Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Nearly $5 Million, Plus 2 More Worth Over $45 Million USD Each

Since 1796, the United States has been minting quarters, most of which pass through our hands daily without much thought. However, a select few of these coins have captured the fascination of collectors worldwide.

Distinguished by mint errors, limited production, or historical significance, these rare quarters can fetch staggering sums at auctions. Among the most valuable are the Bicentennial quarter, the 1794 Flowing Hair quarter, and the 1804 Draped Bust quarter. Let’s cut into what makes these coins so special.

Bicentennial

The Bicentennial quarter, minted from 1975 to 1976, celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a coin millions of Americans are familiar with, featuring a unique design that includes a Colonial drummer on the reverse. However, one rare version of this quarter stands out among collectors: the 1975 No S Proof Bicentennial Quarter.

This coin was mistakenly produced without the ‘S’ mint mark, which signifies that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. This minting error has made the quarter incredibly rare, propelling its value to nearly $5 million. While the vast majority of Bicentennial quarters are common, this one is a true collector’s gem, highly valued for its rarity and connection to a key moment in U.S. history. For collectors, owning this quarter is like holding a slice of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration.

Flowing Hair

The 1794 Flowing Hair quarter is a cornerstone of American numismatics. As one of the first quarters ever minted by the United States, this coin carries immense historical weight. It features a striking portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, symbolizing the ideals of freedom and the youthful spirit of a newly formed nation.

The scarcity of this coin is legendary, with only a handful of examples known to exist today. In 2013, one of these coins sold for over $45 million, making it one of the most expensive coins in history. The combination of its rarity and its status as one of the first quarters minted in the U.S. has driven its value sky-high. For numismatists, owning a 1794 Flowing Hair quarter is like holding a physical piece of America’s earliest days.

Draped Bust

The 1804 Draped Bust quarter is another coveted rarity, considered part of the “King of American Coins.” The design features Lady Liberty elegantly draped in classical attire, a beautiful representation of early American coin artistry.

This coin is extremely rare due to limited production and the melting down of many quarters from this era. As a result, few examples remain today, and those that do can command prices well over $45 million at auction. The 1804 Draped Bust quarter represents a transitional moment in U.S. coinage, making it a prized item for collectors seeking both rarity and historical significance.

Quarter Type	Year	Value (USD)	Unique Feature
Bicentennial No S Proof	1975	Nearly $5 million	Missing ‘S’ mint mark
Flowing Hair	1794	Over $45 million	First U.S. quarter, extremely rare
Draped Bust	1804	Over $45 million	Few remaining examples

For collectors, these coins are far more than just currency. They represent a connection to pivotal moments in U.S. history, from the nation’s birth to its Bicentennial celebration. Their rarity, combined with minting quirks and historical importance, has made them some of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the world.

Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or simply fascinated by history, the stories behind these quarters reveal why they’re worth millions. They’re more than just coins—they’re artifacts of American heritage.

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