Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $20K—Plus 3 Others Over $1K

Introduction

The United States Mint is known for producing coins that capture the imagination of collectors globally. Among them, the Bicentennial quarter produced in 1776-1976 comes into focus with a dual-date design, marking 200 years of United States sovereignty. Most of the Bicentennial quarters are common, but there’s a rare version that is being appreciated at a whopping $20,000 due to minting uniqueness. Other quarters—over $1,000—are also in strong demand. The article will illustrate these, their availability, and one example of how to find them.

The $20,000 Bicentennial Quarter

This Bicentennial quarter was minted in 1975 and 1976 as part of the special commemorative series with the special design carrying the dual date “1776-1976” on the obverse and a drummer boy on the reverse. Although billions were minted, there have been some pretty spectacular examples that have sold for astronomical values because of unique composition or rare minting errors.

Why Does This Sell for $20,000?

Composition: Silver
Most Bicentennial quarters were struck in copper-nickel clad; however, the U. S. Mint did strike a limited number of 40% silver quarters in a few uncirculated and proof sets. The accidental striking of a quarter with a different type of planchet or the placement of a mistake into circulation can bring some really unique pieces with prices up to $20,000.

Mint Errors:
Some Bicentennial quarters possess errors such as double die obverse or reverse, off-center strikes, or missing details. Such unique errors make those quarters highly prized among collectors.

Condition:
The highest prices are commanded by coins graded uncirculated or in near perfect condition, namely MS-67 or higher. A silver Bicentennial quarter sold recently for $20,000 at auction in near perfect condition.

Three Other Quarters Worth Over $1,000

1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
   The 1932-D quarter is rather a classic rarity due to the low mintage of this particular coin; only 436,800 coins were minted at the Denver Mint and is considered to be one of the most prized quarters in the Washington series.

Value: $1,000 to $25,000, depending on condition.

Key Features: Look for the date 1932 and the “D” mintmark below the wreath on the reverse.

2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
   ANOTHER IMPORTANT COIN FROM 1932 IS THE SAN FRANCISCO-MINTED QUARTER THAT ONLY HAD A MINTAGE OF 408,000. ITS RARITY AND AGE ALSO MAKE IT HIGHLY DESIRABLE.

Value: $1,000 to $20,000 if the coin is mint condition.
Key Features: Same design as the 1932-D, except it has an “S” mint mark.

3. 2004 WISCONSIN STATE QUARTER EXTRA LEAF ERROR
   This modern coin is valuable because of a mistake on the reverse design. Several coins have an extra leaf on the corn stalk—in this case, either a “high leaf” or “low leaf” variation, which resulted from changes made to the die in production.

Value: $1,000 to $7,000, depending on the error and condition.

Key Features: Look closely at the corn stalk for an extra leaf positioned around the middle portion of the design.

How to Identify Rare Quarters

1. Look at the Date and Mintmark
   Observe the coin’s date and mintmark, which relates to where it was minted. Some mints or years of production are rarer than others.
2. Mistakes
   Examine the coin carefully, looking for anomalies in minting, such as doubled dies, lack of details, or off centering. Errors can significantly increase a coin’s price.
3. A Balance in the Weight
   Valuable coins, like silver Bicentennial quarters, are usually heavier than regular clad pieces. Check with a balance scale.
4. Consider the Condition
   Coins in fine condition fetch higher prices. Consider the coin grading service of PCGS or NGC. They can grade your coin, providing provenance and value in the market.
5. Visit a Numismatist
   If you suspect that the quarter is rare, consult a professional coin dealer or numismatist to confirm and ascertain its value.

Keeping Your Coins in the Best Shape
To keep your coins in the best condition to maintain its value, here are some tips:Avoid Cleaning: It can damage the surface of a coin and lessen its value.
Store Properly: Keep your coins safe from moisture and scratches with airtight holders or albums.

Handle with Care: Whenever you touch a coin, hold it at an angle to avoid fingerprints or smudges.
Insure Valuable Coins: If you have rare coins worth thousands, consider seriously insuring them for peace of mind.

Are these quarters Still in circulation?

While the probability is low, there is still a possibility that some scarce coins might go unnoticed. Coin roll hunting is one of the ways people search for lost treasures by sifting through rolls of coins acquired from the banks. Sure enough, there have been instances in which rare coins were discovered only because people were meticulous about going through each roll of coins.

Conclusion

The Bicentennial quarter for $20,000 and other valuable quarters embody the tremendous potential which may be found in money that people pass around daily. From a mint error to historic significance, or even low mintage, these coins have captured the hearts of the collectors and numismatists. You will recognize the moment when time favors you with a treasure valued in thousands of dollars out of your change.