3 Must-See Rare Quarters: Each Worth Over $550,000:- The world of coin collecting is filled with fascinating stories of rare treasures, and among the most captivating are those rare quarters worth over $550,000.
These coins are not just pieces of history; they represent significant errors, unique characteristics, and some of the highest levels of rarity in the numismatic world.
Collectors and investors alike seek these elusive coins, as they offer a rare opportunity for exceptional returns on investment. In this article, we will explore three must-see rare quarters that have sold for astronomical amounts, each worth over $550,000.
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1. The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter is widely regarded as one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. This quarter was part of the first set of coins ever minted by the United States Mint, and only a handful of examples remain today.
The 1796 Draped Bust quarter features a design created by Robert Scott, who designed the obverse featuring a bust of Lady Liberty, draped in flowing robes with her hair tied back in a bun. The reverse features an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, with a shield in front of it.
Value and Rarity
The value of the 1796 Draped Bust quarter is immense due to its extreme rarity. Only around 1,000 of these coins were initially minted, and only 100-150 examples are believed to have survived in various conditions.
The most pristine versions are particularly sought after, with uncirculated coins fetching the highest prices. A well-preserved 1796 Draped Bust quarter can sell for well over $550,000, with some examples reaching prices as high as $1 million at auction.
One of the reasons for the high value of this coin is its historical significance. The 1796 Draped Bust quarter was minted during the early years of the United States, and it marks a pivotal moment in the country’s numismatic history.
Coins from this period are highly collectible, especially given that the United States Mint was still in its infancy at the time, and the coin design was quickly changed in subsequent years.
Key Features:
- Year Minted: 1796
- Design: Draped Bust of Liberty on the obverse, eagle on the reverse
- Rarity: Only 100-150 surviving examples
- Record Price: $1,000,000+ for top-quality specimens
2. The 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington quarter is a prime example of a coin that’s valuable due to both its rarity and historical context. The Washington quarter, first minted in 1932, was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
The design features a portrait of Washington on the obverse, created by sculptor John Flanagan. The reverse shows an eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and strength.
Why It’s So Valuable
The 1932-S Washington quarter is considered one of the most valuable quarters in existence because it was minted in limited quantities. Only 408,000 coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1932, making it a rare find.
Most of these coins were circulated and have been heavily worn over the years, which means that finding one in good condition is exceedingly rare. The 1932-S is widely regarded as the “key date” in the Washington quarter series, with high-grade examples fetching prices well over $550,000.
The value of the 1932-S Washington quarter is also driven by the coin’s historical significance. Washington, as the first president of the United States, holds a central place in American history, and any coin bearing his likeness is highly prized.
The fact that the 1932-S quarter was the first year of issue for the Washington quarter series adds to its allure.
Key Features:
- Year Minted: 1932
- Design: George Washington on the obverse, eagle on the reverse
- Rarity: Only 408,000 minted at the San Francisco Mint
- Record Price: $700,000+ for high-grade examples
3. The 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter
The 1870-CC Seated Liberty quarter is another rare coin that has achieved immense value, with examples regularly reaching prices over $550,000 at auction. This particular coin was minted at the Carson City Mint, which was known for producing fewer coins than other mints.
The Seated Liberty quarter, which was first minted in the mid-1800s, features Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a branch of laurel.
The Carson City Mint’s Role in Its Rarity
The Carson City Mint was responsible for minting a relatively small number of coins, making any coin produced there far rarer than those minted at other locations.
The 1870-CC Seated Liberty quarter is especially rare because only a small number were struck, and many of them were either lost or heavily worn.
Over time, most of the 1870-CC Seated Liberty quarters were either melted down or put into circulation, making well-preserved examples very hard to find.
What sets the 1870-CC apart from other Seated Liberty quarters is its mint mark “CC,” which stands for Carson City. The mint’s relatively short operation period (from 1870 to 1893) means that any coin bearing the “CC” mint mark is considered highly collectible.
As with many rare coins, demand from collectors and investors has driven the price of this quarter to extraordinary heights, with top-quality examples regularly surpassing $550,000.
Key Features:
- Year Minted: 1870
- Mint: Carson City (CC)
- Design: Seated Liberty holding a shield and laurel branch
- Rarity: Very few examples survive in excellent condition
- Record Price: $700,000+ for high-grade specimens
Why Rare Quarters Are Worth So Much
There are several key reasons why these rare quarters are valued so highly. First and foremost, rarity is a significant factor. As with any collectible item, scarcity increases value.
Whether due to low mintage numbers, historical significance, or production errors, rare quarters tend to fetch higher prices.
Condition is another key factor. Coins that have been well-preserved, particularly those that are in uncirculated or proof condition, can command much higher prices than coins that have been heavily circulated and worn.
In addition to rarity and condition, the historical context of these coins plays a significant role in their value.
Coins that commemorate important events or feature historically significant figures are especially sought after by collectors. For instance, the 1796 Draped Bust quarter was struck during the early days of the United States, making it a highly significant piece of American numismatic history.
Finally, demand among collectors and investors drives up the price of rare coins. As more collectors seek to complete their collections or invest in valuable assets, the prices of rare quarters rise.
| Coin Type | Value (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1796 Draped Bust Quarter | $1,000,000+ | Rarity, historical significance, first-year issue |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | $700,000+ | Low mintage, George Washington’s likeness |
| 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter | $700,000+ | Carson City mint, Seated Liberty design |
What makes the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter so valuable?
A1: Its extreme rarity, historical significance, and low survival rate make it one of the most valuable coins in American history. Only around 100-150 examples are known to exist.
Why is the 1932-S Washington Quarter so rare?
A2: Only 408,000 of these coins were minted, and most were heavily circulated or lost. Its rarity and connection to George Washington make it highly desirable.
How much is an 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter worth?
A3: High-quality examples of the 1870-CC Seated Liberty quarter can sell for over $550,000, with top specimens reaching prices as high as $700,000.
How can I determine if my quarter is valuable?
A4: Look for mint errors, unique features like mint marks, and the coin’s overall condition. Rare coins with historical significance tend to fetch higher prices.
Are there other rare quarters worth significant money?
A5: Yes, other rare quarters, like certain varieties of the Standing Liberty quarter or the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel, can also be worth large sums depending on their rarity and condition.