
Several other rare U.S. coins, apart from the Bicentennial Quarter, have been sold for over $5 million. These three are as follows:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $10 Million
The Liberty Head Nickel of 1913 is one of the most famous and scarce U.S. coins. These coins are highly prized among collectors because only five are known to exist.
Despite their design being produced from 1883 to 1912, the version of the Liberty Head from 1913 was never officially released to market. In fact, several sets were secretly struck at the United States Mint without the approval from the officials for an undeclared issuance.
The controversy surrounding other Liberty Head Nickels that were made and even leaked into some private collections added to its notoriety as early as 1913.
One of the nickels was one of the costliest coins ever sold, bringing in $10 million at an auction in 2018. The rarity of the coin, as well as the history attached to it, keeps attracting investors and collectors today.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 Million
One of the precious coins of the United States is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. This is considered to be the first U.S.
An iconic representation of early American currency, the silver dollar was the first coined. The value of the 1794 silver dollar keeps increasing every year, and there are only approximately 140 known examples.
The most expensive coin ever sold at the time was a 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which brought an incredible $10 million USD at auction in 2013.
With a small eagle on the reverse and an image of Lady Liberty with loose hair on the obverse, the coin features a unique design. Great value is described both in its scarcity as well as its value in terms of representation of the early American monetary system.
3. 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin – $7.6 Million
The second most notable coin sold for millions of dollars is the 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin. This coin was designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and was initially intended to be minted in 1933.
Most of these coins were ordered to be melted, but manufacture of these coins was halted when the U.S. government decided to withdraw from the gold standard during the Great Depression.
In the 1990s, one of the few 1933 Double Eagles that escaped this destiny was sold for an astonishing $7.6 million.
USD, making it, at the time, the most expensive gold coin ever sold. This was the only coin of its kind to do so.
The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the most intriguing coins in American history, both for its scarcity and the circumstances in which it was produced and finally released.
Coin Type | Estimated Value | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Bicentennial Quarter (1976, DDO) | $20 Million+ | Double die obverse error, rare and highly valuable. |
1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $10 Million+ | Only five known, minting error, highly sought after. |
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $10 Million+ | First U.S. silver dollar, extremely rare and historic. |
1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin | $7.6 Million+ | Rare gold coin with a fascinating backstory. |
Why are certain U.S. coins worth millions of dollars?
Rare U.S. coins are always highly prized because of their historical significance, restricted production, and such characteristics as minting faults or design changes.
Coins that were either struck incorrectly or were part of an illegal minting procedure, such as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel or the Bicentennial Quarter, are unique collectibles and are therefore uncommon.
How can I identify a rare coin?
It takes a sharp eye and in-depth knowledge of U.S. coinage to spot a rare coin. Unusual wear or patina, coins with low mintage numbers, and minting faults (such double dies or misprints) are common markers.
When there is a need to determine the authenticity of rare coins, a numismatist is always the best person to talk to or coin reference books.
How do I sell my rare coin for the best price?
There are very valid platforms where one can sell his or her rare coins. One can sell at reputable coin dealers, auction houses, and numismatic events. For sure, the authenticity and value of your coin can be determined through professional grading and verification.
Rare coins frequently have a good chance of drawing competitive bids at auction, which could result in higher values.
Are there other U.S. coins that are worth millions of dollars?
Indeed, there are a number of additional extremely expensive U.S. coins. Two of the most valuable coins in the rare U.S. coin market are the 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin and the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, both of which have sold for millions of dollars.
FAQs
1. What is a Bicentennial Quarter?
To mark America’s 200th anniversary, a Bicentennial Quarter was struck in 1976. It had a unique reverse design that symbolized the original colonies with 13 stars and a drummer.
2. Why is the Rare Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Given its rarity and historical significance, some rare Bicentennial Quarters—particularly those with minting mistakes or distinctive features—are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch millions of dollars.
3. What makes a Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $20 million?
The quarter is extremely valuable in the rare coin market because of its scarcity, unusual features, or special minting faults, including misprints or distinguishing marks.