The allure of coin collecting lies not just in the beauty and history of the coins but also in the thrill of discovering a piece worth far more than its face value. Among these treasures, the Bicentennial Quarter holds a special place, particularly a rare variant that recently fetched nearly $201K USD. This article cuts into this extraordinary find and highlights six additional quarters, each valued at over $25K USD, showcasing the unexpected wealth that might be hiding in plain sight within your coin collection.
Bicentennial
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was released to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary of independence and is usually worth no more than its face value. However, a rare variant of this quarter, struck with a 40% silver composition and intended for collectors, recently sold for nearly $201K USD.
This specific quarter was part of a special mint set, and its exceptional condition, rarity, and historical significance contributed to its high value. Certified by professional grading services, the quarter’s high grade, combined with its silver content and the bicentennial celebration it commemorates, made it a prized possession for collectors.
Washington
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is a key rarity in the Washington quarter series, with a mintage of only 408,000 pieces. In pristine condition, this quarter can fetch over $25K USD. Its value is driven by its low mintage, making it highly sought after by collectors. The “S” mint mark, indicating its San Francisco origin, adds to its allure, making it a prized possession for serious collectors. The 1932-S Washington Quarter is more than just a coin; it’s a piece of American numismatic history.
Copper
The 1943 Copper Quarter is a numismatic anomaly, as quarters during this period were supposed to be struck in silver. However, a few were mistakenly made in copper, making them incredibly rare. A well-preserved 1943 Copper Quarter can easily surpass the $25K USD mark. Its value is attributed to its rarity, error status, and the intriguing story behind its creation. Collectors highly prize this quarter, as it represents a rare error in the minting process.
Overmintmark
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a fascinating piece for numismatists, featuring both the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mint marks. This occurred due to a mint error where a D mint mark was punched over an S. This error created a rarity that is highly sought after by collectors, with values exceeding $25K for high-grade examples. Its uniqueness and the historical context of the error make it a fascinating addition to any collection.
Doubled
The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter is known for the noticeable doubling on the reverse side, particularly in the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This error was caused by a misalignment during the minting process, resulting in a visually striking doubling effect. High-grade examples of this quarter can command prices over $25K, making it a valuable find for collectors who appreciate its rarity and the distinctiveness of the error.
Small
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter is notable for its small date font, a variation from the standard large date font used in the same year. This subtle difference, particularly in high-grade examples, can be worth over $25K. Collectors value this quarter for its rarity and the subtlety of the variation, which adds an intriguing layer to the collection. The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter is a reminder of how even minor variations can significantly impact a coin’s value.
1983-P
The 1983-P Washington Quarter is rare in high grades due to the low survival rate of quarters from this year in uncirculated condition. A mint state example of this quarter can be valued at over $25K, making it a modern rarity. Its value underscores the importance of condition in determining a coin’s worth, even for relatively recent issues. For collectors, the 1983-P Washington Quarter represents a modern-day treasure that is worth seeking out.
| Quarter | Estimated Value | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver Variant) | $201,000 | 1976 | 40% silver composition, high-grade, special edition |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | $25,000+ | 1932 | Low mintage, San Francisco mint |
| 1943 Copper Quarter | $25,000+ | 1943 | Minting error, struck in copper |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | $25,000+ | 1950 | D over S mint mark error |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter | $25,000+ | 1964 | Doubling error on reverse |
| 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter | $25,000+ | 1970 | Small date variation |
| 1983-P Washington Quarter | $25,000+ | 1983 | Rare in high grade, modern rarity |
The world of coin collecting is filled with surprises, where even common coins can hold extraordinary value due to their rarity, condition, or historical significance. The Bicentennial Quarter and the six other quarters listed above exemplify the potential treasures that may be hiding in your collection. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, these coins remind us of the rich history and value that collecting can offer.
FAQs
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
A rare silver variant and exceptional condition contributed to its $201K value.
Why is the 1932-S Washington Quarter highly sought after?
Its low mintage and San Francisco origin make it rare and valuable.
What is special about the 1943 Copper Quarter?
It was mistakenly struck in copper instead of silver, making it extremely rare.
How did the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter come about?
A minting error resulted in a D mint mark over an S, creating a collectible rarity.
What is unique about the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter?
A subtle date variation makes it valuable, especially in high-grade examples.
