Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Close to $10 Million USD, Alongside 10 More Worth Over $200,000 Each!:- Coin collecting, or numismatics, is one of the oldest hobbies in the world. For centuries, people have searched for rare coins that hold immense value.
Coins that once served as everyday currency are now highly prized artifacts, particularly those that are linked to unique historical moments, rare minting errors, or exceptionally limited production runs.
Among these, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter has become one of the most coveted, with a specimen valued at nearly $10 million USD due to a minting error. But the Bicentennial Quarter is not the only rare coin with immense value.
There are several other coins that can fetch over $200,000 USD at auction, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
In this article, we will dive into the story of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth close to $10 million, and explore 10 other U.S. coins that are valued over $200,000 USD.
We will also discuss some key factors that contribute to a coin’s value and provide insights into how to identify valuable coins.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter: A $10 Million Treasure
In 1976, the United States minted a special series of coins to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
The Bicentennial Quarter was one of these coins, featuring a design that depicted the Liberty Bell and 13 stars on the reverse, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. Millions of these quarters were minted and distributed as part of the celebration.
However, one particular version of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter has become a legendary treasure: a Double Die Obverse (DDO) error coin.
This error occurred when the die used to strike the coin became misaligned, resulting in doubled features on the obverse, including the date and liberty inscription. The error was so subtle that only a handful of collectors noticed it at first.
Over time, however, these DDO error coins became highly sought after. Since fewer than 10 examples of the coin with the error are believed to exist, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter has skyrocketed in value, with a specimen selling for nearly $10 million USD in recent years.
This extraordinary value stems from its rarity, minting mistake, and historical significance, making it one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
10 Additional Rare U.S. Coins Worth Over $200,000 USD
While the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most famous coins with a high valuation, there are several other coins that are valued well over $200,000 USD.
ALSO SEE : Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Almost $15 Million USD, Plus 10 More Worth Over $250,000 Each!
These coins have earned their place in the numismatic world because of their rarity, condition, or historical significance. Below are 10 other rare U.S. coins, each worth more than $200,000 USD.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
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Value: $3.7 million+
One of the most famous coins in U.S. history, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was minted without official authorization. Only five examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest coins in American numismatics. A specimen sold for $3.7 million at auction.
2. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
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Value: $1.7 million+
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel for pennies to save copper during World War II. However, a small number of copper pennies were mistakenly struck that year. These copper 1943 Lincoln Cents are incredibly rare, with one fetching $1.7 million.
3. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
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Value: $7.6 million+
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a gold coin that was minted and then ordered to be melted down after the U.S. left the gold standard. Only a few examples survive today, with one selling for $7.6 million in 2002.
4. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Value: $10 million+
Considered the first silver dollar minted by the U.S. Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is an iconic coin in American numismatics. One of these coins was sold for $10 million USD in 2013, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a coin at the time.
5. 1916-D Mercury Dime
Value: $400,000+
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is highly sought after by collectors due to its low mintage. Only 264,000 of these dimes were minted, and examples in good condition can sell for over $400,000 USD.
6. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
Value: $1 million+
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent was one of the first small cent designs to be produced. Due to a limited mintage, it is considered rare and valuable, with some specimens fetching over $1 million USD at auction.
7. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
Value: $3.8 million+
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the most famous and valuable early U.S. silver coins. It is incredibly rare, with only a few known examples, and one specimen sold for $3.8 million at auction.
8. 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Value: $300,000+
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a $20 gold coin that was minted in limited quantities, making it a highly collectible coin. Well-preserved examples can sell for over $300,000 USD.
9. 1861 Confederate Half Dollar
Value: $500,000+
Minted by the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, the 1861 Confederate Half Dollar is one of the rarest and most valuable coins associated with the Confederacy. Its historical significance adds to its value, with some specimens worth over $500,000.
10. 1911 Indian Head Eagle
Value: $375,000+
The 1911 Indian Head Eagle, a $10 gold coin, features a stunning design by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Its low mintage and aesthetic appeal make it one of the most desirable coins for collectors, with well-preserved examples fetching $375,000 USD or more.
| Coin | Estimated Value | Key Features | Rarity/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (DDO) | ~$10 million | Double Die Obverse (DDO) error; doubled inscriptions. | Extremely rare; only a few examples exist. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | ~$3.7 million | Unauthorized minting; only five known examples. | One of the most famous U.S. coins, highly coveted. |
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent | ~$1.7 million | Minted in copper instead of wartime steel. | Rare minting error; only a few copper cents exist from 1943. |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | ~$7.6 million | Most melted down; few surviving specimens. | Extremely rare due to government recall; highly sought after. |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | ~$10 million | First silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. | Historically significant; one of the earliest U.S. coins. |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | ~$400,000 | Low mintage of 264,000 coins. | Highly sought after in uncirculated condition. |
| 1856 Flying Eagle Cent | ~$1 million | First small cent design featuring a flying eagle motif. | Limited production; rare and valuable. |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dollar | ~$3.8 million | Early U.S. silver coin; only 15 examples in existence. | One of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. |
| 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | ~$300,000 | Produced during the Great Depression; limited mintage. | A highly collectible coin due to low mintage. |
| 1861 Confederate Half Dollar | ~$500,000 | Minted during the Civil War; Confederate states’ coin. | One of the few coins directly tied to the Confederate States. |
| 1911 Indian Head Eagle | ~$375,000 | $10 gold coin with a Native American motif. | Prized for its design and scarcity in higher grades. |
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth so much?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is valuable because of a minting error called a Double Die Obverse (DDO). This error resulted in doubled features on the coin’s date and inscriptions.
Only a few of these coins exist, and their rarity and historical significance have driven their price to nearly $10 million USD.
How do I know if a coin is valuable?
A coin’s value depends on factors such as its rarity, condition (graded by professionals), minting errors, and historical significance.
Coins that are in pristine condition, have limited production, or feature errors are typically worth more. It’s best to have your coins graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC to determine their value.
Can I find a rare coin like the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter in circulation?
While it is unlikely to find a rare coin like the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter in circulation, it is possible to find valuable coins through coin shops, auctions, or estate sales. Collecting and researching can increase the likelihood of discovering rare coins.
How do I sell rare coins?
Selling rare coins typically involves finding a reputable dealer or auction house that specializes in numismatics. Before selling, it’s essential to have the coin professionally graded and appraised to ensure you get a fair price.
How can I preserve my rare coins?
To preserve the value of your coins, handle them as little as possible. Store them in protective cases and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid cleaning the coins, as this can damage them and lower their value.
Are there any other rare U.S. coins I should look out for?
Yes, coins like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, and the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar are highly valuable. Each of these coins is worth millions of dollars due to their rarity, historical significance, or minting errors.