Every coin-collecting enthusiast can confirm that the world of coinage is full of delightful, unexpected, and valuable pieces, and some of these are the quarters. The more popular Bicentennial Quarter, in particular, is among the rarest and has an example that was sold for nearly $90 million.
This article slices into the interesting aspects of this quarter and 5 More Coins Valued Over $30 Million and gets to know more about their features and the history of being worth such a fortune.
$90 Million Bicentennial Quarter
Situated within the list of valuable coins is the Bicentennial Quarter, a coin that was produced to pay tribute to the United States’ 200th anniversary of the adoption of its constitution. This particular quarter fashioned in the year 1976 is more than a history; it is a collector’s item. This quarter is notable for a particular minting mistake and almost perfect preservation of the coin’s surface.
It becomes valuable due to the simple error, the misprint, or the ‘chemists’ metal’ composition, a type of metal that is not easily obtained in the world. That it remained in an almost mint condition was an additional value, which made it an attractive piece for blue-chip collectors and museum buyers, which it did for nearly $90 million at the auction.
1932 Washington Quarter
Considered to be one of the most valuable American quarters, the 1932 Washington quarter has an estimated value of over $30 million. This quarter was the first to bear an image of George Washington; thus, there was a change in the design of American-minted coins this year.
Its scarcity stems from the fact that not many of these quarters were made into circulation and even fewer survived in an excellent state. This quarter is sought mostly for its historical value and its near-perfect condition, and as such, it is highly valued among coin collectors.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
A type of quarter that could be had for more than $30 million is the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter. This is a very rare coin that is associated with the early history of America since it is among the very first quarters that were made in United States history. The scarcity of this model can be explained by the limited production of such vehicles and their current state. The obverse or head side, of this quarter features the traditional and classic draped bust, which is symbolic of Liberty, further enhancing the quarter’s appeal and historical significance.
1901-S Barber Quarter
Another extremely rare piece is the 1901-S Barber Quarter, which cost more than $30 million. This quarter is from the Barber coinage series, with reference to the name of the artist involved, Charles E. Barber. The mint mark ‘S’ was minted in the year 1901, identifying the quarters to have been produced in the San Francisco Mint, where the coining of the said quarters was limited. Thus, considering its rarity, age, and demand among collectors for barber quarters, it is considered to be one of the most valuable coins in the world.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter, with a price tag of over $30 million, is one of the prized pieces of a numismatist. Notably, the quarter in question boasts an overdate where the numeration of the year 1823 was applied over the initial 1822 enumeration. Such errors are highly appreciated in numismatics due to their rarity and the view of the minting process typical for the relevant period. Another value that collectors placed on this dime is the capped bust design—a design that shows Liberty with a capped head.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
Completing this list is the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, which has crossed $30 million. This quarter is more aesthetically appealing and has a limited series production; therefore, it is scarce. Thus, the Standing Liberty design was quite new to the previous motifs and is well regarded for the subtle intricacies involved in the design. Of them, the 1916 issue is the most rare, as it was the first year of issue of this particular type of silver dollar and more so, high-grade coins are notably hard to locate these days.
| Quarter | Year | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $90 million | Minting error, pristine condition |
| Washington Quarter | 1932 | $30 million | In early American history, limited production |
| Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | $30 million | Early American history, limited production |
| Barber Quarter | 1901 | $30 million | Rare mint mark, designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Capped Bust Quarter | 1823 | $30 million | Overdate error (1823/2) |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916 | $30 million | Artistic design, short production run |
FAQs
Q. Just what makes the Bicentennial Quarter special?
A. The Bicentennial Quarter is considered desirable based on an error made in minting and its pristine condition.
Q. For what reasons is the 1932 Washington Quarter unique?
A. This is the first quarter to be designed with George Washington’s portrait, implying a change of coin design.
Q. What caused the unusual scarcity of the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter?
A. This is because few of them are produced and even the few that are in circulation do not have many that are in good condition.
