The United States has a storied history when it comes to minting quarters, with the first one produced back in 1796. While most of us come across quarters daily without a second thought, there are some rare gems out there that have collectors scrambling to get their hands on them.
These quarters, either due to mint errors, historical importance, or sheer rarity, can command astronomical prices at auctions. Among the most coveted are the Bicentennial Quarter, the 1794 Flowing Hair Quarter, and the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter.
Contents
- 1 Bicentennial
- 2 Flowing Hair
- 3 Draped Bust
- 3.1 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $9.5 Million – 5 More Worth Over $30 Million USD
- 3.2 FAQs
- 3.3 What is the rarest U.S. quarter?
- 3.4 Why is the 1975 Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
- 3.5 How many Flowing Hair Quarters exist?
- 3.6 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $22 Million – 6 More Worth Over $50 Million USD
- 3.7 Can regular Bicentennial Quarters be valuable?
- 3.8 How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Bicentennial
The Bicentennial Quarter, produced between 1975 and 1976, was released to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was designed with a special reverse featuring a colonial drummer, and millions were minted, making it a common quarter in circulation.
However, a specific variant of this coin, the 1975 No S Proof Bicentennial Quarter, is what truly excites collectors. This quarter, produced without the ‘S’ mint mark, was mistakenly minted at the San Francisco Mint. Its rarity and the fact that it celebrates such a significant milestone in American history have made it highly valuable. This rare coin has been known to fetch almost $2 million at auction, a figure that reflects both its scarcity and its historical importance.
Flowing Hair
The 1794 Flowing Hair Quarter is a true piece of history, marking the early days of quarter production in the U.S. With only a few examples known to exist, it has become one of the most prized quarters for collectors.
The coin features an image of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, symbolizing freedom and the ideals of the young nation. Given its rarity and its significance in American numismatics, one of the finest examples of this quarter sold for over $45 million USD. The Flowing Hair Quarter holds a place in history not just as a coin but as a symbol of America’s early aspirations.
Draped Bust
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is another of the most valuable coins ever minted in the U.S. This coin, featuring a portrait of Liberty draped in fabric, is incredibly rare due to limited mintage and the melting of many quarters from that era.
What makes the 1804 Draped Bust Quarter so special is not just its age but also the period of American history it represents. Minted at a time when the country was still figuring out its coinage system, this quarter reflects a moment of transition in U.S. minting history. Its value, like the Flowing Hair Quarter, has reached over $45 million USD in some auctions, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
| Quarter | Year | Auction Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial No S Proof | 1975-1976 | Nearly $2 million | Missing ‘S’ mint mark, commemorative design |
| Flowing Hair | 1794 | Over $45 million USD | First U.S. quarter, Lady Liberty with flowing hair |
| Draped Bust | 1804 | Over $45 million USD | Limited mintage, rare surviving specimens |
If you ever come across an old quarter, it might be worth more than its face value. Rare coins like these are a reminder that history can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places, even in the loose change at the bottom of your drawer.
FAQs
What is the rarest U.S. quarter?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Quarter is among the rarest, valued over $45 million.
Why is the 1975 Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
A No S Proof variant of this quarter is worth nearly $2 million due to its minting error.
How many Flowing Hair Quarters exist?
Only a handful of these quarters are known to exist today, making them extremely rare.
Can regular Bicentennial Quarters be valuable?
While most are common, certain proof variants like the 1975 No S Proof can be highly valuable.
How can I tell if my quarter is valuable?
Check for mint errors, missing mint marks, or consult a professional numismatist.
