Coins, which many consider to be plain pieces of currency, can be incredibly valuable to collectors. That is, of course, if they are rare, historical, or feature something unique in their production. A coin that recently caught the eye of both collectors and investors is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter. Though that quarter was more than widely used at the time of its manufacture, it had turned into this most precious piece, and specimen is now worthy of nearly $90 million, two other specimens also generate significant interest in this field of numismatics are of more than $30 million value. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes the Bicentennial Quarter so special, as well as explore two other high-value coins that every serious collector should know about.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter: The $90 Million Coin
Released as part of the United States’ Bicentennial celebration, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter features a distinctive design. On the reverse side, it bears a drummer boy, signifying the nation’s founding. On the obverse, of course, it carried the usual portrait of George Washington. In the early days of its issue, the coin was minted in large quantities and circulated everywhere. However, as time passed by, an error arose that turned these coins into one of the most sought treasures in the world of numismatics.
This particular 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one minting error- a flaw of design making it worth an astronomical $90 million. Such flaw came when it was struck on the wrong die, giving only a slight though peculiar variation to its features. Most would probably never notice such imperfections, but for a professional collector and enthusiast, they seal the deal in identifying the coin as rare and precious. It triggered an intense demand from collectors who wanted to own a piece of history when discovered.
The value of the rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarters skyrocketed once word spread of the minting error. In fact, one coin is said to have fetched nearly $90 million at auction. What makes this coin more remarkable, however, is that it is technically still in circulation. This means collectors are more actively scanning for the highly prized mistake hoping to come across one in circulation or as change. Although the chances that a collector will come across a coin worth $90 million are nil, that chance may have alone made the Bicentennial Quarter a phenomenon of numismatic discussions.
2 Other Coins Worth $30 Million or More
In addition to the rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, there are two other coins that caught collectors’ attention and were valued more than $30 million. Due to their rarity, historical importance, and uniqueness in making them priceless to numismatists, these given coins are exceptional. Let’s have a closer look at them up close.
1. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous coins in American history. It is worth over $30 million. Minted during the Great Depression, this coin was first designed by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and underlines the stunning image of Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch. The reverse of the coin shows an eagle in flight as a symbol of freedom and strength.
Although more than 445,000 of these coins were minted, they were never issued. The reason for this was a 1933 executive order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt that outlawed the coining of gold to stem the financial crisis and curb inflation. Most of the 1933 Double Eagles were melted down, but some were saved. In 2002, one of the rarest specimens of a Double Eagle from 1933 was sold at auction for the amount of $7.59 million. At that time, it was a record amount. Currently, some of these coins are estimated at about $30 million and are in great demand throughout the globe.
2. The Liberty Head Nickel of 1913
One such coin is worth more than $30 million – the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Only five of these coins are known to exist. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was also struck as a minting error, but this time it was unauthorized. Not only was this coin not wanted, but neither was its design. The Buffalo Nickel had just been adopted at the U.S. Mint, so in 1913, no Liberty Head Nickels should have been made.
However, some of these copied coins somehow ended up in the circulation process and then became the ultimate treasure for nickel collectors. The history and how they survived in the production makes their mystery even more profound and their worth all the more substantial. One of them was sold through a private auction in 2018 for $4.5 million, though its real worth is said to be above $30 million currently.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is probably one of the most sought after coins by any serious collector simply because of the rarity and interesting history of its making. The nickels are considered “exotic” in the world of numismatics, partly due to their striking design, the historical background behind them, and the fact that only a few specimens remain to exist.
Why These Coins Are So Valuable
Therefore, what makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, and 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, estimated in millions of dollars, so special? The first factors are scarcity, historical value, and minting mistakes. Limited minted coins with flaws or some other features make them extremely collectible.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a good one for a story behind it; the quarter was minted in celebration of the bicentennial of the United States. This was the bicentennial era for the United States. To boot, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel both have interesting tales of government maneuvers and minting mishaps to make them that much more worthwhile.
Coin collecting does not give a dime to the intrinsic value of metal in a particular coin. Rarity of coins, their designs, and distinctive history about it make the collection priceless.
This world full of rare and exotic coins really is a treasure trove waiting to be excavated. An iconic example is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, valued at nearly $90 million, whose value rises from a simple minting error. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle of 1933 and the Liberty Head Nickel of 1913 are numismatic legends in themselves because of their historical importance and rarity, making them very costly.
FAQs
Q.Why is the Bicentennial Quarter valued at nearly $90 million?
A.The value comes from a rare minting error that makes certain Bicentennial Quarters highly sought after by collectors.
Q.How can I identify a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Look for minting errors such as die cracks or incorrect mint marks, as well as any unusual features that differ from standard coins.
Q.What are the two coins worth over $30 million?
A.The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel are both worth over $30 million due to their rarity and historical significance.