Coin collecting is a hobby that can turn into a rewarding investment if you know what to look for. Some coins, like the U.S. Bicentennial quarter minted in 1976, have gained attention for being worth far more than their face value. Recently, a rare Bicentennial quarter sold at auction for nearly $350,000! But what made this coin so valuable, and what other quarters could be worth thousands? Let’s take a closer look at this and six other quarters that every coin collector should know about.
What Makes the Bicentennial Quarter Worth $350,000?
The U.S. Bicentennial quarter was minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary in 1976. It features a special design: a colonial drummer on the reverse side, which makes it stand out from regular Washington quarters. While many Bicentennial quarters were produced, one recently sold for nearly $350,000 due to a rare minting error.
This valuable quarter was struck on a silver planchet instead of the standard copper-nickel one. The coin was also in perfect condition, graded “MS-67” by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which means it was nearly flawless. This combination of rarity, minting error, and excellent condition is what made the coin so valuable.
Six More Valuable Quarters to Watch For
While the Bicentennial quarter is impressive, it’s not the only rare quarter worth a lot of money. Here are six other quarters that could fetch more than $5,000:
| Quarter | Year | Mint Mark | Estimated Value | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | None | $7,000+ | Extremely low mintage; fewer than 52,000 produced |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | D (Denver) | $5,000+ | Limited production of 436,800; high-grade examples fetch more |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | S (San Francisco) | $1,000–$5,000 | As rare as 1932-D, highly collectible |
| 1950-D Washington Quarter (Double Die Obverse) | 1950 | D (Denver) | $10,000+ | Mint error causing design duplication (double die) |
| 1965 Washington Quarter (Silver Planchet Error) | 1965 | None | $7,000+ | Struck on leftover silver planchets, extremely rare |
| 1970-S Washington Quarter (Proof Error Coin) | 1970 | S (San Francisco) | $30,000+ | Struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter, highly valuable |
Why Minting Errors Matter
Minting errors are mistakes that occur during the coin production process, and they often make coins more valuable to collectors. For example, some coins are struck on the wrong planchets, while others have design errors like the double die on the 1950-D Washington Quarter. These errors can turn an ordinary coin into a rare and valuable collector’s item.
Conclusion
Coin collecting can be more than just a hobby; it can be a profitable investment if you know what to look for. The recent sale of the rare Bicentennial quarter for nearly $350,000 shows just how valuable certain coins can become. Keep an eye out for other rare quarters, such as the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter or the 1932-D Washington Quarter, which could also bring in impressive sums. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these quarters are worth watching.
Coin collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially when you find a valuable coin like the rare Bicentennial quarter. With minting errors and pristine conditions driving up their value, it’s worth keeping an eye out for coins that may be worth much more than their face value. Happy collecting!
FAQs
What is a Bicentennial quarter?
The Bicentennial quarter was minted in 1976 to celebrate the United States’ 200th anniversary.
Why is the rare Bicentennial quarter worth nearly $350,000?
The specific Bicentennial quarter that sold for nearly $350,000 had a minting error; it was struck on a silver planchet instead of the usual copper-nickel.
How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
To determine if your quarter is valuable, check for unique features such as minting errors, low mintage numbers, and the condition of the coin.
Where can I sell rare coins like the Bicentennial quarter?
Rare coins can be sold at coin shows, through online auction platforms, or via reputable coin dealers.