Introduction
Numismatics, or coin collecting, is an intriguing hobby that combines art, history, and the excitement of exploration. The prospect for large financial gain is another factor that draws some collectors to rare coins in addition to their historical relevance.
There are certain Bicentennial Quarters that stand out among the many treasures that can be found in the field of coin collecting. The fact that these are minting flaws, which may sell for millions of dollars, makes them particularly notable.
Most coin collectors can only dream of the value of one of these coins, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which has been estimated to be worth about eight million US dollars. Alongside this highly sought-after coin, several more rare U.S. coins have managed to achieve the $150,000 USD mark, solidifying their place in numismatic history.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter and its associated significance will be covered in this article. We’ll also identify six other coins that, because of their extremely limited supply, historical value, and minting flaws, have the potential to fetch enormous sums of money.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter: Worth Nearly $8 Million USD
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which commemorated the 200th anniversary of American independence, has a reimagined depiction of George Washington on the obverse and a distinctive reverse design of a colonial drummer.
Some of the Bicentennial Quarters have gained notoriety because of minting faults, which make them extremely rare and precious, even though the great majority were made in massive quantities.
One of the most noticeable errors that could happen in a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is the Double Die Obverse (DDO) fault. In this instance, the coin’s inscriptions and date (1776–1976) are doubled due to a misaligned die used to strike it.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is particularly sought-after because it has a DDO defect. Additionally, because they are unique, coins with minting faults are sometimes highly sought after investments. A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with the DDO error has brought up to $8 million USD at auction, depending on its condition. This is because a piece like that is really uncommon.
Six Additional Rare Coins Worth Over $150,000 Each
Beyond the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, several other rare U.S. coins have earned a reputation for commanding large sums. These coins are valued at over $150,000 USD due to their rarity, historical significance, and minting errors. Let’s explore these notable examples:
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Estimated Value: $3.7 Million+
Key Features: Unauthorized minting, only five known to exist.
Rarity/Notes: One of the most famous coins in American mint history is the Liberty Head Nickel of 1913. It was minted in the United States without a license.
Only five of these nickels are known, mint. Due to their exceptional rarity and mystery, they are one of the most sought after and prized coins in the world. At auction, one of these popular coins brought over $3.7 million USD.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Estimated Value: $7.6 Million+
Key Features: Most were melted down after the U.S. left the gold standard.
Rarity/Notes: One of the most recognizable gold coins in American history is the 1933 St. Louis. Gaudens Double Eagle. The pieces were designed by the U.S. Mint in anticipation of the country’s withdrawal from the gold standard, but most coins were directed to be minted.
They are very different as a few samples escaped. In 2002, one of these coins sold for an unprecedented $7.6 million USD.
1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $1.7 Million+
Key Features: Minted in copper instead of steel, due to wartime shortages.
Rarity/Notes: Another uncommon minting error is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent. When World War II broke out, the U.S.
To save copper, the mint began producing pennies using steel instead of copper. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent was the consequence of a few copper planchets being inadvertently utilized. One of these incredibly rare coins brought $1.7 million USD at auction.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Estimated Value: $10 Million+
Key Features: First silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint.
Rarity/Notes: The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar has historical significance as the first silver dollar minted by the U.S. government.
One of these coins sold for more than $10 million in 2013, of which very little remains today. This coin is one of the most expensive coins in American history due to its historical significance and exceptional rarity.
1916-D Mercury Dime
Estimated Value: $250,000+
Key Features: Low mintage, only 264,000 coins produced.
Rarity/Notes: One of the rarest coins in the Mercury Dime Series is the 1916-D. Only 264,000 coins were produced, making the 1916-D very expensive, especially when not in use. The value of well-preserved specimens of this dime can exceed $250,000.
1856 Flying Eagle Cent
Estimated Value: $1 Million+
Key Features: First small cent issued by the U.S. Mint.
Another extremely rare coin is the Flying Eagle Cent from 1856, which is likewise extremely rare. The Flying Eagle Cent was the first small cent issued by the U.S. Mint. The bank issued and marks a significant turning point in the US. money history.
Collectors are very interested in investing in these coins because they were made in small quantities. Well-preserved exhibits can cost more than $1 million.
Coin Type | Estimated Value | Key Features | Rarity/Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (DDO) | $8 Million+ | Double Die Obverse error; misalignment in date and inscriptions | Rare minting error, few known examples in circulation. |
1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $3.7 Million+ | Unauthorized minting; only five known to exist | Extremely rare, highly coveted due to its unauthorized production. |
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $7.6 Million+ | Most melted down, a few escaped destruction after the gold standard was abandoned | Only a few surviving coins; record-breaking auction prices. |
1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | $1.7 Million+ | Minted in copper instead of steel due to wartime shortages | Few known to exist; unique error coin highly valued by collectors. |
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $10 Million+ | First silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint | Historically significant; one of the first U.S. silver dollars. |
1916-D Mercury Dime | $250,000+ | Low mintage, only 264,000 coins produced | Extremely rare due to low production, highly valuable in uncirculated condition. |
1856 Flying Eagle Cent | $1 Million+ | First small cent design with the flying eagle motif | Extremely rare, highly sought after for its historical significance and design. |
Conclusion
Coin collecting may be a profitable investment in addition to being an intriguing pastime. The six coins worth more than $150,000 each and the rare bicentennial quarter worth $8 million USD are just two examples of the hidden gems that might be in your coin collection. Take a closer look the next time you see a coin that seems unusual; it might be worth a lot of money!
FAQ’s
How much is a rare bicentennial worth?
1976-S Silver Proof Tricentennial: Sold in 2019 for $13,500.
1776-1976 What is the Bicentennial Quarterly Error?
Strike-through error
Which quarter is worth $1,000,000?
1932-D Washington Quarter