In the world of coin collecting, or numismatics, a few rare coins stand out due to their historical significance and extraordinary value. One of the most exciting coins in this category is the Bicentennial Quarter—minted in 1976 to mark 200 years of American independence.
While most Bicentennial Quarters are cherished for their commemorative design, a rare few command jaw-dropping prices, like one that has been valued at nearly $388,888. In this article, we’ll look into the story of this misprinted marvel and six other rare quarters, each worth more than $88,888, showing the unexpected value hidden within American coinage.
Contents
- 1 Bicentennial
- 2 Draped
- 3 King
- 4 Capped
- 5 Liberty
- 6 Standing
- 7 Washington
- 7.1 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $9.5 Million – 5 More Worth Over $30 Million USD
- 7.2 FAQs
- 7.3 What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
- 7.4 Why is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter important?
- 7.5 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $22 Million – 6 More Worth Over $50 Million USD
- 7.6 What is the “King of Quarters”?
- 7.7 What is an overdate error on a coin?
- 7.8 Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter valuable?
Bicentennial
The top star in this collection is a Bicentennial Quarter with a misprint so rare it has catapulted its value to nearly $388,888. This quarter features a dramatic off-center strike and a double die obverse, making it one of the most prized examples. Its design, celebrating America’s 200th anniversary, includes the iconic colonial drummer on the reverse and dual dates (1776-1976) on the obverse. But it’s the minting error—a flaw that created both an off-center strike and a double die—that makes this quarter a legend. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for this combination of historical importance and minting mistake, turning it into a dream acquisition.
Draped
Next on the list is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, which holds a valuation of over $88,888. This coin is the first U.S. quarter ever minted and remains a cornerstone for serious collectors. With a small mintage, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter represents the beginnings of U.S. coinage. Its value stems not only from its rarity but also from its historical importance, offering a glimpse into the early days of the U.S. Mint. High-grade examples of this quarter are rare, and when they do appear on the market, they can sell for well into six figures, marking them as significant assets.
King
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is often hailed as the “King of Quarters”, known for its extreme rarity and high value, exceeding $88,888 in many cases. With limited production, the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter has become one of the most sought-after coins in the numismatic world. Collectors prize it not only for its age but for the mystique surrounding its historical context. This rarity combined with its impressive market value has made the 1804 quarter a pinnacle piece in American coin collecting.
Capped
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is another numismatic treasure, particularly due to its intriguing overdate error, where the “3” in the date is struck over a “2.” This mistake, unnoticed at the time of minting, has now made this quarter incredibly rare and valuable, with prices often surpassing $88,888. Minting errors like this add a special appeal to coin collectors, as they highlight the imperfections and quirks in the coin-making process that have since become highly desirable.
Liberty
The 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter is a standout, minted in the famous Carson City Mint, and valued at over $88,888. The Carson City Mint, known for producing rare and valuable coins in the 19th century, adds a historical layer to this quarter. With its low mintage and ties to the Wild West era, the 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Its scarcity and connection to American history make it a prize for any collection.
Standing
One of the most visually striking coins is the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, valued at more than $88,888. Its unique design, featuring Lady Liberty in a dynamic, standing pose, was only minted for a brief period, making quarters from 1916 especially rare. As the first year of this iconic design, the 1916 edition is highly coveted, with top-quality examples commanding top dollar at auctions and among collectors.
Washington
Rounding out this impressive list is the 1932-D Washington Quarter, a key date for Washington Quarter collectors. This coin, valued at over $88,888 for high-grade examples, holds significance due to its low mintage and its role as one of the first Washington quarters ever produced. The 1932-D is a must-have for serious collectors of the Washington series, and its value continues to grow as it remains a rare and historic coin.
Coin Type | Rarity Factor | Estimated Value | Special Feature |
---|---|---|---|
1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Misprint, Double Die Obverse | Up to $388,888 | Off-center strike, commemorative design |
1796 Draped Bust Quarter | First U.S. Quarter | Over $88,888 | First quarter ever minted |
1804 Draped Bust Quarter | Extremely Limited Production | Over $88,888 | Known as the “King of Quarters” |
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | Overdate Error | Over $88,888 | Minting error where “3” is struck over “2” |
1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter | Carson City Mint, Low Mintage | Over $88,888 | Minted during the Wild West era |
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | Short-Lived Design | Over $88,888 | First year of the Standing Liberty design |
1932-D Washington Quarter | Low Mintage | Over $88,888 | Early Washington Quarter, Key Date |
These seven quarters reveal the fascinating and lucrative world of coin collecting, where historical significance, minting errors, and rarity converge to create collectibles worth six figures. Whether it’s a misprinted Bicentennial Quarter or a century-old Draped Bust, each of these coins has a unique story to tell and represents a valuable asset for any serious numismatist.
FAQs
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
Its rare misprint and double die error make it worth nearly $388,888.
Why is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter important?
It was the first U.S. quarter ever minted, making it historically significant.
What is the “King of Quarters”?
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is known as the King of Quarters due to its rarity.
What is an overdate error on a coin?
It occurs when one number is struck over another, like the 1823/2 quarter.
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter valuable?
Its low mintage and key date status make it highly collectible and valuable.