Some United States quarters have become highly collectible because of this, whether due to minting mistakes, their rarity, or historical significance. Recently a special Bicentennial quarter, estimated at around one million dollars, has attracted the attention of collectors. This unique coin and some other quarters, whose value has exceeded $100,000, will be the subject of our study.
Learning about this coin can help us understand why some coins are so valuable, and why they are sought after by collectors. These coins are important not only for their rarity but also for their historical story and uniqueness.
Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial quarter, minted to commemorate the 200th birthday of the United States, had a distinctive reverse design. The coin bore the double date “1776-1976”. Although most of the coins were made of copper-nickel and were not worth much, some coins were mistakenly minted on 90% silver planchets, which were actually intended for proof coins.
Why It’s Valuable
The extreme rarity of this silver Bicentennial quarter is due to the fact that it was introduced into circulation by mistake, which typically does not happen with copper-nickel coins. Due to its unique composition and excellent condition, it has become an extremely valuable collectible, and was recently valued at nearly one million dollars.
What to Look For
- Edge Check: Silver does not contain copper core plates found on decorated coins of the 2nd and 4th centuries.
- Weight: These four pieces weigh a bit more due to the silver content.
- Certification: Grading services such as PCGS or NGC can verify and value.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The first coin in the series of Washington Quarters was released in 1932, to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Since it was minted in limited quantities, the 1932-D quarter is particularly highly prized among these coins.
Why It’s Valuable
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is the most difficult of these coins, as only 436,800 were minted. Due to their rarity and historical importance, coins that are of high quality and in near-new condition can sell for more than a million dollars at auction.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: The eagle on the back has the “D” mint mark below it.
- Condition: Although valuable for the examples allotted, Mint State coins are in high demand.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
From 1838 to 1891, the Liberty Seated Quarter Series was minted, containing several coins considered extremely rare and valuable. The 1870-CC quarter of this series, minted at the Carson City Mint, is one of the most valuable coins.
Why It’s Valuable
A total of only 8,340 quarters were minted at the Carson City Mint in 1870, making this coin extremely rare. Coins that have been well preserved can sell for more than a million dollars at auction.
What to Look For
- Mint mark: “CC” below the eagle on the reverse, denoting the Carson City seal.
- Certification: Professional certification is important because of forgery.
1901-S Barber Quarter
Coin collectors are fond of the Barber quarters minted between 1892 and 1916. The most valuable and rare coin in this series is the 1901-S, which was minted in San Francisco.
Why It’s Valuable
These quarters were widely distributed, so only 72,664 coins were made and only a few of them have survived in good condition. Although worn coins also have value, coins that survive in good condition can reach prices in excess of $100,000.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: The “S” below the eagle on the reverse identifies this coin.
- Status: The high coins are rare and exceptionally valuable.
These coins represent some of the most valuable sites in American history, and introduce collectors to the art, history and curiosities of the American Mint.
FAQ’s
Why the 1932-D Washington Quarterly?
It is highly collectible due to the low mintage of 436,800.
What’s so special about the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter?
It was the first quarter of a mint year in Carson with only 8,340.
Why is the 1901-S Barber Quartet so rare?
Its low mintage of 72,664 and survival in a few good grades make it rare.