While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth just 25 cents, a few rare variants can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with certain minting errors or unique features has earned its place among the most valuable coins in U.S. numismatics.
In this article, we’ll dive into one such Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $100,000 and highlight five other coins that are worth over $100,000.
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error)
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was produced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the U.S.. While most quarters were struck with the “D” mint mark for Denver, a rare error occurred when some were struck without a mint mark, making them highly valuable.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark is incredibly rare because it wasn’t intended to be produced. Only a small number of these error coins exist, and they are highly sought after by collectors, especially those who specialize in mint errors.
Value: Depending on the condition, a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark can be worth up to $100,000. Coins that are graded MS-67 or higher command top prices at auction.
What to Look For:
- A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with no mint mark on the reverse.
- High-grade coins (MS-67 or higher) are particularly valuable.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most rare and valuable dimes in U.S. history. Its value skyrockets due to its low mintage and high demand from collectors of Mercury Dimes.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1916-D Mercury Dime was produced in Denver, and only about 264,000 coins were minted. This low mintage makes it a key date in the Mercury Dime series, and the coin’s scarcity makes it a must-have for serious collectors.
Value: In excellent condition (MS-65 or higher), the 1916-D Mercury Dime can be worth over $100,000. Some examples have sold for $1 million or more in the past.
What to Look For:
- A 1916-D Mercury Dime with a distinct mint mark (“D”).
- Coins in high-grade condition, such as MS-65 or higher.
3. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most famous mint errors in U.S. coinage. Due to a mistake at the U.S. Mint, a few copper planchets (intended for pennies) were used to strike 1943 pennies, which were originally supposed to be made of steel.
Why It’s Valuable: Only a handful of these copper 1943 pennies were accidentally struck, making them incredibly rare. Most of the 1943 pennies were made from steel to conserve copper during World War II, but a few copper ones slipped through the minting process.
Value: A 1943 Copper Penny in good condition can easily fetch over $100,000, with some selling for over $1 million at auction.
What to Look For:
- A 1943 penny that is made from copper rather than steel.
- Coins that have been authenticated by a professional grading service to confirm the error.
4. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is another famous error coin that has captivated collectors. The error occurred when a die used to strike the coin became damaged, causing the buffalo to appear with only three legs instead of four.
Why It’s Valuable: The Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a classic mint error that is highly sought after by numismatists. Only a small number of these error coins exist, and those in mint condition can fetch significant amounts at auction.
Value: Depending on the coin’s grade, a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel can be worth anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million or more in top condition.
What to Look For:
- A 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with a missing front leg on the buffalo (on the reverse side).
- Coins in high-grade condition (graded MS-65 or higher) are worth significantly more.
5. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. The coin’s rarity stems from the fact that only 100,000 were minted in San Francisco that year, making it a key date for collectors of Morgan dollars.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is rare due to its low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors. The coin is in high demand, particularly among those looking for rare examples from the Morgan Dollar series.
Value: In excellent condition (MS-65 or higher), the 1893-S Morgan Dollar can easily be worth over $100,000. Coins in near-perfect condition have sold for more than $1 million.
Also See: 3 Must-See Rare Quarters: Each Worth Over $500,000
What to Look For:
- A Morgan Silver Dollar from 1893, minted in San Francisco (“S” mint mark).
- The coin should be in excellent condition, particularly graded MS-65 or higher.
| Coin Name | Mint Year | Approx. Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error) | 1976 | Up to $100,000 | No mint mark (missing the “D” mint mark) |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Over $100,000 | Low mintage (264,000 produced) |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Over $100,000 | Struck in copper instead of steel |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | $100,000 or more | Missing buffalo leg (minting error) |
| 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar | 1893 | Over $100,000 | Low mintage (only 100,000 produced) |
What Makes These Coins Worth Over $100,000?
Coins can become worth over $100,000 due to rarity, minting errors, low mintage, and historical significance.
Coins like the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error), the 1916-D Mercury Dime, and the 1943 Copper Penny are rare because of mistakes made during the minting process or because they were produced in small numbers.
How Do I Know If My Coin Is Worth Over $100,000?
To determine if your coin is worth over $100,000, look for mint errors, low mintage dates, or historical significance. Additionally, the coin’s condition plays a key role in its value. Grading is essential, as higher-grade coins will be worth more.
What Is Coin Grading and Why Does It Matter?
Coin grading evaluates the condition of a coin on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect coin. Coins in better condition (higher grades) are much more valuable than those with wear and damage. A coin graded MS-65 or higher typically commands a premium price.
How Can I Sell a Rare Coin?
If you have a rare coin, you should first have it graded and authenticated by a professional grading service. Once graded, you can sell the coin through coin auctions, specialized dealers, or online marketplaces. For high-value coins, auction houses specializing in rare coins may help you get the best price.