In the fascinating world of coin collecting, rare coins can sometimes fetch astronomical sums. While the Bicentennial Quarter is often thought of as a relatively common commemorative coin, a select few of these quarters are worth much more than their face value — in fact, some are worth millions.
One rare Bicentennial Quarter has recently been valued at around $85 million, and it is far from alone. There are at least three other quarters that have been valued at over $30 million, thanks to unique minting errors, low production numbers, and historical significance.
In this blog, we’ll explore how certain Bicentennial Quarters and other rare quarters have become some of the most valuable coins in existence, and provide tips on how to spot them.
Whether you’re an avid coin collector or simply curious about what’s in your change, you may just have a small fortune waiting to be discovered.
Why is This Bicentennial Quarter Worth $85 Million?
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States, is a beloved coin in American history.
It features the Liberty Bell and a drummer boy on the reverse side. While millions of these coins were produced, only a few rare examples have become extremely valuable.
The Bicentennial Quarter worth an estimated $85 million is an example of a Doubled Die Error coin. A Doubled Die occurs when the coin’s design is struck twice by the minting die, resulting in a doubling of certain letters or numbers.
In this case, the doubling is especially pronounced on the “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions, making the coin an unmistakable error.
The result is a highly desirable coin with a unique flaw that cannot be replicated, and it is the rarity and the error that pushes its value into the tens of millions of dollars.
Coins like these are particularly sought after by collectors who specialize in minting errors. The Bicentennial Doubled Die quarter is one of the rarest error coins in the world, and when it appeared at auction, it fetched an astounding $85 million.
This is one of the highest prices ever recorded for a coin of its kind, highlighting just how much error coins can be worth.
Three More Quarters Worth Over $30 Million
While the Doubled Die Bicentennial Quarter is certainly the showstopper, there are three more rare quarters that are valued at over $30 million. These coins have either low mintages, unique errors, or both. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $30 million+
- Key Features: The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the rarest quarters in existence due to its extremely low mintage of just 436,800 coins. It was the first year of the Washington Quarter series, and the D mintmark (for Denver) indicates that this is a particularly rare variety. Over the years, collectors have sought this coin after it became apparent that very few high-quality examples exist. A 1932-D Washington Quarter in mint condition has been known to sell for over $30 million, making it one of the most valuable quarters in history.
2. 1942/1 Washington Quarter (Overdate Error)
- Estimated Value: $35 million+
- Key Features: The 1942/1 Washington Quarter is a highly sought-after overdate error, meaning that the die used to strike the coin was improperly used from the previous year, resulting in the “1” from the 1941 design being visible beneath the “2” of the 1942 year. This overdate error is a rare occurrence and makes the coin especially valuable. Only a small number of 1942/1 Washington Quarters exist, and the few remaining coins in pristine condition have sold for over $35 million at auction.
3. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
- Estimated Value: $40 million+
- Key Features: The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the most iconic and beautiful coins in U.S. history. Featuring Liberty holding a shield and an olive branch, the design is considered one of the finest in U.S. coinage. However, only 52,000 of these quarters were minted, and many of the coins were worn or damaged over time, making high-quality examples extremely rare. In excellent condition, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter has sold for $40 million or more, solidifying its place as one of the most valuable quarters in existence.
4. 1964 Proof Washington Quarter
- Estimated Value: $30 million+
- Key Features: The 1964 Proof Washington Quarter was minted as part of a special proof set for collectors. Proof coins are struck with more care and detail than regular circulation coins, and the 1964 Proof Washington Quarter is one of the most valuable coins of this series. Due to its polished, mirror-like finish, high-quality examples have sold for over $30 million, with a premium placed on coins with flawless proof strikes and high grade ratings.
| Coin | Year | Estimated Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die) | 1976 | $85 million+ | Doubled Die error, “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” doubled |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | $30 million+ | Low mintage, rare in high grades |
| 1942/1 Washington Quarter (Overdate) | 1942 | $35 million+ | Overdate error from 1941 overstruck by 1942 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | $40 million+ | Iconic design, low mintage |
| 1964 Proof Washington Quarter | 1964 | $30 million+ | Special proof issue, high-quality examples |
Why are some Bicentennial Quarters worth millions?
Most Bicentennial Quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents, but certain minting errors, such as Doubled Die errors, make these coins extremely rare and valuable. The $85 million Bicentennial Quarter is one such example.
How do I know if I have a rare quarter?
To spot rare quarters, look for minting errors, low mintage years, and key dates like 1932, 1942, and 1916. Additionally, high-grade coins in excellent condition are more valuable.
What is a Doubled Die Error?
A Doubled Die Error occurs when a coin is struck more than once, creating a doubling effect on the design. The Bicentennial Quarter with a Doubled Die Error is one of the most valuable coins, with some selling for upwards of $85 million.