Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Nearly $300K – 4 Others Worth Over $10,000 Each

The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is a cherished piece of U.S. currency, created to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. Its unique design, featuring a colonial drummer and dual dates “1776–1976,” has made it a favorite among collectors. While most Bicentennial quarters hold little more than face value, rare varieties have proven to be incredibly valuable, with one example recently selling for nearly $300,000.

Let’s look into this rare Bicentennial quarter and four other valuable quarters, each worth over $10,000.

Bicentennial

Although most Bicentennial quarters were struck in copper-nickel clad metal, a select few were minted on 40% silver planchets intended for collector proof sets. Occasionally, these silver quarters entered circulation by mistake, making them exceptionally rare.

A silver Bicentennial quarter in pristine condition recently sold for nearly $300,000 due to its silver content, rarity, and the error that released it into circulation.

What to Look For

• Edge: Silver Bicentennial quarters have a solid silver edge, lacking the copper core stripe of standard quarters.
• Weight: Silver quarters are slightly heavier than copper-nickel versions.
• Consider professional grading to confirm authenticity and condition.

1932-D Washington

The 1932-D Washington quarter is one of the rarest in the Washington quarter series. Minted to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, the Denver Mint struck only 436,800 coins, making this quarter scarce and highly collectible.

In near-mint or uncirculated condition, the 1932-D can easily surpass $10,000 in value. Its status as an inaugural coin adds to its appeal among collectors.

What to Look For

• Check for the “D” mint mark on the reverse, below the eagle.
• Even heavily circulated examples are valuable, but uncirculated coins fetch the highest prices.

1896-S Barber

The 1896-S Barber quarter, minted in San Francisco, had a mintage of just 188,039 coins, making it one of the rarest in the Barber series. Few of these coins survive in high-grade condition, and their scarcity drives their value.

Well-preserved 1896-S quarters often sell for over $10,000, especially those with minimal wear.

What to Look For

• Locate the “S” mint mark on the reverse, below the eagle.
• Coins with sharp details and minimal wear are particularly prized by collectors.

1950-D Washington Quarter with Doubled Die Reverse

The 1950-D Washington quarter features a striking doubled die error on the reverse side, creating a shadow-like effect on the lettering. Error coins are highly collectible, and this specific error makes the 1950-D particularly valuable, with top-grade examples selling for over $10,000.

What to Look For

• Look for doubling on the reverse side, particularly in the phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
• Coins with pronounced doubling are the most valuable. Grading certification enhances their value and confirms authenticity.

1804 Draped Bust

The 1804 Draped Bust quarter is one of the rarest early U.S. quarters. With a limited mintage and few surviving examples, this coin holds significant historical value. Even in worn condition, it can sell for over $10,000, while high-grade examples fetch significantly more.

What to Look For

• The obverse features a bust of Lady Liberty, and the reverse depicts an eagle.
• Due to its age and value, any finding of this coin should be authenticated by a grading service.

Rare quarters like these are more than just currency—they are pieces of American history that can command impressive prices. From minting errors to low production numbers, each of these coins tells a unique story that adds to its value. So, take a closer look at your coin collection or spare change—you might observe a treasure worth thousands!

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