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.
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.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.