If you’ve ever dropped a quarter into a jar without blinking, you might think twice next time. Of the millions of ordinary coins floating around, there are some hidden gems that could change your life overnight. One of them is an extremely valuable Bicentennial Quarter—almost $3.5 million. More amazingly, there are six others, each over $1 million. Here is everything you need to know about these rare finds and what to watch for in your own stash.
$3.5 Million Bicentennial Quarter
The majority of the Bicentennial quarters are run-of-the-mill coins, copper-nickel clad. Some were minted on 40% silver planchets, which were meant to go into collector sets. A few of these found their way into circulation and now command high prices.
Why It’s Valuable
A nearly perfect silver Bicentennial quarter sold for almost $350,000 recently. It is scarce due to the presence of silver and mintage error of being issued into circulation instead of a collectors’ set.
What to Look For
- Edge: A silver quarter has a solid silver edge, but normal quarters have a stripe of copper.
- Weight: Silver quarters are heavier than regular ones.
- Condition: The more in condition, the more valuable it is. Get it graded professionally if you think that you have one.
6 More Rare Coins Worth Over $1 Million
1901-S Barber Quarter
The Barber quarter series was designed by Charles E. Barber between 1892 and 1916. The 1901-S (San Francisco) quarter is the rarest of them all.
Why It’s Valuable
They struck only 72,664, and few have survived in good condition. One in good condition can fetch over $100,000.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: Look for the “S” under the eagle on the reverse.
- Condition: Even heavily worn coins are worth something, but mint-state examples are extremely rare.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington quarters series started in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. The 1932-D (Denver) mint is some of the rarest of the series.
Why It’s Valuable
Struck in only 436,800, the 1932-D quarter is not common. In pristine condition, it can be sold for over $100,000 due to its historical and collectible value.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: Locate the “D” mint mark on the reverse beneath the eagle.
- Condition: Even circulated coins are valuable, but uncirculated coins are most desired.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The 1870-CC Liberty Seated quarter is a Carson City Mint rarity for low-mintage coins.
Why It’s Valuable
Only 8,340 were made, so it is one of the more rare quarters. It can easily sell for $100,000 at auction in high grades.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: A “CC” back below the eagle.
- Authentication: Due to how rare it is, authentication is crucial to ensure it’s authentic.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter is famous for its overdate variant—where the digit “3” was overstruck from a “2.”
Why It’s Valuable
Its unusual minting error makes it a coveted collector’s item. In near-mint condition, it could command more than $100,000.
What to Look For
- Date: Take a close look at the “3” in the date; remnants of the underlying “2” must be visible.
- Professional Grading: Expert certification or magnification can determine if it is genuine.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter was the first quarter of the U.S. and of immense historical significance.
Why It’s Valuable
Since a mere 6,146 were made, this coin is extremely rare. Nicely preserved examples in high grades can sell for more than $100,000.
What to Look For
- Design: Bears Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
- Authenticity: Because of its value, professional authentication is required.
1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Carson City Mint-rarity 1871-CC Liberty Seated quarter is highly sought after by collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
Only 10,890 were made, and high-quality pieces have sold for over $100,000 in auction houses.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: Look for the “CC” under the eagle.
- Verification: Counterfeits have been created, so it must be verified
If you think that you have one of these rare quarters, it’s worth taking a look at its mint mark, weight, and state. A plain 25-cent quarter could be hiding a fortune!
Final Thought
From a $3.5 million Bicentennial Quarter to other mythic coins worth more than $1 million, the potential lurking in your piggy bank is real. These rare coins are not just bits of metal—bits of American history and tales of unimaginable fortune. So go ahead and sort through the change… one of these life-altering coins could be in your hand.
FAQ’s
Q. How valuable is a 1796 Draped Bust quarter?
A. Depending on condition, it can be worth more than $100,000 because it is so rare.
Q. Why is a Washington quarter valuable?
A. Low mintage, condition, and special mint marks, such as the 1932-D, increase the cost.
Q. How can I determine if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
A. Observe the rim of the coin. The silver quarter will have a solid silver rim, while the regular ones have a copper stripe.