Coin collecting offers more than just a historical journey; it’s also an exciting treasure hunt for valuable finds. Some quarters, although seemingly ordinary, can be worth thousands of dollars due to their rarity, minting errors, or special editions. Among these treasures is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, a standout collectible, with rare versions fetching nearly $20,000 at auctions. Let’s take a closer look at the Bicentennial Quarter and five other quarters, each valued at over $2,000, to know their history, rarity, and what makes them so valuable.
Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. Most of these coins are plentiful, but the rare editions, such as those struck in 40% silver, are highly sought after by collectors. These special mint editions feature a unique design of a colonial drummer on the reverse, surrounded by 13 stars.
What truly sets these quarters apart is the combination of being struck in San Francisco without the typical ‘S’ mint mark, making them rare and valuable. In pristine condition or with a perfect grade, they can fetch nearly $20,000. Their rarity, historical value, and appeal to collectors make them a significant piece in any coin collection.
1932-D Washington
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most coveted quarters for collectors due to its low mintage. Only 436,800 were minted in Denver, making it one of the rarest Washington quarters ever produced. This coin holds special historical value as it marks the beginning of the Washington quarter series, introduced to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday.
Well-preserved examples of the 1932-D quarter can easily surpass $2,000, with prices increasing substantially for coins in high grades. Its rarity and significance make it a must-have for collectors of the Washington quarter series.
| Coin | Unique Feature | Value (in good condition) |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Special mint edition, no ‘S’ | Up to $20,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | Low mintage (436,800) | Over $2,000 |
1932-S Washington
Similar to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter is highly sought after due to its low mintage of just 408,000. Minted in San Francisco, this quarter is one of the key dates for Washington quarter collectors. A high-grade 1932-S can easily surpass $2,000, making it a valuable coin for serious collectors.
The combination of rarity and historical significance drives its price, with collectors seeking to complete their Washington quarter collections. The value increases significantly with coins that are in pristine condition or have been graded by numismatic experts.
1943-S Washington
The 1943-S Washington Quarter holds historical importance as it was minted during World War II, a time when the U.S. government shifted to silver in coin production. Although many silver quarters were produced during this period, the 1943-S is particularly rare in high-grade conditions.
Minted in San Francisco, this quarter is prized by collectors, especially those seeking coins with historical ties to World War II. High-quality examples of the 1943-S can command prices exceeding $2,000, with the value rising for coins in superior condition.
1950-D/S Overmintmark
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is a fascinating collectible because of a rare minting error where the Denver mint mark was stamped over an existing ‘S’ mint mark. This mint error created a unique coin that is now highly sought after by collectors.
In good condition, these quarters are valued at over $2,000, with their rarity making them increasingly desirable. As collectors look to acquire these error coins, their value is expected to appreciate over time, making them an excellent long-term investment for numismatists.
| Coin | Unique Feature | Value (in good condition) |
|---|---|---|
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Low mintage (408,000) | Over $2,000 |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | Silver composition, low production | Over $2,000 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter | Denver mint mark over ‘S’ error | Over $2,000 |
1964-D Quarter
The 1964-D Washington Quarter with a Doubled Die Reverse is another rare coin that can exceed $2,000 in value. This error, caused by a minting mistake, resulted in the doubling of the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse of the coin. This doubling error makes these quarters incredibly desirable to collectors.
The fact that 1964 was the last year that quarters were minted in 90% silver adds further value to this coin. A high-grade 1964-D with a doubled die reverse is a prized addition to any collection, not just for its rarity but also for its historical importance as one of the last silver quarters.
For coin collectors, discovering one of these valuable quarters is like finding buried treasure. Each quarter not only tells a story about American history but also has the potential to be worth significantly more than its face value. From rare minting errors to low mintage numbers, these coins are highly sought after by collectors and continue to appreciate in value over time.
FAQs
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter worth $20,000?
Special mint editions struck in silver and without an ‘S’ mint mark.
Why is the 1932-D Washington Quarter valuable?
Its low mintage of 436,800 makes it rare.
What is an overmintmark error?
It’s when one mint mark is stamped over another, like the 1950-D/S.
What is a doubled die reverse?
A mint error that results in doubling on the reverse design, such as in the 1964-D quarter.
Why are silver quarters more valuable?
Silver content and historical significance make them more valuable.
