Coin collecting, also known as numismatics, is a hobby that has fascinated people for centuries.
The allure of owning a piece of history, combined with the potential financial rewards, has drawn many enthusiasts to the pursuit of rare and valuable coins.
Among the vast array of collectible coins, certain U.S. quarters have garnered particular attention.
One standout is a rare Bicentennial quarter, which has recently been valued at nearly $80,000.
This remarkable valuation has sparked renewed interest in other quarters that might also hold significant value.
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this exceptional Bicentennial quarter and explore seven other U.S. quarters that are worth big money.
1. The Rare Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
While millions of these quarters were produced, a select few have become highly valuable due to their unique characteristics.
The rarest among them is the 1976-S Bicentennial quarter struck in 40% silver.
What sets this particular coin apart is its mint state condition, pristine luster, and well-defined features.
Only a limited number of these quarters were produced in such high quality, making them highly sought after by collectors.
One such coin recently made headlines when it was valued at nearly $80,000.
The exceptional price can be attributed to its rarity, historical significance, and immaculate condition.
This particular quarter, graded MS69 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), represents the pinnacle of quality for this issue.
Its near-perfect condition, coupled with the Bicentennial design featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse, makes it a prized possession for any serious collector.
2. The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter is another highly coveted coin among collectors.
This quarter marks the first year of the Standing Liberty series, which replaced the Barber quarter.
Designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, the 1916 quarter features a depiction of Lady Liberty standing between two pedestals, with an olive branch in her right hand and a shield in her left.
The scarcity of this coin is due to its low mintage. Only 52,000 of these quarters were produced, making it one of the rarest coins in the series.
The allure of the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter is further enhanced by its intricate design and historical context, as it was minted during a period of significant change in U.S. coinage.
High-grade examples of this quarter can fetch substantial sums at auction, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
3. The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter holds a special place in the hearts of collectors due to its rarity and significance.
This coin was the first year of issue for the Washington quarter series, introduced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
The 1932-D quarter was minted in Denver, with a relatively low mintage of just 436,800 coins.
The combination of its historical importance, low mintage, and the fact that it marked the beginning of a long-running series makes the 1932-D Washington quarter a valuable addition to any collection.
Well-preserved examples in higher grades are particularly sought after and can command prices upwards of $10,000.
The 1932-D quarter is a prime example of how a coin’s origin and historical context can significantly influence its value.
4. The 1932-S Washington Quarter
The 1932-S Washington quarter, like its Denver-minted counterpart, is highly prized among collectors.
This quarter was produced at the San Francisco Mint and has an even lower mintage of just 408,000 coins.
The 1932-S quarter shares the same historical significance as the 1932-D, being part of the inaugural year for the Washington quarter series.
Collectors seek out the 1932-S quarter for its rarity and the prestige associated with owning a coin from the first year of the Washington quarter series.
High-grade specimens, especially those with minimal wear and strong strike details, are particularly valuable.
Prices for well-preserved examples can reach several thousand dollars, making the 1932-S quarter a must-have for serious collectors of U.S. coinage.
5. The 1950-D/S Washington Quarter
The 1950-D/S Washington quarter is a fascinating coin due to its unique mintmark anomaly.
This quarter features a “D” mintmark, indicating it was minted in Denver, but upon closer inspection, an “S” mintmark from the San Francisco Mint can be seen underneath.
This error occurred when dies intended for San Francisco were repurposed for use in Denver, resulting in a “D over S” mintmark.
Collectors are particularly intrigued by error coins, and the 1950-D/S Washington quarter is a prime example.
The rarity and uniqueness of this mintmark error make it highly desirable. Depending on the coin’s condition and the clarity of the over-mintmark, values can vary significantly.
High-grade examples with a well-defined over-mintmark can fetch several thousand dollars at auction, highlighting the appeal of error coins in the numismatic community.
6. The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse Washington quarter is a notable error coin that has captured the attention of collectors.
This coin exhibits a doubling of the obverse design, where elements such as the date, lettering, and Washington’s portrait appear to have been struck twice.
This type of error occurs during the die-making process and is highly sought after due to its visual distinctiveness.
Collectors prize the 1937 Doubled Die Obverse quarter for its rarity and the striking nature of the doubling.
Coins with clear and pronounced doubling, especially in higher grades, can command substantial prices.
Depending on the severity of the doubling and the coin’s overall condition, values can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
The 1937 Doubled Die Obverse quarter exemplifies how minting errors can create unique and valuable coins.
7. The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
Another significant error coin is the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Washington quarter.
Similar to the 1937 version, this quarter features noticeable doubling on the obverse, affecting the date, lettering, and Washington’s profile.
The 1955 doubled die error is one of the most famous and sought-after errors in U.S. coinage, extending beyond just quarters to other denominations as well.
The dramatic doubling on the 1955 Washington quarter makes it a standout piece in any collection.
High-grade examples with clear doubling are particularly valuable and can fetch considerable sums at auction.
Prices for this coin can vary widely based on the severity of the doubling and the coin’s condition, with top-grade specimens often selling for several thousand dollars.
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse quarter underscores the enduring appeal of error coins among collectors.
8. The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse Quarter
The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse quarter is a modern error coin that has gained popularity among collectors.
This quarter features an unusual die crack error on the reverse side, which creates the appearance of the horse on the Delaware state quarter spitting.
This visual anomaly has earned it the nickname “Spitting Horse.”
Collectors are drawn to the 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse quarter for its distinctive error and the fun, quirky nature of the design flaw.
While not as old or historically significant as some of the other quarters on this list, the novelty of the error makes it a sought-after piece.
Depending on the visibility of the die crack and the coin’s overall condition, values can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.
The 1999 Delaware Spitting Horse quarter is a testament to the enduring interest in modern error coins.
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Conclusion
The world of coin collecting is filled with fascinating stories, historical significance, and the thrill of discovering rare and valuable pieces.
The rare Bicentennial quarter valued at nearly $80,000 is a prime example of how a single coin can capture the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Alongside this exceptional coin, other quarters such as the 1916 Standing Liberty, the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington quarters, and various error coins highlight the diversity and allure of numismatic treasures.
Each of these quarters holds a unique place in history and offers a glimpse into the intricate world of coin production and collecting.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, the excitement of uncovering a valuable coin is a rewarding experience.
As the value of these coins continues to rise, they serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of numismatics and the timeless pursuit of rare and extraordinary treasures.