Is there something valuable hidden in your spare change? When you empty your pocket or bag of coins, have you ever thought that some of them might be worth more than what they were worth?
You won’t believe it, but some coins are hiding right in front of you, waiting for someone to figure out how valuable they are.
One of them is a very rare Bicentennial Quarter that is worth almost $15 million! Not only that, but some of the coins are worth more than $400,000. Let’s look into these interesting finds and see if you might be keeping a lot of money.
The rare Bicentennial Quarter is a $15 million wonder.
1. What makes this quarter different?
The Bicentennial Quarter was made to honour the 200th anniversary of the United States’ freedom. It stands out because of its unique design: George Washington on the front and a colonial drummer with a torch circled by 13 stars on the back.
2. The $15 million Bicentennial Quarter
The majority of Bicentennial Quarters are pretty common, but a very uncommon one made of pure silver has been sold for an amazing $15 million.
This wasn’t meant to be released; it was just a mistake during minting. It is one of the most sought-after coins in history because it is very rare, in perfect shape, and has historical value.
Four more coins, each worth more than $400,000
The Bicentennial Quarter isn’t the only rare coin out there. The prices of these four other famous coins have gone through the roof:
1. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle from 1933
Worth between $7.6 million and $18.9 million
Why it doesn’t happen often: During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt banned gold, so this $20 gold coin was never used in real life. It is one of the rarest coins in the world because so few of them were saved.
2. Copper Penny from 1943
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Between $200,000 and $1.7 million
Why it doesn’t happen often: During WWII, steel was used to make pennies so that copper could be used for other war-related tasks. But some copper blanks were used by accident, making an error coin that is very rare and very valuable.
3. 1804 Silver Dollar with a Draped Bust
Value: $400 000 to $4 000 000
Why it doesn’t happen often: This dollar, which is called “The King of American Coins,” wasn’t made in 1804 like its name suggests. Instead, it wasn’t made until many years later as an official gift, which makes it even more valuable and hard to find.
4. A very high relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle from 1907
Value: $400,000 to $3 million
Why it doesn’t happen often: This gold coin, which was made by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is thought to be one of the most beautiful ever made. The ultra-high relief form was taken off the market because it was hard to make, so it is very uncommon.
Finding Hard to Find Coins in Your Collection
If you think you have a rare coin, here’s how to tell for sure:
Look at the date and the mint mark.
Some dates and mint sites have a big effect on the value of a coin. For example, coins made in Denver or San Francisco during certain years might be worth more.
Look for mistakes and changes
Double stamping, images that aren’t in the middle, or coins that were made from the wrong metal can be worth a lot of money. One well-known example of a mistake coin is the 1943 Copper Penny.
Take a look at the situation
The quality of a coin—from “circulated” to “mint state”—is a big part of how much it’s worth. A coin that is in perfect shape will sell for a lot more than one that has been used.
How to Get Coins That Are Hard to Find
You think you’ve found gold? Next, do these things:
Make sure your coin is real.
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) can grade and guarantee your coin, which will make it more appealing to people who might want to buy it.
Pick the Right Platform
Usually, the best places to sell valuable coins are at specialised auctions or through sellers you can trust. Trustworthy sites like Heritage Auctions or recognised coin shops are great choices.
Watch out for scams
When dealing with expensive things, you should always make sure that the buyers are trustworthy. Don’t do any business with people who seem rushed or overly helpful.
How to Get Started Collecting Coins
- Start out small: Before you go looking for rare treasures, learn more and add to your collection with cheap coins.
- Keep up with: Research minting errors, historical details, and grading systems to recognize value.
- Keep your collection safe: To keep your coins in good shape and value, store them in the right way, like in coin cases or albums.
Is your spare change worth a lot of money?
Stories of rare coins like the Bicentennial Quarter remind us that hidden treasures can exist in the most ordinary places—like your wallet or coin jar. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, it’s worth taking a closer look at your loose change.