Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $420,000 – Plus 7 Other Coins Valued Over $11,000

The world of coin collecting is full of surprises. Even seemingly ordinary quarters can hold extraordinary value. Some of these coins, including a rare Bicentennial quarter, have fetched staggering sums at auction, ranging from $11,000 to nearly $420,000. Below, we take a closer look at seven quarters that have become collector favorites and the unique features that make them so desirable.

1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver)

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, designed to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary, features the iconic colonial drummer and dual date “1776–1976.”

• Why It’s Valuable:
  A small number of Bicentennial quarters were mistakenly struck on 40% silver planchets, intended only for collector proof sets. These rare silver versions occasionally entered circulation.
• Auction Highlight:
  In pristine condition, one such silver quarter sold for nearly $420,000 due to its rarity and exceptional quality.
• What to Look For:
  • Check the coin’s edge for a solid silver color (no copper stripe).
  • Silver quarters are slightly heavier than standard coins.
  • Professional grading can confirm authenticity.

1932-D Washington Quarter

Introduced to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday, the 1932-D Washington Quarter remains one of the rarest in the series.

• Why It’s Valuable:
  With only 436,800 minted in Denver, this coin is highly sought after. High-grade examples have sold for over $11,000 at auction.
• What to Look For:
  • Locate the “D” mint mark below the eagle on the reverse.
  • Even circulated examples have significant value, but mint-condition coins are the most desirable.

1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter

Minted at the Carson City Mint, the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter is a piece of American history.

• Why It’s Valuable:
  With a mintage of only 8,340, this quarter is exceptionally rare. Well-preserved examples have fetched over $11,000, with higher grades commanding even more.
• What to Look For:
  • Look for the “CC” mint mark under the eagle on the reverse.
  • Authentication by a grading service is essential due to its high value.

1901-S Barber Quarter

Designed by Charles E. Barber, the 1901-S Barber Quarter is a standout in the series minted from 1892 to 1916.

• Why It’s Valuable:
  With only 72,664 minted in San Francisco, this coin is among the rarest Barber quarters. High-grade examples often sell for well over $11,000.
• What to Look For:
  • The “S” mint mark is located beneath the eagle on the reverse.
  • Worn examples still hold value, but uncirculated coins are especially prized.

1955 Washington Quarter (Doubled Die Obverse)

The 1955 Washington Quarter is known for its striking minting error, which caused parts of the design to appear doubled.

• Why It’s Valuable:
  This “doubled die” error is rare, making these coins highly collectible. Top-condition examples can sell for more than $11,000.
• What to Look For:
  • Examine the obverse for doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
  • While visible to the naked eye, a magnifying glass helps confirm the error.

1943 Washington Quarter (Overpolished Die Error)

This 1943 Washington Quarter exhibits a minting error caused by an overpolished die, resulting in faint or missing design elements.

• Why It’s Valuable:
  The unique appearance of this error makes it attractive to collectors, with high-grade coins selling for over $11,000.
• What to Look For:
  • Check the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” for faint or missing details.
  • A weak design suggests an overpolished die.

1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter

The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter features an intriguing overdate error, where the “3” in the date was struck over a “2.”

• Why It’s Valuable:
  The rarity of this error, combined with the coin’s age, makes it highly sought after. High-grade examples exceed $11,000.
• What to Look For:
  • Look closely at the date for traces of a “2” beneath the “3.”
  • A magnifying glass can help identify this subtle error.

Quick Reference Table

Final Thoughts

From minting errors to unique historical features, these quarters exemplify the excitement of coin collecting. Whether you’re exploring pocket change or investigating a family coin collection, keep an eye out for these valuable pieces—they might just hold a small fortune!

FAQ: Rare Bicentennial Quarter and Other Valuable Quarters

1. Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth so much?

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is valuable because a few were mistakenly struck on 40% silver planchets, which were intended only for collector proof sets. These rare silver versions occasionally entered circulation, and one sold for nearly $420,000 in pristine condition.

2. How can I tell if I have a rare Bicentennial Quarter?

Check these features:

• Examine the coin’s edge: A solid silver color (without the copper stripe) indicates a silver planchet.
• Weight: Silver quarters are slightly heavier than standard coins.
• Authentication: Professional grading can confirm its rarity and quality.

3. What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter so special?

The 1932-D Washington Quarter is rare due to its low mintage of only 436,800 coins in Denver. High-grade examples can fetch over $11,000.

4. Where is the mint mark located on the 1932-D Washington Quarter?

The mint mark “D” is located below the eagle on the reverse side of the coin.

5. Why is the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter valuable?

This quarter was minted at the Carson City Mint with an extremely low mintage of just 8,340 coins. Its historical significance and rarity make it highly collectible, with well-preserved examples selling for over $11,000.

6. What is the most valuable Barber Quarter?

The 1901-S Barber Quarter is one of the most valuable, with only 72,664 coins minted. High-grade examples sell for well over $11,000 due to their rarity.

7. What is a doubled die error, and how does it affect a coin’s value?

A doubled die error occurs when the coin’s design is struck twice with slight misalignment, creating a doubled appearance on parts of the design. The 1955 Washington Quarter with a doubled die obverse is a prime example, often selling for over $11,000 in top condition.

8. How can I identify the doubled die error on the 1955 Washington Quarter?

Inspect the obverse (front) of the coin for:

• Doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
• Use magnification to confirm the error.

9. What caused the overpolished die error on the 1943 Washington Quarter?

Overpolishing the die during the minting process resulted in faint or missing details on some 1943 Washington Quarters. This unique minting error makes these coins highly collectible and worth over $11,000 in high-grade condition.

10. What is the significance of the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter?

The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is famous for its overdate error, where the “3” in the date was struck over a “2.” This rarity, combined with its age, makes it highly sought after by collectors, with high-grade examples valued at over $11,000.

11. How can I find out if my coin is valuable?

• Inspect the coin carefully: Look for unique features like errors, mint marks, or historical significance.
• Check its condition: Coins in pristine condition (uncirculated) are often worth more.
• Seek professional grading: Organizations like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your coin, which helps determine its value.

12. Where can I sell valuable quarters?

• Auction houses specializing in rare coins.
• Reputable coin dealers.
• Online platforms like eBay (with caution and proper authentication).
• Coin shows and conventions.

13. What should I avoid when trying to sell a rare coin?

• Avoid selling without proper authentication, as you might not realize the coin’s true value.
• Be cautious of scams or buyers offering significantly less than market value.
• Don’t clean the coin—it can lower its value significantly.

14. Are there other valuable quarters I should look for?

Yes! Many other quarters with unique errors, low mintages, or historical significance can be valuable. Always check your coins for rare features and consult a trusted numismatist.