There are many such treasures that coin collectors miss daily. A recent hot topic among coin collectors is the Bicentennial Quarter, which was issued in 1976. This quarter was made to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States of America.
While most Bicentennial quarters are commonly seen in circulation, some rare types of coins have made this seemingly ordinary coin a collectible item worth millions. Amidst this $250 billion coin madness, there are two special Bicentennial quarters that may change your life. Now let’s see why these coins are so valuable and how you can identify them.
1976-S Silver Proof Quarter
Perhaps no other coin except for the 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter has grown to become as a staple piece of any serious collector. The coin was minted with 40% silver content and was specifically prepared for the purpose of filling particular special sets. Its shiny and mirror-smooth finish makes it special. To identify this coin, you have to look for the ‘S’ symbol on the obverse side of the coin, above the year.
If this coin is in excellent condition, it could be worth thousands of dollars. This quarter has been produced with very low production and contains a high quality silver composition that makes this quarter a rich asset for any coin collection.
1976-D Double Die Obverse Quarter
The other rare Bicentennial quarter that has thrilled collectors is the 1976-D Double Die Obverse Quarter. The specialty of this coin lies in the minting error that exists in it. This error in the minting process makes the double impression apparent in the coin’s design, mainly the word “Liberty”.
A coin featuring this error is incredibly rare; if the coin is in good condition, it can fetch thousands of dollars. If you have a jar of coins at home, make sure to scan through your bicentennial quarters for such errors.
Why are these coins so valuable?
The rarity of these coins makes them valuable. While Bicentennial quarters were minted in large numbers for general circulation, production of the 1976-S Silver Proof and 1976-D Double Die Obverse Quarters was very limited. The uniqueness of these coins, whether it is the composition of the silver or minting errors, makes them attractive to collectors.
With the increasing number of new people taking interest in the hobby of coin collecting, the demand for these rare coins is also increasing. In this $250 billion coin madness more and more people are interested in finding rare coins which in turn push up their prices.
How to Identify If You Have a Rare Bicentennial Quarter?
To identify the special Bicentennial Quarters you will have to closely examine your coins. Here’s how you can determine if you have one of those special coins:
- 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter Coin Obverse: look for the mark of “S” above the year. Its silver composition makes it appear shinier and smoother than ordinary quarters. This coin is commonly found in proof sets, so if you have a 1976 proof set, be sure to check it out.
- 1976-D Double Die Obverse Quarter: To identify this coin you will have to examine the word “Liberty” closely. If it shows a double imprint, it may be that you have a rare coin. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to consult a numismatic expert.
Conclusion: Do you have a hidden treasure?
The 1976-S Silver Proof and 1976-D Double Die Obverse Quarters are two rare Bicentennial quarters that can be worth millions of dollars. As the coin mania balloons to $250 billion, these coins become increasingly coveted. Dig through your pocket coins, coin jars, or inherited collections-you might have a treasure stashed away!
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, nothing compares to the excitement of discovering a rare coin that’s being highly bought. Indeed, with such information and an eagle eye, you can also come across such rare Bicentennial treasures.
FAQs:
1. What are Bicentennial quarters?
Bicentennial quarters were coined in 1976 to mark the United States’ 200th anniversary, and they have a unique design.
2. Why are some Bicentennial quarters worth millions?
Certain uncommon variants, such as the 1976-S Silver Proof and 1976-D Double Die Obverse, are highly valued due to limited manufacturing or minting faults.
3. What is unique about the 1976-D Double Die Obverse quarter?
It contains a minting fault that causes the word “Liberty” to double, making it highly desirable among collectors.
4. Why are Bicentennial quarters part of the $250 billion coin craze?
Their market value has skyrocketed due to their scarcity and growing popularity among coin collectors.