In an exciting turn of events for the numismatic world, a rare Bicentennial quarter has recently been valued at a staggering $38 million USD, capturing the attention of coin collectors, investors, and enthusiasts alike.
While most Bicentennial quarters, minted in 1976 to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary, are worth just their face value of 25 cents, this particular coin is exceptional due to a rare minting error.
This coin’s eye-popping price is a reminder that even seemingly ordinary items can turn into extraordinary treasures under the right circumstances.
Along with the $38 million quarter, there are several other coins that have also reached values of over $900,000. Let’s take a closer look at the story behind this rare Bicentennial quarter, along with four other highly valuable coins that have fetched impressive sums at auction.
The $38 Million Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter in question recently sold for $38 million, an astronomical amount considering the coin’s face value is just 25 cents. So, what makes this coin so special? The quarter features a significant minting error: it was struck off-center, causing the designs to be misaligned.
The coin was also graded as a proof coin, which is produced with a special process that gives it a shiny, mirror-like finish.
Error coins like this one are incredibly rare, and the fact that this particular quarter has remained in excellent condition only adds to its high value. Such coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity and the intrigue surrounding their creation.
The $38 million price tag sets a new benchmark for rare U.S. coins, proving once again that even the most humble denominations can become priceless artifacts when combined with the right mix of rarity, error, and demand.
4 Other Coins Worth Over $900,000
While the $38 million Bicentennial quarter has made headlines, it’s not the only rare coin to command a massive price. Below are four more coins that have sold for over $900,000, each highly coveted by collectors for its rarity, history, or unique characteristics.
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 Million
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is widely considered one of the first silver dollars ever minted by the U.S. Mint. With fewer than 130 specimens remaining, this coin is a true treasure in the world of numismatics. One of the finest examples of the 1794 dollar was sold for an incredible $10 million in 2013.
The coin features a flowing hair design by Robert Scot and was part of the earliest production of silver dollars, making it historically significant. Due to its rarity and historical value, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar remains one of the most expensive coins in the world.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle – $22 Million
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/US2000-1933-Saint-Gaudens-20-Dollar-Gold-lg-56a1787a3df78cf7726afa6b.jpg)
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is another record-breaking coin in the world of rare numismatics. Struck during the Great Depression, the coin was never released into circulation, as the U.S. government ordered the destruction of all uncirculated coins to solidify the country’s transition off the gold standard.
Despite the recall, a few examples managed to escape and find their way into private collections. In 2021, one of these gold coins was sold for a record $22 million, setting a new auction record for the most expensive coin at that time.
The rarity and historical significance of the 1933 Double Eagle make it an iconic and highly valuable piece.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $4.56 Million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is another infamous coin that fetched a massive price at auction. Only five of these coins were ever struck, and they were not authorized by the U.S. Mint. A Mint employee struck these coins illegally, and they were never meant for circulation.
In 2018, one of the five nickels sold for $4.56 million, making it one of the most valuable nickels in history. The rarity of the coin, combined with the story behind its creation, has made the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel a coveted item for collectors.
4. 1943 Copper Penny – $1.7 Million
The 1943 Copper Penny is a famous error coin that has attracted significant attention. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to producing pennies made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly struck and released into circulation.
These copper pennies are extremely rare, with only a few known to exist. One such penny sold for $1.7 million at auction in 2019. The coin’s rarity, along with its unique backstory, has made it one of the most valuable and sought-after error coins in the world.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Priced at Nearly $22 Million USD: 5 More Coins Worth Over $250,000
| Coin Name | Year | Auction Price (USD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $38 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 |
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial quarter worth $38 million?
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter’s value comes from a rare minting error—specifically, it was struck off-center. Combined with its pristine proof condition and the fact that it was a limited-edition coin, it became a highly valuable collector’s item.
How can I tell if my coin is worth a lot?
To determine the value of your coin, you can have it appraised by a professional or submit it for grading by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC. The condition of the coin, its rarity, and historical significance all play a role in determining its value.
Why do some coins sell for millions?
Coins that sell for millions are typically rare, often due to low mintage, minting errors, or their historical importance. Additionally, coins in excellent condition, or those with unique features, are highly sought after by collectors, driving their prices up.