$1.35M for a Rare Bicentennial Quarter: If you’ve ever casually flipped through your pocket change and wondered if any of those coins might be worth a fortune, you’re not alone. One Bicentennial quarter, struck in 1976, recently sold for a staggering $1.35 million, sending shockwaves through the numismatic (coin collecting) world. While most quarters from this era are common, certain rare versions are incredibly valuable.
In this article, we’ll explain how to spot rare Bicentennial quarters, uncover the six other quarters worth over $250,000, and guide you through the steps to evaluate your coins like a professional. Whether you’re a hobbyist or just curious, this guide will make coin collecting more exciting—and possibly profitable!
$1.35M for a Rare Bicentennial Quarter
| Key Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Record Price | $1.35 million for a 1976 Bicentennial quarter |
| Composition Clue | Struck on a 90% silver planchet instead of copper-nickel |
| Visual ID | No copper edge strip; solid silver color on coin’s edge |
| Other Quarters Over $250K | 1932-D Washington, 1870-CC Liberty Seated, 1901-S Barber, 1823/2 Capped Bust, 1796 Draped Bust, 1871-CC Liberty Seated |
| How to Spot Valuable Coins | Look for mint marks, weigh the coin, check edge color, look for design errors |
| Official Resource | U.S. Mint Official Site |
Finding a rare coin in your change jar might seem like a dream, but it’s not impossible. The $1.35 million Bicentennial quarter proves that treasures do exist in the everyday. By understanding what to look for—mint marks, silver edges, weight, and error details—you can inspect your collection more wisely.
If you suspect a coin might be rare, don’t guess—get it professionally appraised. With the right knowledge and a bit of luck, your next coin could be worth thousands—or even millions.
What Makes the $1.35 Million Bicentennial Quarter So Special?
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter was part of a special edition minted to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. Most of them were mass-produced using standard copper-nickel clad, but a very rare few were struck on silver planchets—discs typically reserved for proof sets.
How to Identify One:
- Check the Edge: Regular clad quarters show a copper stripe along the edge. A silver one won’t.
- Use a Scale: A 90% silver quarter weighs about 6.25 grams compared to 5.67 grams for clad.
- Listen to the Sound: Silver coins produce a distinctive high-pitched ring when dropped gently.
Because of these rare minting errors and the coin’s pristine condition, this specific quarter fetched $1.35 million at auction.
6 More Quarters Worth Over $250,000
While the Bicentennial quarter is grabbing headlines, there are several other valuable quarters to watch for. Here are six coins that have commanded prices of $250,000 or more:
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Minted in Denver — just 436,800 made
- Look for a “D” mint mark below the eagle on the reverse
- Scarcity and demand drive its price into the hundreds of thousands
2. 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
- Only 8,340 minted at the Carson City Mint
- “CC” mint mark located beneath the eagle
- Highly sought-after by Western U.S. collectors
3. 1901-S Barber Quarter
- Only 72,664 coins minted
- “S” mint mark signifies San Francisco
- In excellent condition, it has sold for over $300,000
4. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
- Known for its overdate error (a “3” over a “2” in the year)
- Use a magnifying glass to spot the subtle overdate
- Very few in circulation, driving up value
5. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- The first-ever quarter issued in the U.S.
- Only 6,146 were produced
- Easily recognized by the small eagle on the back
6. 1871-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
- Minted in Carson City with just 10,890 coins
- “CC” mint mark under the eagle
- Rare and historically significant
$1.35M for a Rare Bicentennial Quarter: How to Spot Rare and Valuable Quarters – A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Examine the Mint Mark
The mint mark reveals where the coin was produced:
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
- CC = Carson City (extremely rare)
Look for the mint mark under the eagle on the reverse side.
Step 2: Check the Coin’s Edge
- Clad coins show a copper stripe on the edge
- Silver coins have a solid silver edge
Use a bright light or magnifier to inspect this closely.
Step 3: Weigh the Coin
Use a digital scale to measure weight in grams:
- Clad quarter = 5.67 grams
- Silver quarter = 6.25 grams
Step 4: Look for Errors
Rare coin errors significantly increase value:
- Overdates (e.g., 1823/2)
- Double strikes
- Misaligned dies
- Off-center images
Use magnification or consult an expert.
Step 5: Get a Professional Appraisal
Even if your coin looks rare, it’s best to have it examined by professionals. Trusted options include:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
They provide authentication, grading, and market value.
Why These Quarters Are Worth So Much
Several factors influence the market value of rare quarters:
- Mintage Numbers: Fewer coins = more value
- Historical Significance: First-year issues or key events
- Condition: Mint State (MS) 65 or higher can skyrocket value
- Errors: Unique production mistakes fetch premium prices
Collectors and investors are willing to pay big for these pieces because they’re both historical artifacts and scarce commodities.
Canada’s $3,444 + $861 Disability Benefit in April 2025 – Check Are You Eligible to Get it?
$760 Cost of Living Support Announced in Singapore – Check Eligibility Criteria!
Social Security Direct Deposits Payment of $7240 in April 2025 – Check SSI and SSDI Payment Details.
FAQs on $1.35M for a Rare Bicentennial Quarter
Are all Bicentennial quarters valuable?
No. Most are worth only face value, unless they have rare features like being struck on a silver planchet or possessing mint errors.
Where can I sell a valuable quarter?
Try reputable platforms like Heritage Auctions, eBay, or visit a certified coin dealer.
How can I tell if my quarter is silver?
Check for a solid silver edge, weigh the coin, or perform a gentle sound test.
Do I need a license to sell rare coins?
No license is needed, but it’s wise to have your coin professionally graded before selling.
Is cleaning my coin a good idea?
No! Cleaning can reduce the value significantly. Leave the coin in its natural state.
