Coin collectors know that some rare coins are not just pieces of history, but incredible investments. In particular, the Bicentennial Quarter, issued in 1976 to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial, has gained attention recently due to an exceptionally rare version that could be worth almost $80 million USD.
But it’s not the only valuable coin out there. In fact, there are several other coins that could sell for over $900,000 USD, making them some of the most expensive in the world.
If you have a collection of old coins or have been collecting for years, you might have one of these rare, high-value gems in your possession.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter 1976
The Bicentennial Quarter is a coin most of us have seen, but only a select few know about the potential hidden value in certain editions. Minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, this coin features a unique reverse design showing a drummer boy and a colonial-style bell.
However, an extremely rare version of this quarter—one that is missing its mintmark—has been estimated at a staggering $80 million USD.
Why is this coin worth so much? It all comes down to an error that occurred during the minting process, making this quarter incredibly scarce. The vast majority of these quarters were minted with a mintmark, but a few were not, making them much rarer and far more valuable than their counterparts.
Other High-Value Coins
While the Bicentennial Quarter is the most famous, there are other coins that could be worth over $900,000 USD due to their rarity, historical significance, or minting errors. Here are four more coins that are valuable beyond measure:
1. 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is perhaps the most famous gold coin in the world. Due to the economic collapse of the Great Depression, the U.S. government ordered the melting down of all these coins. However, a few survived, and they have become one of the most valuable coins ever. In 2002, a 1933 Double Eagle fetched $7.6 million at auction.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
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The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest coins ever produced in the United States. Only five of these coins exist, and they are worth millions due to the unauthorized nature of their minting. A 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold for $4.5 million in a 2018 auction.
3. 1943 Copper Penny
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Most pennies minted in 1943 were made from steel due to wartime shortages of copper. However, some copper pennies were mistakenly produced, and these few rare coins are worth a small fortune. One 1943 Copper Penny sold for $1.7 million at a 2018 auction.
4. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous and sought-after pennies due to a design error. Only a limited number were minted with the “VDB” (designer’s initials) on the reverse, making them highly valuable. This coin has sold for as much as $1.7 million at auction.
| Coin Name | Estimated Value | Key Feature | Year of Minting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Nearly $80 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 |
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter worth so much money?
The Bicentennial Quarter can be worth up to $80 million USD if it has a rare minting error, such as being missing a mintmark. This error makes it much rarer and highly valuable to collectors.
How can I tell if I have a rare coin like the 1933 Double Eagle?
Coins like the 1933 Double Eagle are rare and were never released to the public, making them hard to find. However, if you believe you have a rare coin, it’s essential to have it professionally appraised.
What makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is worth millions because it was minted without official authorization, making it unique. Only five of these coins are known to exist, and their scarcity increases their value.
How much is the 1943 Copper Penny worth?
A 1943 Copper Penny can be worth around $1.7 million due to a minting error where a few copper pennies were mistakenly produced instead of the usual steel ones.