The $10 Million Bicentennial Quarter and Other Rare Coins – A Collector’s Dream

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1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter

Coin collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s like a treasure hunt through history. While many coins are only worth their face value, some quarters have skyrocketed in value thanks to rarity, minting errors, and historical significance.

In this article, we’ll look into the rarest and most valuable quarters ever minted, including the legendary Bicentennial Quarter rumored to be worth nearly $10 million and several others fetching over $600,000 at auctions.

Bicentennial Quarter

Let’s start with the star of the show—the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter. Minted to celebrate 200 years of American independence, most of these coins aren’t worth more than 25 cents. But one rare version is in a league of its own, carrying a jaw-dropping value of nearly $10 million.

What makes it so special? It has a rare double strike minting error. That alone makes it unique, but pair that with its historical timing and patriotic design, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind collector’s item. It’s not just a quarter—it’s a piece of American history frozen in metal.

Washington S

Next up is the 1932-S Washington Quarter. Minted in San Francisco, only 408,000 of these coins were produced. That’s a tiny number, especially during the tough times of the Great Depression when coin production was generally lower. Because of its rarity and age, this coin can fetch over $600,000 if it’s in top condition.

Washington D

The 1932-D Washington Quarter, produced in Denver, is another valuable coin from the same year. Just 436,800 of these were made, making it almost as rare as its San Francisco sibling. As the first year of the Washington quarter series, these coins carry extra significance and are highly sought after by collectors.

Draped Bust 1796

Now let’s go way back to 1796 with the Draped Bust Quarter. This coin was among the first quarters ever struck by the U.S. Mint. Only a few thousand were made, and very few have survived in collectible condition.

Because of its age and importance, it’s valued at over $600,000. Holding one of these is like holding a time capsule from the early days of the republic.

Draped Bust 1804

The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is another rare gem. Like its 1796 counterpart, it was minted when the U.S. was still in its infancy. Its limited mintage and elegant design make it a favorite for serious collectors. These coins are rare to come by, and when they do show up, they often sell for over $600,000.

Capped Bust 1823

The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is a collector’s dream due to a visible minting error. Instead of starting from scratch, the Mint struck a “3” over a “2” on the date, which wasn’t uncommon back then.

But today, that mistake makes it extremely rare and interesting. With its layered history, this coin is worth more than $600,000 in auctions.

Liberty Seated 1870

Last on the list, but no less important, is the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter. This one was minted in Carson City, Nevada—at a Mint that only operated for a short time.

Coins from Carson City are already rare, but this quarter is even more so. Its scarcity and historical location give it a value of over $600,000.

Here’s a quick summary table of these incredible quarters:

Quarter NameEstimated ValueUnique Feature
1976 Bicentennial QuarterNearly $10 millionDouble strike error + historical significance
1932-S Washington Quarter$600,000+Low mintage in San Francisco
1932-D Washington Quarter$600,000+First-year issue, rare Denver mint
1796 Draped Bust Quarter$600,000+First quarter ever minted in U.S. history
1804 Draped Bust Quarter$600,000+Early mint era and elegant design
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter$600,000+Date error makes it unique
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter$600,000+Rare Carson City mint origin

Rare quarters like these do more than just look pretty. They hold stories, mysteries, and connections to the past that go way beyond their face value. For collectors and history buffs, they’re priceless in more ways than one.

So next time you see an old quarter, don’t be so quick to spend it—it might just be your golden ticket.

FAQs

How much is the rare Bicentennial Quarter worth?

Nearly $10 million due to a double strike minting error.

Why is the 1932-S quarter valuable?

Only 408,000 were minted, making it very rare.

What is special about the 1823/2 quarter?

It has a minting error with a 3 struck over a 2.

Where was the 1870-CC quarter minted?

At the Carson City Mint, which had limited production.

Is coin collecting a good investment?

Yes, rare coins can gain high value over time.

Zoya Malik

Zoya Malik is a tech writer and gadget reviewer who has been exploring the world of smartphones, smartwatches, and consumer electronics since 2016. She focuses on real-world performance, design insights, and user experience rather than just specs. Zoya has reviewed more than 150 devices across Android and iOS platforms and contributes regularly to tech communities and blogs.

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