Discover the $15 Million Bicentennial Quarter: How to Identify and Value It

By: Eliot Pierce

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To commemorate America’s 200th birthday, the Bicentennial quarter was struck in 1976. One unique quarter is worth an incredible $15 million, but the majority are not worth much. This article describes the coin’s history, identification, and reasons for its high value.


History of the Bicentennial Quarter

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Mint introduced the Bicentennial quarter in 1976. The coin has a distinctive design:


  • Front (Obverse)

    : The face of George Washington with the dates 1776-1976.

  • Back (Reverse)

    : A Colonial drummer with thirteen stars representing the original colonies.


Key Characteristics of the Bicentennial Quarter

The Bicentennial quarter’s salient elements are as follows:


  • Obverse Design

    : George Washington with the dual date 1776-1976.

  • Reverse Design

    : A Colonial drummer and thirteen stars.

  • Composition

    : Most Bicentennial quarters are made of copper-nickel, but some are 40% silver, meant for collectors.


The $15 Million Bicentennial Quarter: What Makes It Unique?

For several reasons, the $15 million Bicentennial quarter is unique and valuable.


  • Minting Error

    : It was mistakenly struck on a silver planchet meant for half dollars, making it highly unusual.

  • Condition

    : The coin is in near-perfect condition, graded MS-67 by experts.

  • Provenance

    : Its clear and documented history increases its value.


Why Is This Coin Worth $15 Million?

There are multiple reasons for the $15 million value:


  • Rarity

    : Very few coins with this error exist.

  • Historical Significance

    : It s part of the special Bicentennial series.

  • Market Demand

    : Collectors pay a premium for rare and unique coins.


Identifying a $15 Million Bicentennial Quarter

Look for these characteristics to identify this uncommon coin:


  • Minting Error

    : It should be struck on a silver planchet.

  • Weight

    : It will weigh around 11.5 grams, due to the silver.

  • Edge

    : Look for a lack of copper stripe on the edge.

  • Condition

    : The coin should be in uncirculated condition and professionally graded.
See also  Meet the Million-Dollar Coins: The Bicentennial Quarters


Other Valuable Bicentennial Quarters

Other Bicentennial quarters can also be quite valuable, even though the $15 million quarter is unique:


  • Silver Bicentennial Quarters

    : These can be worth $5,000 to $20,000.

  • Error Variants

    : Quarters with mistakes, such as off-center strikes, are also valuable.


Comparison with Other Rare Coins

The Bicentennial quarter’s value is comparable to that of other rare coins as follows:

  • 1933

    Double Eagle

    : $18.9 million
  • 1794

    Flowing Hair Dollar

    : $10 million
  • 1976

    Bicentennial Quarter

    : $15 million
  • 1913

    Liberty Head Nickel

    : $4.5 million
  • 1804

    Silver Dollar

    : $4 million


Tips for Collecting Bicentennial Quarters

To begin collecting quarters for the Bicentennial:


The Future of Bicentennial Quarter Values

Rare coins like the $15 million Bicentennial quarter are predicted to appreciate in value as coin collecting interest grows. Because there aren’t many of these rare coins, their prices will probably remain high or even increase.

Due to a very uncommon error, the coin was minted on a silver planchet intended for half dollars, making it worth $15 million.

Check for an uncirculated condition, silver weight, and minting error. Its worth will be confirmed with the aid of a professional grade.

No, only those that are made of silver or are exceptional and have flaws are valued. The majority of Bicentennial quarters are worth very little.

Silver Because they include 40% silver, bicentennial quarters are worth more than ordinary copper-nickel ones.

Professional coin grading firms like PCGS or NGC can authenticate them for you.

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