World of Coins: Is a Bicentennial Quarter Really Worth $7 Million?
There are many stories in the world of coin collecting where rare coins have fetched millions of rupees. One such story is of the Bicentennial Quarter, which is claimed to be worth $7 million (about Rs 58 crore). But is it true?
Let’s understand the truth of this interesting story and know about those rare coins which have really fetched millions of rupees in auctions.
Bicentennial Quarter: A Deep Investigation
In 1976, on the occasion of America’s 200th Independence Anniversary, the US Mint released a special quarter. The obverse of this coin had a traditional portrait of George Washington, while the reverse showed a colonial drummer and victory torch surrounded by 13 stars.
Bicentennial quarters were made in very large quantities from the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints, so these coins are not usually considered very valuable. But some special editions and minting errors can make this coin rare and valuable.
Which Bicentennial quarters can be valuable?
1976-S Silver Proof Quarters –
- These coins were made in 40% silver and were part of special mint sets. A high grade (MS 69) coin was auctioned for $19,200 (about Rs 16 lakh).
- However, the claim of the Bicentennial quarter being worth $7 million seems to be false. So far, no Bicentennial quarter of this value has been sold at auction. But it is true that some coins have fetched crores of rupees at auction.
8 coins that really sold for crores
The truth of the Bicentennial quarter’s $7 million claim is not found, but there are some coins that have really fetched crores of rupees at auction.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This was a gold coin that was never brought into circulation due to the Gold Reserve Act. Its auction price reached $20 million (about Rs 165 crore), making it one of the most expensive coins in the world.
2. 1849 Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle
- This coin was first minted during the California Gold Rush.
- Only one specimen of it exists, which is kept in the Smithsonian Institution.
- Its estimated price is $17.9 million (about Rs 148 crore).
3. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- This is considered to be America’s first silver dollar.
- In 2013, its auction price reached $10 million (about Rs 82 crore).
4. 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar
- This is an ancient Islamic coin, which was made from gold obtained from the gold mine owned by the Caliph.
- Only a few copies of it exist, and one coin was sold for $6 million (about Rs 50 crore).
5. 1787 Brasher Doubloon
- This coin was privately minted by famous goldsmith Ephraim Brasher.
- It was auctioned in 2019 for $5.5 million (about Rs 45 crore).
6. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- Only 5 known specimens of this coin remain.
- One of these coins was sold privately for $5 million (about Rs 41 crore).
7. 2007 C$1 Million Coin
- It was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint and was made of 100 kg of pure gold.
- Its official value was 1 million Canadian dollars, but it was sold at auction for $4 million (about Rs 33 crores).
8. 1804 Silver Dollar (Silver Dollar – “King of American Coins”)
- It is called the “King of American Coins” because it is one of the most famous coins in America.
- In 2013, its price reached $3.8 million (about Rs 31 crores).
| Coin Name | Year | Notable Sale Price | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $20 million | One of the last gold coins minted before the Gold Reserve Act; extremely rare. |
| 1849 Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle | 1849 | $17.9 million | First double eagle coin; only one known specimen housed in the Smithsonian. |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $10 million | Believed to be the first U.S. silver dollar minted; very few exist. |
| 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar | 723 | $6 million | Ancient Islamic coin from a mine owned by the Caliph; about a dozen known. |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | 1787 | $5.5 million | Privately minted gold coin by Ephraim Brasher; highly prized among collectors. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $5 million | Only five known specimens; extremely rare and valuable. |
| 2007 C$1 Million Coin | 2007 | $4 million | Contains 100 kg of pure gold; minted by the Royal Canadian Mint. |
| 1804 Silver Dollar | 1804 | $3.8 million | Known as the “King of American Coins”; very rare with few specimens. |
Conclusion: Is the Bicentennial Quarter really that expensive?
The claim of the Bicentennial Quarter being worth $7 million is proven to be completely false. No Bicentennial Quarter of this value has been sold at any auction so far.
However, the world of coins is very mysterious and exciting, and many coins can reach extraordinary prices due to history, rarity and mistakes.
If you are interested in collecting coins, always consult a certified coin expert and check auction records. You may also have a valuable treasure hidden inside!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a $7 million Bicentennial quarter really exist?
No, there is no proven record of a Bicentennial quarter ever selling for $7 million. However, some special editions or error coins may be valuable.
How is a coin’s value determined?
A coin’s rarity, historical significance, condition, and unique characteristics play a significant role in determining its price.
How do I know my coin’s value?
Have a trusted coin dealer check it or use a professional coin grading service