More than that, rare quarters can possess an altogether historical value plus minting oddities, which may go high. In particular, one of the rarest versions of these quarters-which cost about $45 million USD-is of the Bicentennial Quarter. There are, however more decent quarters with prices beside that one though. This essay will examine this amazing Bicentennial quarter along with four more rare quarters, valued at more than $20,000 each on their own, to find out why these are so in demand with collectors.
$45 Million Bicentennial Quarter
First is the $45 million Bicentennial Quarter, a quarter that was created in 1976 as part of the celebration of two hundred years of American independence. Some of the Bicentennial Quarters were minted incorrectly and some of them are worth millions of dollars while most of them hold only sentimental value. The quarter had two impressions from the minting press, which resulted in overlapping images. This is actually referred to as double-strucking. Due to the extreme rarity of such an error and the historical significance of the Bicentennial, this one-of-a-kind coin is valued at an astonishing $45 million.
Such errors are a boon for collectors and this Bicentennial Quarter remains a star in the numismatic world owing to its near-flawlessness.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Another extremely rare and also highly coveted coin is the 1932-D Washington Quarter that now fetches over $20,000. This quarter is from the first year of issue for the Washington Quarter series, which was originally designed as a one-year commemorative coin to mark the 200th birthday of George Washington. The mint mark “D” from the Denver Mint is scarce, as the quarters were minted in several mints. This is a highly collected quarter as so few were produced. It’s much better if it is still in good condition with very little or no signs of wear and tear.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Though as valuable as its Denver equivalent, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is even extremely rare, and costs more than $20,000. It is one of the lowest mintage in the series and also from the inaugural year of the series to which this San Francisco-minted quarter belonged. The collectors do not even flinch at the price tag, however, because compared to the other quarters of this quarter, there are fewer of them and even fewer that survive, remaining perfect. This is especially the case if the coin has managed to retain its brilliant details and shine over the years.
1943-S Silver Washington Quarter
Because of its content and the date of its minting, the 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter stands alone in numismatic history; it sells for more than $20,000. The United States issued silver quarters and saved copper and nickel for the war during World War II. That makes the 1943-S quarter with the San Francisco mint mark pretty pricey because it is pretty rare to get quarters from this period without wear. So, if it’s in an uncirculated condition or nearly flaw-free, the value goes real high.
1950-D/S Over mintmark Quarter
Lastly, our list concludes with the 1950-D/S Over mintmark Quarter, which retails for more than $20,000. An error in minting placed a Denver mark (D) over a San Francisco mark (S), making this unusual coin. It is an unusual quarter because it was discovered during a time of changing thoughts for the U.S. Mint regarding its operations. When in good condition, it has a fairly inflated worth because minting faults and superb preservation make for a very desirable coin.
| Quarter | Year | Mint Mark/Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| $45 Million Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Double-struck minting error | Nearly $45 million |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Denver Mint, low mintage | Over $20,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | San Francisco Mint, low mintage | Over $20,000 |
| 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter | 1943 | San Francisco Mint, silver | Over $20,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | 1950 | D stamped over S mint mark | Over $20,000 |
“These quarters are more than just a way of making money; they’re more like a bridge to the past-the day that defined American mintage and a tribute to pivotal junctures in the history of the country.”
FAQs
What is a Bicentennial Quarter?
A quarter minted in 1976.
How to identify rare quarters?
Check for mint marks and errors.
What makes a coin valuable?
Rarity, condition, demand, historical significance.