The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $111 Million
In the world of rare coins, one quarter stands out due to its extraordinary value – the 1976 Bicentennial quarter. Although these quarters were originally released as part of the U.S. Mint’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of the nation’s independence, a small number of these coins were produced with unique errors that make them incredibly valuable.
Normally, a run-of-the-mill 1976 Bicentennial quarter has a face value of only 25 cents. However, a few of these quarters were struck with some rare and unusual characteristics that make them stand out from regular circulation coins. For instance, one features an error on the obverse side in which it is double-struck with another date on the front, giving it a unique appearance. These are the error coins that serious collectors and investors are eyeing.
One of the most well-known examples of this rare 1976 Bicentennial quarter was sold at a major auction for an eye-popping $111 million. This is one of the most expensive coins in history. Its uniqueness and rarity, along with its historical significance as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, are what make it astronomically valuable.
Other Rare Coins Worth Over $30 Million
While the rare Bicentennial quarter holds the record for its impressive value, there are several other coins that have fetched extraordinary prices at auctions. Let’s take a look at five other coins that are valued at over $30 million each.
1. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Among the most renowned and precious coins in the history of the United States is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle. First minted in 1933, this coin never went into circulation officially, because the country chose to stop the gold standard that had been in effect, in response to the severe Great Depression. The vast majority of the coins were melted, but some avoided this fate, thus remaining highly scarce.
One of those 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagles was sold in an auction back in 2002 for the mind-boggling amount of $7.59 million, and this then sets a record for gold coin sales. Since its first sale in 2002, it has increased. In 2021, it fetched over $30 million in sale price. It ranks among some of the highest sale coins of all time.
2. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is probably the most legendary and rare in the history of U.S. coins. There is only five known examples made of this coin, as it was not made by public circulation but instead came to be struck by secret orders from the U.S. Mint. It existed for decades, hiding all its value in a shell, until now, of course.
In 2018, one of these coins was sold at auction for a record-breaking $3.1 million. Today, these rare Liberty Head nickels are valued at well over $30 million due to their rarity and historical significance.
3. The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair dollar was one of the very first silver dollars made by the U.S. Mint. Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable coins in American numismatics. It can be best described as the image of Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
It fetched the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar sold for a record sum of $10 million in 2013. As collectors continue to grow in realizing its importance to the American currency history, its price has continued going up to date, worth over $30 million.
4. The 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 copper penny is another rather rare coin that can fetch millions of dollars. A vast majority of pennies minted in 1943 were made from steel due to wartime copper shortages. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally struck during this year, making them exceedingly rare and highly valuable.
In 2010, a 1943 copper penny sold at auction for $1.7 million. The rare pennies are now valued at over $30 million and stand as one of the targets for collectors looking to hold a piece of American history.
5. The 1804 Silver Dollar
The 1804 silver dollar is often referred to as the “King of U.S. Coins” because of its extreme rarity and historical importance. These coins were not minted in 1804 but were later struck for diplomatic gifts. Only a few of these coins were produced, and they are considered one of the most coveted and valuable U.S. coins.
One of these 1804 silver dollars was sold in 1999 for $4.1 million, and the price has only increased over time. Today, this coin is worth over $30 million because of its rarity and its place in U.S. numismatic history.
Conclusion
The world of rare coins is fascinating, and the value of some of these coins is staggering. From the rare Bicentennial quarter valued at nearly $111 million to the 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle and other legendary coins, collectors are always on the lookout for these precious pieces of history. With these coins still appreciating in value, the draw of coin collecting remains strong, as collectors strive to own a piece of U.S. history that few will ever have the privilege of owning.
FAQs:
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial quarter worth so much?
The rare 1976 Bicentennial quarter is valuable due to a unique minting error, making it one-of-a-kind and highly sought after by collectors.
What makes the 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle so valuable?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle is rare because most were melted down, and only a few survived, making it one of the most valuable U.S. coins.