Rare coins have the power to bring a piece of history together, making a value beyond its face. Included among these cherished coins is a variant of the Bicentennial Quarter that recently sold for nearly $40 million.
When you consider that this coin is worth this much, it shows just how much value some coins hold, sometimes due to their past history, scarcity and condition. In this article, we look at the Bicentennial Quarter and then five more rare quarters that are worth over $15 million, all because they are so rare.
The Bicentennial Quarter
Usually holding no more than face value, the Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary, is not exactly a rare coin. But a quarter of this rare variety, well known for its minting errors and historical importance, is valued at almost $40 million.
However, numerous rare quarters have been exciting collectors and historians alike, beyond the Bicentennial Quarter. Here are five quarters, each valued at over $15 million:
- 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel – Renowned for its extreme rarity and historical value.
- 1804 Draped Bust Quarter – Celebrated for its unique design and limited mintage.
- 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter – Known for its significant overdate error.
- 1870-S Seated Liberty Quarter – Famous for its elusive nature and intricate design.
- 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Quarter – Valued for its rarity and the intrigue surrounding its minting.
The value of these rare quarters is influenced by several factors:
- Historical significance: the meaning of every coin is related to some event or time in history.
- Limited mintage and/or unique errors: These coins are considered rare.
- Condition: Coins in pristine or unique condition command higher prices.
- The Rarity Premium: The most prized are not rarest in quantity because it is collector demand that drives the value up.
By combining these elements together, you find yourself with the astonishing values that are so common in the world of rare coins. What collector (or history buff) can resist the allure of these rare quarters?
Stories behind such coins, when explored, give a taste of the past while giving us a window into numismatics. From now on, next time you see a seemingly ordinary coin, remember—it could be millions of pounds.
Though that particular coin was struck upon a 90% silver planchet rather than the standard copper nickel clad. It’s especially rare because it’s one of only a few known examples of this error and because it’s in such pristine condition.
1794 Flowing Hair
The 1794 Flowing Hair Quarter is one of the pieces of numismatic legend, valued at over $15 million. Historically, what makes them so unique is that they are among the first quarters ever minted by the United States. On one side of the coin is how Lady Liberty appeared with flowing hair, and on the other side is what an eagle looked like. The only reason for its rarity is that so few were mint and there are very few that have made it past better than two centuries.
1823/2 Overdate
The 1823/2 Overdate Quarter is another quarter above the $15 million mark. This is a numismatic marvel with an overdate error, wherein the numeral ‘3’ was stamped over a ‘2’.
During the early U.S. Mint days, the dies were handcrafted, so errors were plentiful. Of the coins produced, some are incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors. I’m going to take a look at two such exceptional quarters that are filled with a huge amount of significance and historical value.
1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter
A good example of early American coinage artistry, the 1838 Proof Liberty Seated Quarter is worth over $15 million. This quarter is clearly part of this highly limited series of proof coins from that era. Its classic and timeless motif, design featuring Lady Liberty seated on a rock. Additional rarity comes in the form of the proof condition that the coin was struck with special care for collectors rather than for general circulation.
1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter
Another rare gem from the 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter is worth more than $15 million. This coin is special; barely a few were minted in San Francisco, and even less survived as we know of today. A limited mintage and rarity make for an unusual find for a quarter collector.
Key Points to Remember:
- Over $15 million are both quarters worth.
- A classic and proof Liberty Seated Quarter known for design and proof condition.
- The 1870-S Liberty Seated Quarter is much sought after for its very low mintage and survival.
These quarters are not just coins but history—the history of early American coin making. For those looking to collect the coin, the value is not only a currency value but keeping a material piece of the past.
For those rife with coin-collecting cognition and inclination toward those sculpted collectibles, the 1901-S Barber Quarter captures the imagination and interest better than most. One of the most important rarities in the Barber Quarter series is this coin, valued at well over $15 million, named for its designer, Charles E. Barber.
The 1901-S Barber Quarter: A Treasure Among Collectors
It is quite scarce due to its low mintage and the few high-grade survivors that have survived the years. Unlike most coins meant for circulation among the public, this particular variant was produced in a special set intended to sell to collectors as a private offering.
The Allure of Rare Quarters
The rarity of these quarters has nothing to do with their face value; it is the information they hold about America that’s so fascinating because it’s rare. It isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a piece of the past.
- Bicentennial Quarter: A connection to the nation’s celebration of its 200th anniversary of independence.
- Flowing Hair Design: Features early minting techniques and artistry of the late 18th century.
- Liberty Seated Design: Designed to reflect mid-19th century American values and craftsmanship.
Each of these rare quarters is worth much more than its face value, from the intricate designs to the historical contexts they represent. The items are not just collectibles, but in a global sense they are treasures that will serve as windows into the past, and they are as important to historians as to collectors.