Have you ever wondered if the spare change in your pocket could be worth millions? While most quarters are only worth their face value, a few rare ones have skyrocketed in value due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical significance.
One Bicentennial quarter even sold for nearly $3 million! Let’s dive into this incredible coin and four other quarters that are worth over $300,000.
Bicentennial Quarter Worth $3 Million
Why It’s Special
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted between 1975 and 1976, was created to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. While most of these quarters are made from copper-nickel, a small number were mistakenly struck on 40% silver planchets, originally intended for proof sets.
How It Made Millions
One of these rare silver Bicentennial Quarters ended up in circulation by accident. Its unique composition and excellent condition made it a one-of-a-kind collector’s item, fetching nearly $3 million at auction!
What to Look For
- Edge Check: A solid silver edge, not the copper stripe seen in standard quarters.
- Weight Test: Silver quarters are slightly heavier than their copper-nickel counterparts.
- Professional Grading: If you think you’ve found one, get it authenticated by a professional service.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Why It’s Special
The 1932-D Washington Quarter was minted to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. With only 436,800 minted, it’s one of the scarcest coins in the Washington quarter series.
How It Reaches Over $300,000
Collectors highly value this coin for its limited production and significance as the first year of the Washington quarter series. In pristine condition, some examples have fetched prices well into six figures.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: Check for the “D” below the eagle on the reverse side.
- Condition: Even well-used examples are valuable, but uncirculated coins fetch the highest prices.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
Why It’s Special
Minted at the historic Carson City Mint, the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter had an incredibly low mintage of just 8,340 coins.
What Makes It Valuable
Its rarity and connection to the famed Carson City Mint make this coin a collector’s dream. High-grade examples have sold for over $300,000.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: Look for the “CC” below the eagle.
- Authenticity: This coin is frequently counterfeited, so professional verification is essential.
1901-S Barber Quarter
Why It’s Special
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is among the rarest coins in the Barber series, designed by Charles E. Barber. Only 72,664 were minted in San Francisco.
Why It’s Worth Over $300,000
Collectors prize this coin for its scarcity and its appeal as part of the Barber series. Near-mint examples have reached impressive auction prices.
What to Look For
- Mint Mark: The “S” on the reverse side identifies its San Francisco origin.
- Condition: Even well-worn coins hold significant value, but mint-state examples command a premium.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
Why It’s Special
This quarter features an overdate error where a “3” was struck over a “2,” making it a unique piece of U.S. minting history.
Why It’s Highly Prized
With only a few known examples, the 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is incredibly rare. The overdate error adds to its historical intrigue, with some selling for over $300,000.
What to Look For
- Overdate Error: Look closely at the date to spot remnants of the “2” under the “3.”
- Condition: Coins in better condition with a clear overdate command top dollar.
These coins prove that rarity, minting quirks, and historical context can turn ordinary quarters into million-dollar treasures. So, the next time you check your change, keep an eye out—you might just strike it rich!
