Coin collecting merges history, artistry, and the thrill of discovering rare finds worth far more than their face value. Among the most notable treasures in U.S. coinage is the Bicentennial Quarter, with one rare variant recently fetching nearly $1.35 million USD. Alongside this remarkable coin are six other quarters, each valued over $80,000 USD, each with unique attributes that make them highly collectible. This article finds these extraordinary coins and their fascinating backstories.
Bicentennial Quarter
Minted in 1976 to commemorate America’s bicentennial, the Bicentennial Quarter is instantly recognizable for its colonial drummer boy design. However, a unique variant, struck with a rare minting error and preserved in pristine, uncirculated condition, recently sold for nearly $1.35 million USD. This coin is an exceptional find, prized for its historical context, uncirculated condition, and rarity.
Most Valuable Quarters
| Coin | Description | Unique Feature | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | Commemorates America’s 200th anniversary of independence; 1976. | Rare minting error; pristine condition. | $1,350,000 |
| 1932 Washington Quarter | First of the Washington quarter series; minted as a one-year commemorative. | D or S mint marks; uncirculated condition. | Over $80,000 |
| 1943 Copper Quarter | Minted during WWII; most 1943 quarters were made of steel. | Made from leftover copper planchets due to a mint error. | Over $100,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | A 1950 Denver mint quarter mistakenly stamped over a San Francisco mint mark. | Overmintmark error: D over S. | Over $80,000 |
| 1964 SMS Quarter | Special Mint Set quarter from 1964, though production was not documented by the U.S. Mint. | Unique finish, extremely rare. | Over $100,000 |
| 1970-S Proof Quarter on 1941 Canadian | A 1970-S proof quarter mistakenly struck on a 1941 Canadian quarter. | Features elements of both U.S. and Canadian designs. | Over $80,000 |
| 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter | Struck without a collar, resulting in a broader, misshapen appearance. | Broadstruck error. | Over $80,000 |
Washington Quarter
The 1932 Washington Quarter was the first in a series commemorating George Washington, intended initially as a one-time release. Quarters from this year with D (Denver) or S (San Francisco) mint marks are rare in uncirculated condition and can be worth over $80,000 USD. Their rarity and historical significance make them highly sought after.
Copper Quarter
Most quarters minted in 1943 were made of steel coated with zinc due to wartime copper shortages. However, a few copper quarters from that year were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets. These errors have made the 1943 Copper Quarter incredibly rare, with a value of over $100,000 USD.
Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Quarter features an overmintmark error, where a D (Denver) mint mark was stamped over an S (San Francisco) mint mark due to a die mix-up. In top condition, these quarters are worth over $80,000 USD, with their unique error elevating their value in the collector’s market.
SMS Quarter
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Quarter is shrouded in mystery as the U.S. Mint did not fully document its production. With only a few known to exist, these quarters have a distinct finish and can fetch over $100,000 USD when in pristine condition. Their rarity and unique finish have made them some of the most sought-after quarters in coin collecting.
Proof Quarter Struck
One of the most unusual coins in this list is the 1970-S proof quarter, struck accidentally on a 1941 Canadian quarter. This dual-design coin is highly collectible, valued over $80,000 USD due to its rarity and the fascinating story it tells of an international minting error.
Connecticut Broadstruck
A broadstruck error occurs when a coin is struck without the collar that normally holds it in place, resulting in a broader, misshapen appearance. The 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter is one such error, and its distinctive look has made it a rare and valuable piece worth over $80,000 USD in mint condition.
The world of rare quarters combines history, artistry, and unexpected discoveries. From the $1.35 million Bicentennial Quarter to other quarters valued over $80,000 USD, these coins show how minting errors, historical significance, and unique conditions can turn ordinary coins into extraordinary collectibles. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, hunting for rare quarters is an adventure that offers both historical insight and potential financial rewards.
FAQs
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $1.35 million?
This rare variant of the Bicentennial Quarter has a minting error and is in pristine, uncirculated condition, making it extremely valuable.
What makes the 1932 Washington Quarter special?
The 1932 Washington Quarter launched the Washington quarter series. Versions with D or S mint marks in uncirculated condition are particularly rare and valuable.
How much is the 1943 Copper Quarter worth?
A 1943 Copper Quarter can be worth over $100,000 USD due to its rarity and the wartime copper shortage that led to its unique composition.
What is an overmintmark error?
An overmintmark error, like the 1950-D/S Quarter, occurs when a mint mark from one location is stamped over a different mint mark, adding value due to the rarity of this mistake.
How did the 1970-S Proof Quarter get struck on a Canadian quarter?
This unique error resulted from a mix-up at the mint, creating a rare collector’s piece with elements from both U.S. and Canadian coinage, valued at over $80,000 USD.
