In this article, we’ll explore the rare Bicentennial Quarter and other coins that could make you a fortune. From minting errors to special editions, these coins are not just relics of history; they are valuable assets waiting to be discovered.
The Bicentennial Quarter 1976
The Bicentennial Quarter, issued in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, is one of the most widely circulated U.S. coins. Most people have seen it, but very few know that some versions are extremely rare and worth a lot of money.
One of the most valuable of these is a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with an unusual error—a coin missing the mintmark. The most prized versions of this coin are believed to be worth nearly $30 million USD. This is because of the rarity of the minting error, which makes it an incredibly valuable collector’s item.
Other High-Value Coins
While the Bicentennial Quarter is the most famous, there are several other coins worth over $500,000 USD each. These coins are prized for their rarity, unique features, or errors during the minting process. Here are five other notable examples:
1. 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle, one of the rarest and most valuable coins, was never officially released to the public. Only a few survived after the U.S. government ordered them to be melted down. In 2002, one such coin was sold for $7.6 million.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
This coin is famous for being minted without approval, making it a unique and valuable item. Only five of these coins are known to exist, with one selling for $4.5 million in 2018.
3. 1943 Copper Penny
This penny is another example of a minting error. Due to a mistake in the production process, a few copper pennies were made in 1943 instead of the usual steel ones. One of these pennies sold for $1.7 million at auction.
4. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is considered one of the most valuable pennies in the world due to a rare design flaw. Only a limited number of these were minted, making them highly sought after by collectors. The value of these coins has reached $1.7 million at auction.
5. 1804 Silver Dollar
Often referred to as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar is not actually from 1804 but was struck later for presentation purposes. Only a few are known to exist, and one sold for a record $4.1 million.
| Coin Name | Estimated Value | Key Feature | Year of Minting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Nearly $30 million | Missing mintmark error | 1976 |
| 1933 Double Eagle | $7.6 million | Never released to the public | 1933 |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $4.5 million | Unauthorized production | 1913 |
| 1943 Copper Penny | $1.7 million | Minting error (copper instead of steel) | 1943 |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | $1.7 million | Rare design flaw | 1909 |
| 1804 Silver Dollar | $4.1 million | Struck for presentation purposes | 1804 (struck later) |
What makes a Bicentennial Quarter worth so much money?
A Bicentennial Quarter with a rare minting error, such as the absence of a mintmark, is extremely valuable. The rarity of such errors makes it a sought-after item among collectors, and one such coin is estimated to be worth nearly $30 million.
How can I find rare coins like the 1933 Double Eagle?
To find rare coins, you may want to check through old coin collections, attend coin shows, or visit estate sales. Coin dealers often specialize in rare coins, so they may also be a good resource.
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was minted without authorization, making it a rare and unique coin. Only five are known to exist, and their scarcity has made them highly valuable to collectors.
Are there other coins worth over $500,000?
Yes, other coins like the 1943 Copper Penny and 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent are also worth over $500,000 due to minting errors or limited production runs.