The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, minted to honor the United States’ 200th anniversary, is one of the most recognizable U.S. coins. Featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse and the dual date “1776–1976,” most of these quarters are worth only face value. However, a few rare variations have become highly valuable.
One exceptionally rare Bicentennial Quarter recently sold for nearly $420,000, and several other rare quarters have surpassed $11,000. Let’s look into these valuable coins and what makes them so desirable to collectors.
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Rare Bicentennial Quarter
Most Bicentennial Quarters were struck in copper-nickel, making them common. However, a small number of silver Bicentennial quarters were minted for collector sets, and a few mistakenly entered circulation.
Why It’s Valuable
- Struck on a 40% silver planchet, originally meant for proof sets.
- Accidental circulation release, making it exceptionally rare.
- High-grade condition significantly enhances its value.
What to Look For
- Check the edge: Silver quarters have a solid silver-colored edge, while standard quarters have a copper stripe.
- Slightly heavier than regular copper-nickel quarters.
- Authentication by a grading service can confirm its value.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter debuted in 1932 to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. The 1932-D (Denver Mint) quarter is one of the rarest Washington quarters, especially in high-grade condition.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 436,800 were minted, making it one of the scarcest quarters.
- High-grade examples can sell for over $11,000.
What to Look For
- A “D” mint mark on the reverse, below the eagle.
- Even circulated examples hold value, but near-mint quarters command the highest prices.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The Liberty Seated Quarter series (1838–1891) features some of the most sought-after U.S. coins. The 1870-CC quarter, struck at the Carson City Mint, is one of the rarest.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 8,340 were minted, making it exceptionally rare.
- Surviving examples in good condition can sell for over $11,000, with higher grades commanding even more.
What to Look For
- “CC” mint mark under the eagle on the reverse.
- Authentication is crucial due to its high value.
1901-S Barber Quarter
The Barber Quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was minted from 1892 to 1916. The 1901-S Barber Quarter is one of the rarest and most valuable in the series.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 72,664 were minted, making it one of the lowest mintages in U.S. quarter history.
- High-grade examples can sell for well over $11,000.
What to Look For
- “S” mint mark beneath the eagle on the reverse.
- Even worn examples are valuable, but well-preserved quarters fetch the highest prices.
1955 Washington Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
A doubled die error occurs when the coin’s design is struck twice, creating a double image. The 1955 Washington Quarter is famous for this error, making it a collector favorite.
Why It’s Valuable
- The doubling is easily visible, making it highly collectible.
- High-grade examples regularly sell for over $11,000.
What to Look For
- Check the obverse for doubled lettering, especially in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- A magnifying glass can help confirm the doubling effect.
1943 Washington Quarter with Overpolished Die Error
In 1943, some Washington Quarters were struck using a die that was overpolished, causing design details to disappear or become faint.
Why It’s Valuable
- Distinctive visual appearance makes it a collectible oddity.
- High-grade versions have sold for over $11,000.
What to Look For
- Look for faint or missing details, especially around “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- If parts of the design seem weaker or faded, it may be an overpolished die error.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is famous for its overdate error, where the “3” in the date was struck over a “2.”
Why It’s Valuable
- Extremely rare, and high-grade examples can exceed $11,000.
- The unique overdate feature makes it highly desirable.
What to Look For
- Examine the date on the obverse for traces of the underlying “2” beneath the “3.”
- A magnifying glass is helpful to confirm the overdate error.
| Coin | Estimated Value | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $420,000 | Struck on a 40% silver planchet |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $11,000+ | First-year Washington quarter, rare low mintage |
| 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | $11,000+ | Carson City Mint, extremely rare |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | $11,000+ | Low mintage, highly sought after |
| 1955 Washington Quarter (Doubled Die) | $11,000+ | Obvious doubling on letters |
| 1943 Washington Quarter (Overpolished Die) | $11,000+ | Parts of the design missing or faded |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | $11,000+ | Overdate error on the year |
These rare quarters prove that small details—such as errors, mint marks, and silver content—can dramatically increase a coin’s value. Whether you’re a collector or just checking your spare change, you might own a hidden treasure.
FAQs
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Some were struck on 40% silver planchets, making them rare.
How can I tell if my quarter is silver?
Check the coin’s edge—silver quarters have no copper stripe.
What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter rare?
It had a low mintage of 436,800, making it highly collectible.
What is a doubled die error?
A minting mistake where parts of the design appear doubled.
Where can I sell a rare quarter?
You can sell through auctions, coin dealers, or online marketplaces.
