A rare Bicentennial quarter recently made headlines after selling for nearly $22 million USD, shattering records and capturing the attention of the numismatic community. This astounding price is due to a unique error coin, a 1970 Bicentennial quarter that features an off-center minting mistake.
While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents, this specific coin’s rarity and minting error make it worth an eye-watering amount. In this article, we’ll explore how this rare coin reached such a high price, along with five other coins that are valued at over $250,000, showcasing the lucrative world of rare coin collecting.
The $22 Million Bicentennial Quarter
The 1970 Bicentennial quarter that sold for nearly $22 million is an exceptional example of how errors during the minting process can result in staggering values.
While the 1970 quarter was minted in large quantities to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, a handful of coins were struck with significant minting errors. This particular quarter was struck off-center, creating a noticeable misalignment of the design.
5 More Coins Worth Over $250,000
While the nearly $22 million Bicentennial quarter may be the most extraordinary, it’s far from the only coin that has fetched a significant amount at auction. Here are five more coins that have been valued at over $250,000, each offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world of rare coin collecting.
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 Million
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is often considered one of the first silver dollars ever minted by the U.S. Mint.
With only a few examples remaining, this coin is both rare and historically significant. In 2013, one of these coins sold for a record-breaking $10 million at auction, cementing its place as one of the most expensive coins in history.
Its value is driven by its rarity—only about 130 known examples exist—and its association with the early days of the U.S. Mint. As one of the first coins ever struck by the U.S. government, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar remains a prized item for collectors.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle – $22 Million
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The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is another famous coin that has reached astronomical prices. This gold coin was struck during the Great Depression, but before it could enter circulation, the U.S. government ordered it to be melted down as part of the country’s transition from the gold standard.
Most of the 445,500 coins produced were destroyed, but a few escaped the recall, making them extremely rare.
One such coin sold for $22 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021, setting a new world record for the most expensive coin ever sold at that time. The coin’s historical significance, combined with its rarity, has made it a key piece in the numismatic world.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $4.56 Million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is another rarity in the world of U.S. coins. Only five of these coins were ever struck, and they were created illegally by a U.S. Mint employee. The Liberty Head design was replaced in 1913 by the Buffalo Nickel, but these five coins were made as part of an unauthorized experiment.
In 2018, one of these five nickels sold for $4.56 million at auction, highlighting its immense value. The rarity, combined with the intrigue surrounding its creation, makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel one of the most coveted coins among collectors.
4. 1943 Copper Penny – $1.7 Million
The 1943 Copper Penny is a famous error coin that has captured the attention of coin collectors for decades. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel for pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly struck and released into circulation.
In 2019, one of these rare copper pennies was sold for $1.7 million at auction, setting a record for the most valuable penny in history. The rarity of the coin—only a few are known to exist—combined with its historical context, makes it highly prized by collectors.
5. 1907 Double Eagle – $1.8 Million
The 1907 Double Eagle is another gold coin that has reached over $1 million at auction. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the 1907 Double Eagle was a highly controversial coin due to its design.
The coin featured a stunning depiction of Lady Liberty, but its bold design was not initially approved by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Despite the controversy, the 1907 Double Eagle has become one of the most famous coins in U.S. history. In 2021, one example sold for $1.8 million at auction. The coin’s historical significance, along with its striking design, has made it a top collector’s item.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Sells for Almost $56 Million USD: 6 Other Coins Worth Over $1 Million
| Coin Name | Year | Auction Price (USD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 Bicentennial Quarter | 1970 | $22 million | Off-center strike error, proof coin |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $10 million | One of the first U.S. silver dollars, historical significance |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle | 1933 | $22 million | Never circulated, gold coin |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.56 million | Struck illegally, only five examples |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | $1.7 million | Copper instead of steel, wartime error |
| 1907 Double Eagle | 1907 | $1.8 million | Controversial design, gold coin |
What made the Bicentennial quarter worth $22 million?
The 1970 Bicentennial quarter’s off-center minting error, combined with its perfect proof condition, made it an incredibly rare find. Error coins are highly valued in the numismatic market, especially those with significant flaws that distinguish them from ordinary coins.
How do I know if my coin is worth a lot?
To determine if your coin is valuable, you should have it appraised by a professional or submit it for grading with a reputable service like the PCGS or NGC. The coin’s rarity, condition, and demand within the collecting community will all influence its market value.
Why are some error coins worth more than others?
Not all error coins are created equal. Coins with significant errors that are visually striking, rare, or tied to important historical moments are often more valuable. The scarcity of the error and the demand among collectors play major roles in the coin’s worth.
Can I sell a coin for millions?
While it’s possible to sell rare coins for millions, the vast majority of coins are not worth that much. Most of the coins that fetch such high prices are extremely rare, have unique historical value, or contain valuable metals like gold or silver.