The thrill of coin collecting lies not only in the beauty and history of the coins but also in the possibility of discovering a coin worth far more than its face value. Among these treasures, one stands out: a rare Bicentennial Quarter recently sold for nearly $201K USD. This article looks into the story behind this exceptional find and highlights six other quarters, each valued at over $25K USD. These coins reveal the surprising wealth that could be hiding within your coin collection.
Contents
- 1 $201K Bicentennial Quarter
- 2 1932-S Washington Quarter
- 3 1943 Copper Quarter
- 4 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
- 5 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter
- 6 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter
- 7 1983-P Washington Quarter
- 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 worth $201K?
- 7.4 Why is the 1932-S Washington Quarter valuable?
- 7.5 What is unique about the 1943 Copper Quarter?
- 7.6 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $22 Million – 6 More Worth Over $50 Million USD
- 7.7 What is an overmintmark error?
- 7.8 Why is the 1983-P Washington Quarter so valuable?
$201K Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary of independence, is typically found in circulation and is generally worth its face value. However, a rare version of this quarter, struck with a 40% silver composition, was part of a special collector’s mint set and recently fetched nearly $201K USD at auction. Its value stems from its silver content, rarity, and exceptional condition, certified by professional grading services. The quarter’s historical significance and high-grade status contributed to its staggering value.
1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington Quarter is a key coin in the Washington Quarter series, known for its low mintage of just 408,000 pieces. High-quality specimens of this coin can be valued at over $25K USD. The “S” mint mark signifies its origin in San Francisco, adding to its allure for collectors. Its rarity and historical importance make it one of the most sought-after coins for those completing a Washington Quarter set.
1943 Copper Quarter
The 1943 Copper Quarter is one of the rarest error coins in U.S. coinage. While quarters were supposed to be struck in silver that year, a few were mistakenly made with copper, resulting in an extremely valuable coin. In pristine condition, these rare quarters can exceed $25K USD. The unusual copper composition and the minting error behind this coin make it a captivating find for collectors.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is another coin that has captured the interest of collectors due to a minting error. A Denver (D) mint mark was mistakenly stamped over a San Francisco (S) mint mark, creating a distinctive and rare coin. This overmintmark error makes high-grade versions of this quarter worth more than $25K USD. Its uniqueness and historical context as a minting anomaly elevate its value and appeal to collectors.
1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter
The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter is famous for the doubling effect visible on the reverse side, especially in the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This error occurred during the minting process due to a misaligned die, creating a doubled image on the coin. High-quality examples of this error coin can easily surpass $25K USD. Collectors are drawn to the striking visual effect and the rarity of the doubled die error, making it a valuable piece for any collection.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter is valued for its subtle difference in the date’s size compared to other quarters minted the same year. This small variation makes it a rarity, and high-grade versions can fetch over $25K USD. The distinction in the font size, though minor, adds intrigue and makes this quarter particularly desirable among collectors of rare date varieties.
1983-P Washington Quarter
The 1983-P Washington Quarter is one of the few modern quarters that has gained significant value. The low survival rate of quarters from this year in mint condition, combined with the fact that few were set aside by collectors, has made uncirculated examples especially rare. A mint state 1983-P quarter can be valued at over $25K USD, proving that even relatively recent coins can be worth a small fortune if preserved in pristine condition.
| Coin | Year | Estimated Value (USD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (40% Silver) | 1976 | $201,000 | Silver composition, part of a collector’s mint set |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | $25,000+ | Low mintage (408,000), San Francisco mint mark |
| 1943 Copper Quarter | 1943 | $25,000+ | Rare copper composition error during wartime |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | 1950 | $25,000+ | Mint error with “D” stamped over “S” |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse Quarter | 1964 | $25,000+ | Doubling effect on the reverse due to minting error |
| 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Quarter | 1970 | $25,000+ | Subtle small date variation, rare in high grades |
| 1983-P Washington Quarter | 1983 | $25,000+ | Modern rarity, uncirculated condition highly valuable |
These quarters illustrate the exciting potential hidden in a collection of coins. Each of these coins is a testament to the idea that everyday currency can be transformed into valuable treasures with the right combination of rarity, condition, and historical significance.
FAQs
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth $201K?
It was a rare silver variant in exceptional condition from a collector’s mint set.
Why is the 1932-S Washington Quarter valuable?
It has a low mintage of just 408,000 pieces, making it rare and sought-after.
What is unique about the 1943 Copper Quarter?
It was mistakenly made with copper when quarters were supposed to be struck in silver.
What is an overmintmark error?
An overmintmark error occurs when one mint mark is punched over another, as seen on the 1950-D/S quarter.
Why is the 1983-P Washington Quarter so valuable?
Few uncirculated examples exist, making it a rare modern coin worth over $25K.
