In the world of coin collecting, certain rare coins can be worth more than just their face value — they can fetch life-changing sums at auction.
Among the most famous coins that have caught the attention of collectors are the Bicentennial Quarters and rare Dimes, with some examples from these series worth $400,000 or even more.
These coins, which were minted decades ago, are still circulating today, meaning that they could be hiding in your loose change, ready to make you a small fortune.
The Bicentennial Quarter: A Celebrated Coin with Hidden Value
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976, was issued to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary of independence. It was a special release, featuring a reverse design that combined the Liberty Bell and a colonial drummer, symbols representing the nation’s fight for freedom.
The coin was created with the intention of marking an important moment in American history, and its unique design continues to attract collectors today.
However, the value of most Bicentennial Quarters remains relatively low, typically circulating for just 25 cents. But, some are worth far more — up to $400,000 — due to minting errors or rarity in production.
The most valuable coins are those with die errors or unusual strikes. For example, off-center coins, double strikes, and those that were struck on the wrong planchet or incorrectly stamped can bring in a hefty sum from collectors.
Such coins are highly coveted because they are considered “flaws,” and their rarity makes them desirable to numismatists and investors.
Additionally, Bicentennial Quarters in pristine condition (graded MS-65 or higher) can sell for thousands of dollars, even if they don’t have significant minting errors.
Collectors prize coins in mint condition, and as fewer and fewer of these coins remain in perfect shape, their value steadily increases.
Rare Dimes: A Surprisingly Valuable Coin
Alongside the Bicentennial Quarter, the Roosevelt Dime has also seen rare examples fetching staggering sums. The Roosevelt Dime has been in circulation since 1946, featuring a portrait of President Franklin D.
Roosevelt on the obverse and a torch, olive branch, and oak branch on the reverse. However, there are a few rare examples of Roosevelt Dimes that are worth much more than their face value — some reaching $400,000 or more.
The 1946-D Over D Dime: A Collector’s Holy Grail
One of the most famous rare dimes is the 1946-D Over D dime, which was struck with an overdate error. This means that the die used to strike the coin was repurposed from the previous year, resulting in a “D” mintmark being overstruck on another “D” mintmark.
The rarity of this error has made the coin highly desirable, with examples selling for upwards of $400,000 in some cases.
Another example of rare dimes are those struck with die cracks or mismatched dies, which happen when a minting die becomes damaged or misaligned during the production process.
These errors are exceedingly rare and can lead to dramatic price increases, especially if the coin is well-preserved.
| Coin Type | Minting Year | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (with error) | 1976 | $400,000 or more |
| 1946-D Over D Dime (Error) | 1946 | $400,000 or more |
| Bicentennial Quarter (Mint State MS-65) | 1976 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Roosevelt Dime (Mint State) | 1946-present | $10,000+ (for high-grade examples) |
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is worth a lot?
Look for coins with minting errors such as off-center strikes, double strikes, or wrong planchet errors. High-grade coins (MS-65 and above) also have significant value.
What’s the most valuable Roosevelt Dime?
The 1946-D Over D Dime is one of the most valuable, worth upwards of $400,000 due to its overdate minting error.
Where can I sell my rare coins?
You can sell rare coins to coin dealers, at auctions, or through online platforms like eBay. Professional grading services can help you determine the value of your coin before selling.