A prime example of this is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which recently sold for a staggering $76 million USD, breaking records and drawing attention from collectors and investors around the globe. This extraordinary sale highlights the potential of numismatics as both a fascinating hobby and a lucrative investment.
6 More Rare Coins Worth Over $999,999
While the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is undoubtedly a standout, it’s not the only coin that has commanded astronomical sums. Below are six other rare coins that have sold for over $999,999, with some reaching the multi-million-dollar range:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. Only five of these coins were ever struck, and they were produced without the authorization of the U.S. Mint. Their rarity and the intrigue surrounding their creation make them highly sought after.
2. 1943 Copper Penny
In 1943, due to a copper shortage during World War II, the U.S. Mint began producing pennies from steel. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly struck during this period, making them extremely rare.
3. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
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The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history. While the U.S. Mint originally produced over 400,000 of these coins, most were melted down due to a change in the gold standard.
4. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Believed to be the first silver dollar ever minted by the U.S. Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is both a historically significant and incredibly valuable coin. Its rarity and association with the earliest days of the United States make it one of the most sought-after coins among collectors.
In recent years, one of these coins sold for over $10 million, and even lower-grade examples can easily fetch over $1 million.
5. 2007 Ultra High Relief Gold Coin
The 2007 Ultra High Relief Gold Coin was issued by the U.S. Mint to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original redesign of American coinage by President Theodore Roosevelt.
While not as old as some of the other coins on this list, the coin’s limited production and striking design make it highly valuable. Coins in excellent condition can sell for over $1 million at auction.
6. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the history of U.S. coinage. It features the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) on the reverse side.
Due to its limited mintage and the initial controversy surrounding the use of the initials, this coin is highly sought after by collectors. Depending on its condition, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent can sell for over $1 million.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $73 Million USD: 4 More worth over $999,999 Gems
| Coin | Year | Value Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Over $3 million | Only five coins ever minted, unauthorized by the U.S. Mint. |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Over $1 million | Struck in copper during WWII by mistake. |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle | 1933 | $7 million+ | Few remaining coins; most were melted down by the U.S. Mint. |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | Over $10 million | Considered the first dollar coin ever minted by the U.S. Mint. |
| 2007 Ultra High Relief Gold Coin | 2007 | Over $1 million | A limited-edition release with a stunning design. |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Over $1 million | Features the designer’s initials and is known for its rarity. |
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter became valuable due to a rare minting error where some quarters were struck on planchets intended for half-dollar coins. This made the quarters larger and heavier than usual.
How do I know if I have a rare coin?
Rare coins often have distinctive features, such as design errors, low mintage, or historical significance. Getting a professional coin appraisal or having it graded by a numismatist is the best way to determine its rarity and value.
Can I sell my rare coins?
Yes, rare coins can be sold through specialized auction houses, numismatic dealers, or online marketplaces. Professional appraisers can help ensure you get a fair price.
Are minting errors always valuable?
Not all minting errors are valuable, but those that result in distinct and rare variations can be worth a lot. The rarity and historical context of the error play a significant role in determining value.