Coin collecting is much more than a hobby; it’s a treasure hunt, where an overlooked quarter could be worth a small fortune. Certain rare quarters stand out in the numismatic world for their rarity, historical importance, and astonishing value. One such treasure, a rare Bicentennial quarter, has recently been valued at nearly $150,000, captivating the attention of collectors. Let’s look into this extraordinary quarter and five others that have collectors buzzing with excitement.
Contents
- 1 Bicentennial Quarter
- 2 1932-S Washington
- 3 1943 Copper Quarter
- 4 1796 Draped Bust
- 5 1916 Standing Liberty
- 6 1896-S Barber
- 7 FAQs
- 7.1 Why is the Bicentennial quarter worth nearly $150,000?
- 7.2 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $9.5 Million – 5 More Worth Over $30 Million USD
- 7.3 How rare is the 1932-S Washington quarter?
- 7.4 What makes the 1943 copper quarter so valuable?
- 7.5 What is the significance of the 1796 Draped Bust quarter?
- 7.6 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $22 Million – 6 More Worth Over $50 Million USD
- 7.7 How much is a 1916 Standing Liberty quarter worth?
Bicentennial Quarter
The 1975–1976 Bicentennial quarter was minted to celebrate the United States’ 200th anniversary of independence. While millions of these quarters were produced, making most worth no more than their face value, a rare variant has been valued at nearly $150,000. What makes this particular coin special is either a mint error or an extraordinary condition, such as a double die obverse (where part of the design is doubled). In uncirculated condition, this quarter is highly prized, with collectors eager to own this piece of numismatic history.
1932-S Washington
The 1932-S Washington quarter is one of the most sought-after coins in the Washington quarter series. With a low mintage of only 408,000, it stands as one of the key dates for serious collectors. This quarter marked the start of the Washington quarter series, adding to its historical significance. In pristine condition, a 1932-S quarter can easily surpass the $80,000 mark, making it a must-have for collectors looking to complete their Washington quarter sets.
1943 Copper Quarter
The 1943 copper quarter is an incredibly rare coin with a fascinating backstory. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to using a silver composition for quarters to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few quarters were mistakenly struck in copper, making them some of the rarest U.S. coins. In good condition, a 1943 copper quarter can fetch over $100,000, and its scarcity has made it a legendary piece in the world of coin collecting.
1796 Draped Bust
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter holds a special place in U.S. coinage history as one of the first quarters ever minted by the United States. With a tiny mintage of only 6,146, this coin is incredibly rare. Its design, featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse, is one of the earliest artistic representations created by the U.S. Mint. A well-preserved 1796 Draped Bust quarter can sell for over $80,000, making it a prized possession for those seeking rare, historically significant coins.
1916 Standing Liberty
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter is famed for both its beautiful design and its rarity. With a mintage of just over 52,000, this coin is one of the rarest quarters of the 20th century. Designed by sculptor Hermon MacNeil, the coin features a striking image of Lady Liberty in a flowing gown, holding a shield and an olive branch. In top condition, a 1916 Standing Liberty quarter can fetch more than $80,000, making it a coveted piece for collectors who appreciate artistry and rarity.
1896-S Barber
The 1896-S Barber quarter is another highly valuable coin, primarily due to its low mintage of just 188,039 pieces. Designed by Charles E. Barber, the coin is part of the Barber series, which ran from 1892 to 1916. The 1896-S quarter is one of the rarest in the series, and in mint condition, it can sell for over $100,000. Its scarcity and beautiful design make it one of the most desirable quarters among serious numismatists.
| Coin | Year | Mintage | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (Error) | 1976 | Unknown | Nearly $150,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | 408,000 | Over $80,000 |
| 1943 Copper Quarter | 1943 | Unknown (Error) | Over $100,000 |
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | 6,146 | Over $80,000 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | 52,000 | Over $80,000 |
| 1896-S Barber Quarter | 1896 | 188,039 | Over $100,000 |
These six quarters demonstrate that even small coins can hold extraordinary value. Whether it’s a mint error, low mintage, or historical significance, each coin tells a story that excites collectors and fuels the numismatic market. For those passionate about coin collecting, these rare quarters are the ultimate prize, combining beauty, history, and high monetary value.
FAQs
Why is the Bicentennial quarter worth nearly $150,000?
A rare variant with mint errors or exceptional condition makes it highly valuable to collectors.
How rare is the 1932-S Washington quarter?
With only 408,000 minted, it’s one of the rarest in the Washington quarter series.
What makes the 1943 copper quarter so valuable?
During World War II, quarters were made of silver, but a few were mistakenly struck in copper, making them extremely rare.
What is the significance of the 1796 Draped Bust quarter?
As one of the first U.S. quarters, it holds significant historical and numismatic value.
How much is a 1916 Standing Liberty quarter worth?
In top condition, it can fetch over $80,000 due to its beauty and limited mintage.
