The most recent example to capture widespread attention is the rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which was sold for nearly $71 million USD, setting a new record for the most expensive quarter ever sold.
But it’s not just the Bicentennial Quarter that commands such staggering prices. There are several other coins, both historical and error-struck, that can easily fetch over $999,999 at auction, with some reaching multi-million-dollar price tags.
2 More Rare Coins Worth Over $999,999
While the sale of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is certainly a standout, it is far from the only coin that has commanded a price of over $999,999. Several other rare coins, whether due to historical significance, minting errors, or scarcity, have attracted multi-million-dollar bids at auction.
1. 1943 Copper Penny
In 1943, due to a copper shortage during World War II, the U.S. Mint began striking pennies out of steel rather than the usual copper. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally struck in 1943, making them exceedingly rare.
Only a handful of these copper pennies are known to exist today, and their value has skyrocketed over the years. One of these rare coins was recently sold for over $1 million at auction, and depending on its condition, it could fetch even higher amounts in the future.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
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The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is one of the most iconic and valuable coins in U.S. history. Originally minted in 1933, over 400,000 of these coins were struck.
However, due to the U.S. government’s decision to stop the use of gold in coinage during the Great Depression, the majority of these coins were melted down. Only a few survived, making this coin incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $72 Million USD: 3 More worth over $999,999 Gems
One of these gold coins recently sold for more than $7 million at auction, but even in less-than-perfect condition, they can easily be worth over $1 million.
| Coin | Year | Value Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Over $1 million | Struck in copper instead of steel during WWII shortages. |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle | 1933 | $7 million+ | Only a few surviving coins; most were melted down by the Mint. |
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth so much?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is valuable due to a minting error, where a few quarters were struck on half-dollar planchets, making them larger and more valuable than regular quarters.
How can I determine if I have a rare coin?
Rare coins are often identified by their unique features, such as minting errors, limited production, or historical importance. Consulting a professional numismatist or having the coin graded can help verify its rarity and value.