Some coin collectors know that pieces can be more than face value; they’re rare gems worth thousands of dollars. An example of that is a bicentennial quarter that has risen in price due to particular errors and unique characteristics.
Collector’s prize collectables include this 1976 quarter, minted to mark the United States’ 200th anniversary, as some error coins from this issue have fetched values of up to $49,000. In this guide, we’ll take a look at why these quarters are so valuable and, in fact, 9 other coins that are worth over $11,000 each.
Bicentennial Quarter
The most famous 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one with a dual date (1776-1976) on the reverse and a colonial drummer. Various minting errors in this quarter were made in large quantities, and certain varieties in perfect or near perfect condition are extremely rare.
The really keen collectors can easily pay upwards of $49,000 for a specific version. Their principal determinants of value are errors in minting and the quality or condition of the coin.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Probably the most collectible and popular pennies for collectors are the 1909 S VDB Lincoln Cents. This coin with the initials “VDB” on the reverse stands out as being produced during the first year of the Lincoln penny, in honour of designer Victor David Brenner.
In particular, it’s valued for its rarity because it’s minted in limited quantities, especially in San Francisco. You can also find high-grade versions of this penny that sell for over $11,000.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
An unusual minting error gives the “Three-Legged Buffalo” coin rare value. One of the buffalo’s legs on the reverse was removed by a malfunction during the minting process, which made the coin an actual collector’s item. A nice 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel can be worth $13,000 or more.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The Denver 1916-D Mercury Dime is a scarce coin with a low mintage. This is one of the key dates in the Mercury Dime series and carries an old design. Examples of the 1916-D Mercury Dime in high grade can bring $15,000 or more, particularly in great condition.
1921 Peace Dollar
The Peace Dollar of 1921 is a favourite because of its beautiful design and key historical significance. Along with being a first-year production coin, this Peace Dollar is a coin of peace following World War I. Very rare in high relief, examples in very fine condition can fetch over $11,000.
Also Read: Could Your Dimes Be Worth a Million? Discover Their Hidden Values!
1955 Doubled Die Penny
The famous 1955 Doubled Die Penny has such obvious doubling on the obverse, most notably in the lettering, that this coin has become memorable. It is instantly recognisable and very valuable to collectors owing to this unique feature. Values on a well-preserved 1955 Doubled Die Penny can reach over $13,000.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, another sought-after error coin, features an overdate in which the year “8represents an overstriking of a faint “7.” This is a rare coin because this error occurred at the Denver Mint. Sold high grade can fetch a price as much as $11,000.
1879 Flowing Hair Stella
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is widely considered to be one of the first dollars minted in the U.S. Pristine versions of its rarity and historical importance have placed them among the world’s most valuable coins, with some fetching in excess of $10 million each. Sells for over $11,000 even on lower grade versions.
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is widely considered to be one of the first dollars minted in the U.S. Pristine versions of its rarity and historical importance have placed them among the world’s most valuable coins, with some fetching in excess of $10 million each. Sells for over $11,000 even on lower grade versions.
Also Read: These 4 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Could Be Worth $500,000—Check Your Wallet!
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dollar
A scarce date and rarity, the 1873-CC Seated Liberty dollar was minted in Carson City and rarer because of low production and a large collector demand. This coin in good condition is worth well over $15,000, even more so if the coin is preserved in high-grade condition.
| Coin Name | Year | Error Type | Approximate Value | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Minting Error | $49,000+ | Very Rare |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Initials on Reverse | $11,000+ | Rare |
| Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937-D | Missing Leg | $13,000+ | Rare |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | Scarce Key Date | $15,000+ | Very Rare |
| 1921 Peace Dollar | 1921 | High Relief | $11,000+ | Rare |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | 1955 | Doubled Die | $13,000+ | Rare |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | 1918 | Overdate | $11,000+ | Very Rare |
| 1879 Flowing Hair Stella | 1879 | Gold Coin | $75,000+ | Extremely Rare |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794 | Historic Coin | $10 million+ | Extremely Rare |
| 1873-CC Seated Liberty Dollar | 1873-CC | Carson City Mint | $15,000+ | Very Rare |
FAQs
Q. Why is the Bicentennial Quarter with errors worth so much?
A. Production mistakes made the Bicentennial Quarter with minting errors rare and unique, among other factors. It is, however, highly collectible, with some quarters worth $49,000.
Q. What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent valuable?
A. Why the Rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is so valuable… it has limited mintage plus the designer initials. That’s why it’s rare for a Lincoln cent.
Q. How do I identify a Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel?
A. On the reverse side is the Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel, missing one of the buffalo’s legs. However, this is obviously a minting error and is a highly valuable collectible.
Q. Why are Mint State coins preferred by collectors?
A. Because they are in mint state condition and remaining original features greatly increase their value and appeal to collectors, mint state coins are preferred over most other types of coins.
Q. What should I do if I think I have a valuable rare coin?
A. If you have a coin you think is valuable, have it appraised by a professional appraiser or certified numismatist. Using blockchain, you can authenticate the coin, establish its condition and get an exact market value.