While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth a mere 25 cents, there are a handful of rare and error-struck versions that can command staggering prices in the market. These exceptional coins have become legendary in the world of numismatics, with values skyrocketing into the millions of dollars due to minting errors, low mintage, or unique features. In this article, we explore a rare Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $50 million and 4 more rare coins worth over $10 million.
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error)
Value: Nearly $50 Million
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was released to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. While most of these quarters were minted in Denver and Philadelphia, a rare error occurred where a small number of Bicentennial Quarters were struck without a mint mark at all. Normally, quarters minted in Denver have the “D” mint mark, and those from Philadelphia have no mint mark. But a few coins were mistakenly struck without any mint mark.
Why It’s Valuable: The absence of a mint mark in the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is considered an extremely rare error. The scarcity of this error, especially in pristine condition, makes it one of the most valuable quarters in existence. These rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarters can fetch nearly $50 million, depending on their condition. Coins graded MS-67 or higher by professional services like PCGS or NGC are especially valuable.
What to Look For:
- A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with no mint mark.
- Coins that are in excellent condition, especially those graded MS-67 or higher.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Value: $10 Million+
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous coins in American history. Just five of these coins were secretly struck by the U.S. Mint, making them one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever minted.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was struck without official authorization, and the U.S. Mint did not release it as part of the regular coinage. Only five of these coins were ever produced, making them one of the most sought-after collectibles in the world. The coin’s rarity and historical intrigue contribute significantly to its high value.
What to Look For:
- A 1913 Liberty Head Nickel with the distinct design featuring a Liberty head on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
- Only five known specimens, so authenticity is crucial.
3. 1894-S Barber Dime
Value: $10 Million+
The 1894-S Barber Dime stands out for its extreme rarity and high value. Only 24 of these dimes were ever struck, and most of them were melted down. Today, only a handful are known to exist.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1894-S Barber Dime is rare because of its limited mintage—only 24 coins were struck, and most were melted for their silver content. Of the few that survived, only a few are in good condition, making it highly collectible and extremely valuable. A well-preserved 1894-S Barber Dime can fetch upwards of $10 million, with one example selling for over $1.9 million at auction.
What to Look For:
- A Barber Dime with the “S” mint mark from 1894.
- Few examples exist, and most are in poor condition, so high-grade specimens are particularly valuable.
4. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
Value: $10 Million+
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the most famous coins in U.S. history. Although it was originally minted in 1804, these coins were not released until later, which added to the mystique and value of this rare piece.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is valuable for its limited mintage and historical significance. The coin was minted in 1804, but only a few were actually produced. The coins were not circulated until years later, which led to the development of the “Class I” and “Class II” versions. Only 15 to 20 coins are known to exist today, and they are highly prized by collectors. An 1804 Draped Bust Dollar can be worth $10 million or more, with examples selling at auction for as much as $4 million.
What to Look For:
- The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar features the Draped Bust design by Robert Scot, with the reverse showing an eagle.
- Coins with low wear and excellent condition can demand high prices, especially those from the Class I series.
5. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coin
Value: $10 Million+
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous gold coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint. Most of the coins were never released to the public and were later melted down, but a few managed to escape and remain in private hands.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is famous for its mintage issues and the fact that it was not legally issued for circulation. Only a few coins were saved, and the U.S. government later declared that they should be returned and melted down. The surviving specimens are extremely rare, and their historical significance has made them incredibly valuable. One such coin was sold for $7.6 million in 2002, and others have reached $10 million or more at auction.
What to Look For:
- The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
- Only a small number of these coins were ever legally released, making them highly collectible.
Coin Table of Rarest Coins
| Coin Name | Mint Year | Approx. Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error) | 1976 | Nearly $50 Million | No mint mark, struck in error |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $10 Million+ | Only five known coins exist |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | $10 Million+ | Only 24 coins were struck |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dollar | 1804 | $10 Million+ | Limited mintage, historical significance |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $10 Million+ | Not legally issued for circulation |
FAQs
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
Its rare mint error of lacking a mint mark makes it worth millions.
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so expensive?
Only five are known to exist, making it one of the rarest coins in the world.
How can I tell if my coin is worth over $10 million?
Get your coin graded by a professional service to assess its condition and rarity.