Rare Bicentennial Quarter Errors Worth Over $12,000 – Check Your Coins Today

The Bicentennial Quarter is a celebrated piece of American history, minted to honor the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. While over a billion of these quarters were struck between 1975 and 1976, certain error coins stand out as rare and valuable collectibles. Some of these quarters, thanks to their unique minting mistakes, have fetched prices exceeding $12,000. Could you have one hiding in your spare change? Let’s look into these intriguing errors.

Double Die Obverse

The double die obverse error occurs when the coin’s obverse (front) is struck twice with a slight misalignment, creating a doubling effect. Key features like “LIBERTY” or the date may appear duplicated. This distinctive error is highly sought after, making it one of the most valuable varieties.

Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet error happens when part of the metal blank is missing before the quarter is struck. The result is a coin with a crescent-shaped section missing. While small clips are more common, larger ones are rarer and can significantly increase the coin’s value, with some selling for up to $1,500.

Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike occurs when the blank planchet is not correctly aligned in the minting press, causing part of the design to be missing. The degree of the misalignment determines the coin’s rarity. Extreme off-center strikes are exceptionally rare and can command prices between $3,000 and $10,000.

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Die Breaks

Die breaks, or “cuds,” occur when a crack in the minting die transfers a raised, irregular line onto the coin. These errors can appear anywhere on the quarter and add a layer of uniqueness that collectors cherish. Values typically range from $200 to $800, depending on the size and location of the break.

Transitional Error

Transitional errors are among the rarest mistakes in coin minting. These occur when a Bicentennial Quarter is struck on a planchet intended for another denomination, such as a dime. The result is a mismatched metal composition and weight, making these coins incredibly valuable, often fetching $10,000 to $15,000.

Struck Through Foreign Object

This error occurs when a foreign material, such as debris or a wire, is present during the minting process. The foreign object leaves an impression on the coin, creating a one-of-a-kind collectible. Depending on the severity and uniqueness of the impression, these coins can sell for $1,000 to $5,000.

Double Die Reverse

Similar to the double die obverse, this error involves misaligned doubling on the reverse side of the quarter. Look for doubling in details like the drummer boy or inscriptions like “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Well-preserved examples can fetch between $7,000 and $12,000, making them a valuable find.

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Coin Error Type	Description	Rarity Level	Approximate Value ($)
Double Die Obverse	Misaligned doubling on the front	Very Rare	Up to 12,000
Clipped Planchet	Crescent-shaped section missing	Rare	500 – 1,500
Off-Center Strike	Misaligned design	Extremely Rare	3,000 – 10,000
Die Breaks	Cracks in the minting die	Rare	200 – 800
Transitional Error	Struck on incorrect planchet	Exceptionally Rare	10,000 – 15,000
Struck Through Object	Impression of foreign material	Unique	1,000 – 5,000
Double Die Reverse	Misaligned doubling on the back	Very Rare	7,000 – 12,000

The Bicentennial Quarter’s design and history already make it a fascinating coin. When coupled with rare minting errors, these coins transform into highly valuable treasures. If you suspect you have a Bicentennial Quarter with any of these errors, consider consulting a professional appraiser to confirm its authenticity and determine its market value.

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