Collecting coins is fun, and with so much history and design value, some coins have proved quite a cash cow, perhaps even up to thousands of times more than their actual price. Among such gems is the unique Bicentennial Quarter, which is a special minted edition that could be worth as much as $1,350,000.
But wait, that’s not the only thing. Six more quarters have their own storied lives, each worth over $80,000. The factors that distinguish this kind of coin from the rest will be traced.
Bicentennial Quarter
This quarter is different from all the other quarters: it was minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence. Its value is thus high because of a unique printing error, due to which it never went into circulation.
That error can range from being simply misprinted to doubled die; hence it makes the coin totally unique. Such ‘oddities’ are hugely appealing to collectors or coin enthusiasts who pay millions to have this priceless piece in their collection. A similar coin sold for $1,350,000 at a public auction. Such a rare coin is generally found in perfect condition and gives proof of honor to the collector.
Washington Quarter
The 1932 Washington Quarter became the first-ever Washington Quarter that the history of the United States has recorded. It was made specifically for one year as a commemorative coin and was then converted into coinage. If not flawed, this coin can easily sell for more than $80,000 if it carries that ‘D’ (Denver) or ‘S’ (San Francisco) mint mark. This gives the coin very specialized historical value, adding to its desirability as a rare item.
Copper Quarter
Before it was stolen away for the war, copper was used for lower-value quarters that were prepared from steel and coated with zinc. This was done before 1943. There were no 1943 copper quarters, as they were produced only with misprints on the copper plate used. Such copper coins are rare and hence are likely to attract prices from 1000 dollars to even 100,000 dollars depending on their condition.
Overmintmark Quarter
What makes the 1950-D/S quarter remarkable is that it has become a very interesting error coin: an overmint error. The ‘D’ (Denver) mintmark of the coin was stamped over the ‘S’ (San Francisco) mintmark. The error was discovered when dies intended for one mint were mistakenly sent to another mint. It can be valued at more than $80,000 when in excellent uncirculated condition.
SMS Quarters
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) quarters have always been a puzzle with no real explanation from the US Mint. These coins differ from normal and proof issues due to a special patina exclusive to them. So in all likelihood, these coins were never circulated, and a 1964 SMS quarter in mint condition could very well go for more than $100,000.
Proof Quarters on Canadian Coins
This spectacular event occurred during the minting of the Proofs of 1970-S, when the actual minting took place on a 1941 Canadian Quarter. This is a hybrid coin made from elements of several US coins as well as some of the Canadian design. Because of this error and its story, this quarter might fetch over $80,000 at auction.
Broadstruck Quarters
Colloquially, the name “Broadstruck quarters” refers to the coins produced by an absence of their collar, which holds the coin while it is being made. Consequently, such coins are broad rather than true to size. The 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter is one of those coins that may command final sale prices of over $80,000 in an MS-65 condition. This is due to the rarity and special design.
Conclusion
One of those tales is that of the discovery of various strange and valuable coins, and indeed coin collecting is more writing than any other hobby and association. These Bicentennial quarters and the other six quarters prove that rare coins with histories or derivation from errors in printing may combine to make them worth owning.
It is fun and rewarding for all enthusiasts, whether they are beginners or seasoned collectors, to collect these coins.
FAQs
Q. What is a Bicentennial Quarter?
A. The Bicentennial Quarter was minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Some rare versions, due to minting errors, can be worth millions.
Q. Why is the 1932 Washington quarter valuable?
A. The 1932 Washington Quarter is considered valuable due to its historical significance as the first official Washington Quarter and its rarity in uncirculated condition.
Q. What makes the 1943 Copper Quarter so rare?
A. The 1943 Copper Quarter is rare because it was mistakenly minted using copper, which was otherwise reserved for war purposes. These quarters can be worth up to $100,000.
Q. What is an overmintmark quarter?
A. The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is valuable because it was created when the Denver mintmark was overstamped on top of the San Francisco mintmark due to a minting error.
Q. What is a Broadstruck Quarter?
A. A Broadstruck Quarter is a coin produced without a collar, making it wider than usual. The 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter is a rare and valuable example worth over $80,000.