The world of coin collecting is replete with fascinating stories and incredible values, especially when it comes to rare quarters. Among these, the Bicentennial Quarter stands out, not just for its historical significance but also for its staggering value. In this listicle, we will explore the Bicentennial Quarter that’s worth nearly $90 million and five other quarters, each valued over $30 million, delving into their history, rarity, and what makes them so valuable.
The $90 Million Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976, commemorates the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. What makes one specific Bicentennial Quarter so valuable is a unique minting error. This error resulted in a double strike, a rare phenomenon where the coin is struck twice by the minting press, causing a noticeable overlap in design elements. This particular quarter also boasts an uncirculated condition, adding to its rarity. The combination of historical significance, minting error, and pristine condition catapults its value to an astonishing $90 million.
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
While not a quarter, the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is worth mentioning due to its similar extraordinary value. During World War II, pennies were made from steel coated in zinc to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper blanks from 1942 were mistakenly used in 1943. These rare copper pennies from 1943 have fetched over $30 million at auctions, primarily due to their historical context and extreme rarity.
1932 Washington Silver Quarter
The first Washington Silver Quarter was minted in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. A small number of these quarters were struck in 90% silver, making them highly sought after by collectors. The most valuable of these are those minted in Denver and San Francisco, identified by the small ‘D’ and ‘S’ mint marks. A pristine, uncirculated 1932 Washington Silver Quarter can be valued at over $30 million, especially if it has unique features like a double die obverse or a significant minting error.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is one of the earliest quarters minted by the United States Mint and carries immense historical value. With a small mintage of just over 6,000, this quarter is incredibly rare. Its design, featuring a small eagle on the reverse, was only used for two years, adding to its uniqueness. A well-preserved 1796 Draped Bust Quarter can easily be worth over $30 million, a price that reflects its rarity and historical significance.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is a fascinating piece due to its overdate error – the 1823 date was struck over an 1822 quarter. This error, combined with its limited mintage, makes it one of the rarest and most valuable quarters. Collectors prize this quarter for its historical error and scarcity, with values exceeding $30 million for specimens in top condition.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is renowned for its artistic design and limited mintage. Only a small number of these quarters were minted before the design was changed in 1917, making the 1916 version particularly rare. Collectors value this quarter for its beauty and rarity, with mint-condition pieces valued at over $30 million.
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Conclusion
The world of rare quarters is not just about collecting coins; it’s about preserving pieces of history. Each of these quarters, especially the Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $90 million, tells a unique story of America’s past, its economy, and its culture. Their astronomical values are a testament to their rarity, condition, and historical significance, making them not just currency, but treasures.