Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Almost $15 Million USD, Plus 6 Others Worth Over $250,000 Each!:- Coin collecting, or numismatics, has long been a fascinating hobby, with some coins fetching extraordinary amounts at auction.
While most of us are familiar with the coins we use every day, there are a few rare pieces in circulation or in the hands of collectors that can reach mind-boggling prices.
One of the most sought-after coins is the Bicentennial Quarter, which has been valued at nearly $15 million USD due to an extremely rare error.
But it’s not just this coin; there are several others that are worth over $250,000 USD each, making them some of the most coveted items in the world of coin collecting.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Almost $15 Million USD
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, was struck in large numbers—over 1.6 billion of them were made.
On the surface, the Bicentennial Quarter doesn’t appear to be anything special, as it was widely circulated and used as a regular coin in the U.S.
Economy. However, there is a rare version of this coin that has become one of the most valuable and sought-after pieces of U.S. coinage: the Double Die Obverse (DDO) Bicentennial Quarter.
The DDO Bicentennial Quarter features a distinct error where the details on the obverse (the side with George Washington’s portrait) are doubled due to a mistake in the minting process. This error results in an image that is slightly blurred and double-stamped.
Creating two clear images of Washington’s face and features. Although many Bicentennial Quarters were minted, the DDO version is incredibly rare—there are only a handful of known examples.
In recent years, the value of a DDO Bicentennial Quarter has reached astonishing figures. One of these rare coins, in pristine condition, has been valued at nearly $15 million USD, a price that makes it one of the most expensive coins in the world.
The coin’s value has risen significantly due to its rarity, the historical significance of the Bicentennial, and the fascination with error coins among collectors.
This coin represents a piece of U.S. history and a mistake made during the minting process that has become a prized find for numismatists.
Six Other Rare U.S. Coins Worth Over $250,000 Each
In addition to the Bicentennial Quarter, there are several other U.S. coins that are worth a significant amount of money, with some exceeding $250,000 USD.
These coins have achieved high prices because of their rarity, historical importance, and unique features. Here are six such coins:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $3.7 Million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable U.S. coins. Minted secretly by the U.S. Mint in 1913, only five of these coins are known to exist, making it an extremely rare and valuable piece.
The Liberty Head design was used on U.S. nickels from 1883 to 1912, but the 1913 version was never officially released. Instead, a small number of these coins were minted and slipped out of the Mint, eventually finding their way into private hands.
In 2018, one of these rare nickels was sold at auction for $3.7 million USD. The high price reflects the coin’s rarity, its status as one of the most sought-after pieces in numismatic history, and its fascinating backstory.
2. 1932-D Washington Quarter – $550,000
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest quarters in U.S. history. With a mintage of just over 400,000 coins, the 1932-D quarter is highly sought after by collectors.
Its value has steadily risen over the years, and today, a well-preserved example can fetch $550,000 USD or more at auction. The coin’s rarity, combined with its historical significance as part of the first series of Washington quarters, makes it a prized addition to any collection.
3. 1932-S Washington Quarter – $450,000
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is another rare coin from the same year. With a minting of just over 200,000, this coin is even rarer than the 1932-D quarter. As a result, it has become one of the most sought-after coins in the Washington Quarter series.
In recent years, this coin has sold for $450,000 USD or more, especially if it is in excellent condition. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its place in U.S. coin history.
4. 1943/2 Washington Quarter – $350,000
The 1943/2 Washington Quarter is an interesting example of a minting error. During the production of 1943 quarters, some of the coins were struck using the 1942 dies, resulting in a “2” that is slightly overstruck on the “3” of the date.
These coins, which are part of a rare error series, have become highly valuable due to their scarcity. A 1943/2 quarter in excellent condition has sold for up to $350,000 USD.
5. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 Million
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is widely considered the first-ever U.S. silver dollar. Only about 140 of these coins are known to exist, and they are considered one of the most historically significant coins in U.S. numismatics.
In 2013, one of these coins was sold for a record-breaking $10 million USD at auction. Its value is not only due to its rarity but also its historical importance as one of the earliest examples of U.S. coinage.
6. 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin – $7.6 Million
The 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin is another extremely rare coin that has achieved a high value. This coin was designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and was originally produced in 1933. However, most of these coins were melted down after the U.S.
government abandoned the gold standard. A few coins, however, escaped this fate and are considered illegal to own, making them even more desirable to collectors. In 2002, one of these coins was sold at auction for $7.6 million USD, making it the most expensive gold coin ever sold.
Here’s a full information table for the Bicentennial Quarter and six other rare U.S. coins worth over $250,000:
| Coin Type | Estimated Value | Year Minted | Key Features | Rarity/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (1976, DDO) | $15 Million+ | 1976 | Double die obverse error, where Washington’s image is doubled. | Only a few known, one of the rarest minting errors. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $3.7 Million+ | 1913 | Secretly struck nickel, five known examples, highly collectible. | Only five known; incredibly rare, minting error. |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $550,000+ | 1932 | Low mintage of just 436,800, highly sought by collectors. | The 1932-D is one of the rarest Washington quarters. |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | $450,000+ | 1932 | Mintage of only 408,000, one of the rarest in the Washington series. | Rare due to low mintage, highly prized by collectors. |
| 1943/2 Washington Quarter | $350,000+ | 1943 | Minting error, the date was overstruck with a “2” on the “3”. | A rare error coin, highly valued by collectors. |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $10 Million+ | 1794 | First U.S. silver dollar, with a flowing hair design. | Extremely rare, the first U.S. silver dollar ever made. |
| 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin | $7.6 Million+ | 1933 | Design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, very few survive. | Most were melted down, extremely rare and valuable. |
Why are rare U.S. coins so valuable?
Rare U.S. coins are valuable for several reasons: their rarity, historical significance, minting errors, and demand among collectors. Some coins are valuable because of their unique features, such as double dies or low mintage numbers, while others are prized for their place in U.S. history.
How can I find rare coins?
Finding rare coins requires knowledge and attention to detail. Many rare coins are discovered through private sales, estate collections, or even in everyday circulation, though this is increasingly rare.
Collectors often attend auctions, work with reputable dealers, and search through coin rolls to find valuable pieces.
How do I sell my rare coin?
If you have a rare coin, it’s best to have it authenticated and graded by a professional numismatist or a reputable coin grading service. Once authenticated, you can sell it through auction houses, private dealers, or at numismatic events.
A rare coin’s value is greatly affected by its condition, so it’s important to ensure it’s kept in optimal preservation.
Are there other rare U.S. coins worth millions?
Yes, there are several other rare U.S. coins worth millions of dollars. Some of the most valuable include the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, and the 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin.