Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $20 Million USD: 3 More Worth Over $5 Million USD:- Coin collecting, also known as numismatics, is a hobby that has captivated collectors for centuries. Among the thousands of rare coins in circulation, some stand out for their incredible value.
One such example is the Bicentennial Quarter, which, thanks to an extremely rare minting error, is now estimated to be worth nearly $20 million USD. But the Bicentennial Quarter is far from the only valuable coin out there. Several other rare U.S.
coins have fetched millions at auctions due to their historical significance, unique errors, or limited mintage. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of rare coins, focusing on the Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $20 million and three other coins worth over $5 million USD.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $20 Million USD
The Bicentennial Quarter is part of a special series of coins minted in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary.
Most of these quarters feature a depiction of George Washington on the front, with the reverse showing the Liberty Bell superimposed over 13 stars to symbolize the original 13 colonies.
While the vast majority of these quarters are common and worth only their face value (25 cents), a few rare error coins have emerged over the years, becoming highly valuable collector’s items.
One of the most famous of these error coins is a 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter that was produced without a mintmark. This minting mistake is so rare that it is estimated to be worth nearly $20 million USD.
Here’s why this coin is so valuable:
- Minting Error: The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter should have featured a “D” mintmark, indicating it was minted in Denver. However, due to a malfunction at the Denver Mint, this coin was released without any mintmark at all. The result is an extremely rare error coin that is highly sought after by collectors.
- Extremely Limited Supply: Although millions of Bicentennial Quarters were minted in 1976, only a handful of these error coins are known to exist, making them incredibly rare.
- Demand Among Collectors: The demand for rare U.S. coins, particularly those with unique errors, has driven the price of this coin into the millions. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for coins that are historically significant, and this particular quarter checks all the boxes.
Experts have estimated that this no-mintmark Bicentennial Quarter could fetch as much as $20 million USD at auction, depending on its condition and provenance. This makes it one of the most valuable quarters ever to be discovered.
3 More Rare Coins Worth Over $5 Million USD
While the Bicentennial Quarter stands out for its staggering value, it is by no means the only rare coin worth millions. Here are three more U.S. coins that have achieved incredible auction prices, each valued at $5 million USD or more.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $5 Million+
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The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. numismatic history. This coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint in 1913, but it was never officially released into circulation.
Instead, it was privately struck by a Mint employee who had access to the minting process. This error went unnoticed for many years until it was rediscovered in the 1920s.
There are only five known specimens of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel in existence, making it incredibly rare.
These coins are highly prized by collectors and have sold for over $5 million USD at auction. One of the specimens was sold for a record $4.5 million in 2018, and others have reached similar values in subsequent sales.
Key Points:
- Only five specimens exist.
- Struck illegally by a Mint employee.
- The record price for a specimen is over $5 million USD.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – $10 Million+
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is one of the earliest U.S. silver coins and a true treasure for coin collectors.
Minted in the very first year that the U.S. Mint was in operation, the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar represents the birth of U.S. coinage. The coin features a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
Only about 1,500 coins were struck, and the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar was produced in very limited quantities due to its experimental nature.
The coin’s historical significance, rarity, and exceptional condition have made it one of the most valuable coins in the world. In 2013, one of these coins was sold for an astounding $10 million USD, setting a record for the most expensive coin ever sold at the time.
Key Points:
- The first-ever U.S. silver coin.
- Minted in 1794 in very limited quantities.
- One coin sold for $10 million in 2013.
3. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – $7.6 Million
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is another example of a rare and highly valuable U.S. coin. This coin features a stunning design by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, with Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse.
It was initially produced in 1933, but due to the U.S. government’s decision to remove gold coins from circulation during the Great Depression, most of the 1933 Double Eagles were melted down.
However, a small number of these coins were illegally removed from the U.S. Mint and have resurfaced over the years, with one such coin being sold at auction for a record $7.6 million USD in 2002.
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is often considered one of the most iconic and valuable U.S. coins.
Key Points:
- Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
- Most coins were melted down, making it incredibly rare.
- One coin sold for $7.6 million USD in 2002.
| Coin Name | Year | Mintmark | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark) | 1976 | None | Nearly $20 million USD | Minting error with no mintmark, extremely rare and highly sought after. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | None | $5 million+ | Struck illegally by a Mint employee, only five specimens exist. |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794 | None | $10 million+ | First-ever U.S. silver coin, one of the earliest and most valuable coins. |
What makes these rare coins worth so much?
These coins are worth millions due to their rarity, historical significance, and the demand from collectors. Most of these coins were minted in limited quantities or have unique errors that make them exceptionally rare.
How can I tell if I have a valuable coin?
To determine if you have a valuable coin, it’s essential to look for rarity, historical significance, and condition. Coins with minting errors, low mintage numbers, or special designs are more likely to be valuable. It’s best to consult a professional numismatist for an accurate assessment.
What should I do if I have a rare coin?
If you believe you have a rare coin, it’s important to have it authenticated by a reputable numismatist or grading service. Once authenticated, you can decide whether to keep it in your collection or sell it at an auction for its market value.
Are rare coins a good investment?
Rare coins can be a good investment, as their value often appreciates over time, especially when they are in excellent condition and have historical significance. However, like all investments, there is risk involved, and the market can fluctuate.
Where can I buy or sell rare coins?
Rare coins can be bought and sold through reputable auction houses, coin dealers, and numismatic conventions. Online marketplaces and specialized numismatic websites are also good places to research and buy or sell rare coins.