The charm of collecting coins comes from the fact that besides such pieces being beautiful and showing a certain historical period, the collector may stumble upon a rear gem, maybe worth a small fortune. One of these treasures among them is the Bicentennial Quarter, which captured most collectors’ imagination, with its rare variants, amounting to almost $808,888 USD.
$808K Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter is not alone in being rare and valuable. Here, we take a look at six additional coins that have gone over the $88,888 ceiling, which just highlights the diversity and richness of the world of coin collection.
The Bicentennial Quarter was minted in the year 1976 to celebrate the anniversary of 200 years since the United States won independence. Almost all of these quarters are common coins, but a very rare metal version composed of 40% silver has been valuated with a price of almost $808,888 dollars in the market.
The value of this coin lies in the great condition in which it is preserved, its unique composition of metals, and its history, singular to any collector’s desires.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most desirable coins in America. With only five known, its rarity is without question. Surely, one such nickel sold for over $3.7 million or so at auction.
The story behind these coins is very controversial due to the fact that neither of them was authorized or released from the U.S. Mint. These factors made it astronomical in value. Provenance of each coin makes it a centerpiece of any collection.
1804 Silver Dollar
Also known as the “King of Coins,” another rarity attached to a premium value in the market for collectors is the 1804 Silver Dollar. These coins, bearing the date 1804, were struck in the 1830s to be given as diplomatic gifts. With only 15 known, these face a scarcity value, and an auction one off now could fetch over $4 million.
Collectors prize the 1804 Silver Dollar for its beauty and for the stories it tells of early American diplomacy.
1933 Double Eagle
Perhaps the 1933 Double Eagle is the most famous coin in the whole world. One specimen of the coin fetched more than $7.5 million. This coin represents one of the most substantial rarities and most coveted item because most of its kind was melted down even before they entered into circulation by this particular presidential order targeting removing gold from the general economy of the United States.
Those that were left became legends, personifying the seduction that surrounds something forbidden and unobtainable.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar represents the dawn of the United States Mint and coinage. So, it being the first dollar coin ever released by the U.S., it has historical importance. One sold in superb condition for more than $10 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
It was worthy not only of its rarity but also of the fact that it marked the very first monetary system for the nation.
Copper Penny of 1943
The 1943 Copper Penny is perhaps one of the most interesting anomalies in the world of coin collecting. Back in 1943, because of wartime copper shortages, the penny was supposed to be minted from steel. A number of 1942 copper blanks got in the mix and ended up being used with the steel blanks. That is how a few of the copper pennies were made.
They have sold for over $200,000 at auction due to the rare find and how these came to be in the first place.
1894-S Barber Dime
One of the great American numismatic mysteries is the 1894-S Barber Dime. Only 24 were minted with only 9 known to still exist. The reasons for such tiny mintages remain speculation, so the allurement is vast.
It’s for more than just obscurity that collectors have a respect for the 1894-S Barber Dime. A part of that appeal may be the mystery shrouding the piece. The tales in the world of collecting coins are full of rarity, history, and unexpected value.
Each piece has its unique stories of the past of America and the transformation of its currency: from the almost $808,888 Bicentennial Quarter to the other six coins, each valued at over $88,888.
Beyond the metallic content, these coins are pieces of history—reflections of the economic, political, and social events of their eras. The hunt for collector’s items is more to them than the price, current use, and enjoyment realized.
FAQs
1. What is the Bicentennial quarter?
The Bicentennial quarter is a special commemorative coin minted by the United States in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. It features a unique design with the dates “1776-1976” on the obverse and a colonial drummer on the reverse.
2. Why is the Bicentennial quarter valuable?
While most Bicentennial quarters are common and hold only their face value, some have become extremely valuable due to unique factors like minting errors, pristine condition, and rarity. Certain error coins or those in near-perfect condition can fetch prices in the thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
3. What makes the $808,888 Bicentennial quarter so special?
The Bicentennial quarter valued at $808,888 is likely an error coin, possibly with a significant minting anomaly, such as a double die or a wrong planchet strike. Its value is further enhanced by its exceptional condition (possibly graded MS-68 or higher), rarity, and strong market demand.
4. What are some of the most valuable Bicentennial quarters besides the $808,888 one?
Apart from the $808,888 quarter, six other Bicentennial quarters are known to be worth over $88,888. These include:
- Double Die Obverse Error: Coins with doubled inscriptions or design elements on the obverse.
- Off-Center Strike: Quarters struck off-center by 50% or more.
- Wrong Planchet Error: Quarters struck on planchets meant for other denominations.
- High-Grade 90% Silver Proofs: Perfect or near-perfect proof coins.
- Clad Quarters with Full Torch Design: Quarters with exceptionally sharp and detailed strikes.
- 40% Silver Error: Quarters accidentally struck on 40% silver planchets.
5. How can I identify a valuable Bicentennial quarter?
To identify a potentially valuable Bicentennial quarter, look for the following:
- Minting Errors: Check for anomalies like doubling, off-center strikes, or wrong planchet errors.
- Condition: The coin should be in excellent condition, with little to no wear. Coins graded MS-65 or higher are particularly valuable.
- Composition: Determine if the coin is a 90% silver proof or a 40% silver error.
- Certification: Coins certified by reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC are more likely to be valuable.