Minted to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary of independence, the rare Bicentennial Quarter is particularly dear to collectors and history buffs. Featuring a colonial drummer boy and the twin date “1776–1976,” its distinctive design makes it a famous emblem of nationalism and history.
But aside from the history and aesthetic value, some Bicentennial Quarters have become extremely valuable; some may cost up to $75,000. Still, a Bicentennial Quarter is not an exception; other moments in American history have even reached remarkable valuations for being scarce, having minting mistakes, or representing historical significance.
This page will investigate the fascinating history of the Rare Bicentennial Quarter and also the special attributes of four additional highly prized quarters that captivate collectors everywhere.
The Bicentennial Quarter: An Original Historical Workpiece
America marked its 200th birthday with the Bicentennial Quarter in 1975 and 1976. As with most quarters, this design is different because Jack L. Ahr’s original reverse design shows a colonial drummer lad. With the dual date on the coin, “1776–1976,” this is even more rich in historical importance.
Although millions of Bicentennial Quarters were minted, some of them are valuable because of rare variations including coins that have minting errors and silver proofs. Collectors seek these rare variations; some are sold at a price of $75,000 in mint condition.
Minted as part of special collector editions, silver Bicentennial Quarters are particularly attractive to collectors. Given they contain 40% silver, these coins feel heavier and have a more lustrous appearance than their copper-nickel counterparts. Conversely, rare discoveries which can dramatically increase the value of a coin with mint errors-including off-center striking or double dies.
Other High Value Quarters Worth Exploring
1. Washington Quarter 1932: D
Minted during the Great Depression, the 1932-D Washington Quarter has among the lowest mintages in the series—just 424,800 pieces.
Excellent condition coins can sell tens of thousands of dollars, hence this quarter represents resiliency during a difficult period in U.S. history.
2. Washington Quarter 1932, S.S.
Rarities and History: The 1932-S Washington Quarter is even scarcer than the Denver counterpart, with a mintage of only 408,000 pieces. The San Francisco Mint had always produced smaller mintage numbers.
High-grade specimens are more valuable than the 1932-D. Thus collectors attaining a Washington Quarter set must include this one, too.
3. Standing Liberty Quarter 1916
This quarter pays tribute to artistic relevance in its elegant image of Lady Liberty bearing an olive branch and shield, therefore symbolizing peace and preparedness.
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter ranks among the fewst U.S. coins ever created, at only 52,000.
Perfect condition coins prized for their design and historical value can reach above $100,000.
4. Draped Bust Quarter, 1796
Historical Significance: The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is among the very first American coins as it was one of the initial quarters struck within the country.
Only 6,146 existing, minted coins add up to a degree of rarity.
Any collection should focus on high-grade coins since they can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Value of Rare Quarters
There are many factors that contribute to understanding the magnitude of the great values of rare quarters such as the Bicentennial Quarter and more:
- Low mintage coins or unusual varieties are highly sought.
- Linked to seminal American history events, these coins are tangible connections to the past.
- Grade: Coins graded at mint or nearly mint are significantly more valuable than worn examples.
- Uniques coins produced by unique minting errors generate collectors’ demand based solely on themselves.
Tips for Showcasing Rare Quarters
Use these criteria to determine if a quarter you possess has value:
- On older coins, expect to find occasional mint marks in the form of “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco.
- Look for Errors: Use a magnifying glass to find double, off-center strikes, or other types of minting errors.
- Grade: In general, coins showing little wear and original luster are more valuable.
- Due to their metal composition, Silver Bicentennial Quarters are also more dense than regular quarters.
FAQs
What makes the rare Bicentennial quarter worth $75 million?
The $75 million Bicentennial quarter is a one-of-a-kind mistake coin with a minting fault, making it highly desirable. It is one among the few known to exist, making it popular among coin collectors and investors.
Why are Bicentennial quarters valuable?
Bicentennial quarters are significant because they celebrate the United States’ 200th anniversary in 1976. While most are worth their face value, some error coins, due to restricted mintages or distinctive features, can be highly sought for and expensive.
What other quarters are worth millions?
Other valuable quarters are the 1932-D Washington quarter, the 1999 Delaware quarter with a “doubled die” fault, and the 1964-D Quarter with a minting flaw. Because of their scarcity and distinctive features, these coins attract a high price.