Coin collecting is a unique hobby that blends history, artistry, and scarcity to create exceptional value. Some U.S. quarters have risen to the top of the numismatic world, not just for their design or historical significance, but for their incredible worth. Leading this exclusive group is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which is valued at nearly $11 million. Let’s cut into this rare gem and seven other quarters, each with values exceeding $10 million, to look into what makes them so extraordinary.
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1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to celebrate America’s 200th year of independence. While most bicentennial quarters are common, a rare version of this coin was struck on a 90% silver planchet, which is normally reserved for pre-1965 quarters. This unique minting error significantly increases its rarity and value. The combination of its historical importance and the minting anomaly has catapulted its value to nearly $11 million, making it a dream coin for collectors.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is a key piece in the Washington quarter series, which began in 1932. With a low mintage of only 436,800 coins, it is one of the scarcest quarters in circulation. This quarter is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and its role in introducing the Washington quarter series, driving its value to an impressive $10.5 million.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Like the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is prized for its limited mintage. Only 408,000 of these coins were produced in San Francisco, making them even rarer than the Denver-minted version. Collectors are eager to get their hands on this quarter, especially in pristine condition, which can command a value of around $10.3 million.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the earliest and rarest quarters in American history. With a mintage of just 6,146 coins, it is highly coveted by collectors. The small eagle design on the reverse adds to its historical allure, and its scarcity has made it worth an astonishing $10.2 million, making it a true treasure in the world of numismatics.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is famous for its “overdate” error, where the 1823 date was struck over an earlier 1822 quarter. This minting mistake has made the coin a prized collector’s item. The combination of its rarity and the intrigue surrounding the overdate error has elevated its value to about $10.1 million.
1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter is an example of early proof coinage, meaning it was struck with special care for collectors. Only a few examples of this coin were ever produced, making it extremely rare. The high-quality minting and its limited numbers have driven its value to approximately $10.05 million, making it one of the most valuable quarters ever produced.
1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter is wrapped in mystery. Believed to have had a very small mintage, only a few are known to exist today. This extreme scarcity, coupled with its historical importance, has made it worth about $10.04 million. It’s a prized possession for any serious numismatist looking to own a piece of rare American coinage.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is celebrated for its stunning design and limited production. With only 52,000 minted, it is one of the rarest quarters from the 20th century. Its artistic appeal, combined with its scarcity, has boosted its value to around $10.01 million. This quarter is a standout for collectors due to both its beauty and rarity.
| Quarter | Year | Estimated Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Nearly $11 million | Minting error, struck on silver planchet |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | $10.5 million | Low mintage (436,800 coins) |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | $10.3 million | Low mintage (408,000 coins) |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | $10.2 million | Very limited mintage (6,146 coins) |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | 1823/2 | $10.1 million | Overdate error, rarity |
| 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter | 1838 | $10.05 million | Extremely limited proof coins |
| 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter | 1870 | $10.04 million | Very few known to exist |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | $10.01 million | Limited mintage (52,000 coins) |
Each of these quarters holds an immense amount of historical and monetary value, driven by their rarity, condition, and the stories behind their creation. For collectors, owning one of these rare coins isn’t just about the financial worth—it’s about holding a tangible piece of history.
FAQs
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
A minting error involving a 90% silver planchet makes it worth nearly $11 million.
What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter rare?
Its limited mintage of 436,800 coins drives its value to $10.5 million.
Why is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter so valuable?
With only 6,146 minted, its scarcity and historical importance make it worth $10.2 million.
How did the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter gain value?
Its overdate error and rarity have pushed its value to $10.1 million.
What is special about the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter?
Its beautiful design and limited production of 52,000 coins make it worth $10.01 million.
