Coin collecting is a world full of surprises. Some coins, which seem ordinary, can turn out to be worth millions! Among them, the Bicentennial Quarter, released to celebrate 200 years of American independence, is especially famous.
While most quarters are worth just 25 cents, some rare editions are incredibly valuable. For example, there’s a Bicentennial Quarter valued at nearly $90 million!
In this article, we’ll look at this extraordinary coin and five other quarters, all worth over $30 million, that have made history.
The $90 Million Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter that sold for nearly $90 million is a remarkable find in coin collecting. Released in 1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of America’s independence, this coin is special due to a few rare features.
It was accidentally made on a 90% silver planchet (a blank piece of metal used to make coins), which is not normal for quarters. On top of that, it has an error known as a “double die obverse,”
which means the front side of the coin was struck twice, causing a slight duplication in the design. These unique errors, along with the coin’s perfect condition, make it extremely valuable.
The $40 Million 1932 Washington Quarter
Valued at over $40 million, the 1932 Washington Quarter is a treasure for coin collectors. This quarter was initially created to celebrate George Washington’s 200th birthday but became a regular coin due to its popularity.
The most valuable versions are those minted in San Francisco, marked with an “S.” Their rarity and historical importance make them highly sought after.
The $35 Million 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, worth over $35 million, is one of the first quarters ever made in the United States. The coin features an image of Lady Liberty with flowing hair and a small eagle on the back.
Only 6,146 of these coins were ever made, which makes them incredibly rare and valuable.
The $34 Million 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter, valued at around $34 million, is another prized possession for collectors. The “CC” stands for Carson City, a mint that was open for only a short time.
These quarters are rare because only a few were made in Carson City, making them historically significant and valuable.
The $32 Million 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter, valued at over $32 million, is famous for an error. The year “1823” was struck over the year “1822,” creating what’s called an “overdate error.”
This rare mistake, along with its limited production, makes the coin a valuable find for collectors.
The $30 Million 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, worth over $30 million, is known for its beautiful design and rarity. This was the first year the Standing Liberty design was used, and only a small number of these coins were made.
With Lady Liberty holding a shield and an olive branch, this coin symbolizes both peace and protection, making it a favorite among collectors.
These rare quarters are more than just old coins—they’re pieces of history. Each one has a unique story and special characteristics that make it highly valuable.
Collectors treasure these coins not just for their monetary worth but for their historical significance. They remind us of America’s rich coinage heritage and how something as simple as a quarter can hold immense value and history.
What makes the $90 million Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
It was mistakenly made with 90% silver and has a “double die obverse” error, making it rare and valuable.
Why is the 1932 Washington Quarter worth so much?
Only a few were minted in San Francisco, making them rare and highly sought after by collectors.
What is an overdate error?
An overdate error occurs when a coin’s year is struck over an earlier year, like the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter.
Why are coins from the Carson City mint so valuable?
The Carson City mint was only open for a short time, so coins made there are rare and valuable.
What is the significance of the Standing Liberty Quarter?
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is valued for its beautiful design and the small number of coins minted in that year.
