Coins aren’t always just extra change; sometimes they’re treasures worth a lot of money. The Bicentennial quarter from 1976 is a piece of history. There is a famous drummer on it, along with the numbers “1776–1976.”
Some of these quarters have sold for crazy amounts of money, but most of them are worth what they say on the coin. One sold for almost $3 million! This well-known coin and four others worth more than $300,000 will be looked at.
Bicentennial
People love the 1976 Bicentennial quarter because it looks different and makes them feel like they’re celebrating. But when it comes to minting errors and rare silver mixtures, it’s worth a lot more than that.
Why it’s worth a lot
This Bicentennial quarter is very rare. It was made on a 40% silver planchet that was meant to be used for collector proof sets. These kinds of coins don’t get used very often, which makes them valuable to collectors. You’ve hit the jackpot if it’s in great shape.
Figuring Out Yours
Are you not sure if your quarter is different? Take a look at the edge. Quarters made of silver for the Bicentennial don’t have the copper line that copper-nickel quarters do. They also weigh a bit more. Someone who knows how to grade coins can tell you if you’re not sure if your coin is real.
Washington
The 1932-D Washington quarter was the first coin in the Washington series. It was released to mark the 200th birthday of George Washington.
Why it’s worth it
There were only 436,800 of these made in Denver, making it one of the rarest Washington quarters. Some of the best ones cost more than $300,000, even if they’ve never been used.
Looking for the Treasure
Look for the “D” mint mark on the back of the coin, below the eagle. They are still valuable even if they are used, but brand-new ones are the best for fans.
Liberty
Carson City mint made this 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter. This mint is known for making very few antique coins.
Why it’s unique
This quarter was only made in 8,340 pieces, and the best ones that are still around are worth more than $300,000. People who collect it love how unique it is and how it makes them think of the Old West.
Check for Authenticity
The “CC” mint mark is on the back, under the bird. This coin is very expensive, so many fakes are made of it. Have a professional check it out.
Barber
The most expensive Barber quarter is the 1901-S, which was made in San Francisco.
Why people like to collect it
There are very few of these coins left—only 72,664 were made. People really want them. A pretty good one can sell for more than $300,000.
How to Find It
On the back of the coin, look for the letter “S” under the eagle. People will pay a lot for ones that are in great shape, but it’s hard to find ones that are barely used.
Capped
There was a well-known mistake on the 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter where a “3” was struck over a “2.” This makes the coin interesting.
What Makes It Worth It
It’s hard to find this mistake, and the fact that it’s important to history makes it more interesting. Some very nice items have sold for more than $300,000.
Also See: Lincoln Bicentennial Cent, 2009 : A Collector’s Guide
What to Look For
Look closely at the date to see if you can find the “2” that was under the “3.” People really want coins that have little to no wear and clear overdate features.
The world of coin collecting is filled with surprises. Rare quarters are interesting to look at because they have interesting design flaws or mistakes in the way they were minted. If you’re lucky, you might have one hiding where no one can see it, ready to be seen.
What makes the Bicentennial quarter rare?
Its silver composition and minting error make it unique.
How do I identify a silver Bicentennial quarter?
Check the coin’s edge for a solid silver appearance.
Why is the 1932-D quarter valuable?
Its low mintage and high-grade examples fetch high prices.
What is the overdate error on the 1823/2 quarter?
A ‘3’ struck over a ‘2,’ adding rarity.
How can I confirm my coin’s authenticity?
Use a professional grading service for verification.
