If you’ve ever tossed a quarter into a piggy bank without flinching, do it twice the next time. Among the hundreds of millions of generic quarters in existence, there exist some treasures which overnight would change your life. One of them is an extremely valuable Bicentennial Quarter—nearly $3.5 million. More amazingly, there are six others, all worth more than $1 million. Here’s what you need to know about these uncommon finds and how to look for them in your own collection.
$3.5 Million Bicentennial Quarter
Most of the Bicentennial quarters were regular coins, copper-nickel clad. Some were produced on 40% silver planchets, to be put into collector sets. Some entered circulation and now have a premium.
Why It’s Valuable
A Bicentennial quarter in nearly mint condition recently sold nearly $350,000. It is rare because it is a silver coin and mintage has an error of being put into circulation rather than a collector set.
What to Look For
- Edge: Silver quarters have a solid silver edge, whereas common ones have a copper strip.
- Weight: Silver quarters weigh more than common ones.
- Condition: The better condition, the more valuable it will be. Get it professionally graded if you believe you have one.
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6 More Rare Coins Worth Over $1 Million
1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1892-1916 Barber quarter series was designed by Charles E. Barber. Of all of them, the rarest is the 1901-S (San Francisco) quarter.
Why It’s Valuable
They did not produce even 72,664, and hardly any existed in good shape. One decent one that happens to survive will fetch a premium price of over $100,000.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: Ensure that there’s the “S” below the eagle on the back.
- Condition: Even uncirculated coins will be of some value, but mint-condition specimens are a rarity.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington quarters series began in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birthday. The 1932-D (Denver) mint is one of the rarest in the series.
Why It’s Valuable
Of the 436,800 that were struck, the 1932-D quarter is not particularly abundant. It can retail for over $100,000 in mint state based on its collectibility and historic significance.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: Find the “D” mint mark on the back below the eagle.
- Condition: Even circulated coins are worth something, but the finest are uncirculated coins.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter is a Carson City Mint scarcity coin within low-mintage coins.
Why It’s Valuable
There were only 8,340 produced, so it’s one of the rarer quarters. It easily sells for $100,000 in high grades at auction.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: A “CC” reverse under the eagle.
- Authentication: Since it’s so scarce, it must be authenticated to ascertain that it’s genuine.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter is famous for its overdate variety—where the “3” was overstruck over a “2.”
Why It’s Valuable
Its offbeat minting flaw makes it a highly coveted collectors’ coin. In near-mint condition, it could sell for more than $100,000.
What to Look For
- Date: Inspect the “3” of the date; the underlying “2” must be visible.
- Professional Grading: Expert certification or enlargement will verify whether it is genuine.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter was the initial quarter produced by the U.S. and of enormous historical value.
Why It’s Valuable
Since only a total of 6,146 were produced, the coin is extremely scarce. Attractive graded specimens bring more than $100,000.
What to Watch Out For
- Design: Features Lady Liberty with loose hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
- Authenticity: Due to its worth, it needs to be professionally authenticated.
1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Carson City Mint-rarity 1871-CC Liberty Seated quarter is a gem in the eyes of collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
Struck only 10,890, and the higher-grade coins have sold in auction halls for more than $100,000.
What to Watch Out For
- Mint Mark: The “CC” under the eagle.
- Verification: There were counterfeits, so it needs to be verified
If you believe you may have one of these rare quarters, it’s well worth checking out its mint mark, weight, and condition. A plain old 25-cent quarter could be resting on a fortune!
Final Thought
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From a $3.5 million Bicentennial Quarter to other mythic coins over $1 million, the treasure in your piggy bank is waiting. These rare coins are not mere clanks of metal—clanks of American history and stories of unimaginable wealth. So dig through the change… one of these life-changing coins might be in your hand.
FAQ’s
Q. How much is a 1796 Draped Bust quarter worth?
A. Depending upon condition, it is worth more than $100,000 since it is too rare.
Q. Why would a Washington quarter be valuable?
A. Low mintage, state, and distinctive mint marks, such as the 1932-D, are more valuable.
Q. How do I determine if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
A. Look at the edge of the coin. The solid silver quarter will have a solid silver edge, but the others contain a copper stripe.