The one coin in your pocket can be worth more than hundreds of thousands of dollars! A Bicentennial Quarter, worth only 25 cents, is valued extremely high, at $388,888, because it is so rare, in such good condition, and in high demand from collectors.
Besides, there are six other quarters with discovered values exceeding $88,888. Let’s take a look at why they are so valuable, how to spot them, and why numismatists are excellent things over them.
What Is the Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial Quarter came out in 1976 to celebrate the two-hundreds birthday of the Declaration of Independence. Unlike conventional quarters, this one is marked with a unique reverse design a Colonial drummer boy and a torch encircled with 13 stars.
The obverse side bears George Washington’s image but bears the date 1776-1976, thus making it a dual-dated coin. Millions were produced, but only very few make a fortune, especially those that have errors in minting, have silver content, or are in super condition.
What Makes One Bicentennial Quarter Worth $388,888?
The mind-crunching price of $388,888 was not for just any Bicentennial Quarter. This particular specimen came from a series of factors that made up a collector’s fantasy-bursting dream coin:
- Extremely high grade (MS-68 or higher)
- Rare minting error or struck on the wrong planchet
- Proof-like finish or deep cameo contrast
- Authenticated by a reputable grading service such as PCGS or NGC
These coins are almost impossible to find in circulation, but amazingly, some have appeared in bankrolls, old collections, or even pocket change.
How to Identify a Rare Bicentennial Quarter
Here’s what to look for:
- Mint Mark: Look for an “S” (San Francisco), “D” (Denver), or “No Mint Mark” (Philadelphia). “S” mint coins are usually proof coins, and silver versions originated there.
- Weight: Utilize a gram scale. Silver quarters weigh a bit more (~5.75g).
- Metal Composition: Certain quarters were made with 40% silver, particularly those from collector sets.
- Visual Errors: Search for double die errors, off-center strikes, incorrect planchet issues, or missing features.
- Condition: A coin showing no signs of wear, razor-sharp details, and mirror-like condition is worthy of grading.
6 Other Quarters Worth Over $88,888
In addition to the Bicentennial windfall, the following are six more scarce quarters that are worth big bucks:
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Produced in Denver
- Just 436,800 were made.
- Held in great demand, particularly in mint condition
- Worth more than $100,000 based on condition
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
- Minted in San Francisco, too, with limited mintage.
- More rare than its D-mint brother in top grade
- High-grade versions sell for $85,000 to $125,000.
3. 1943-S Washington Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
- Error coin with noticeable doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Rare in the coin world
- Sells for $88,000+ certified and in the highest grade
4. 1950-D/S Over mint mark Quarter
- A quarter struck at Denver over a San Francisco mintmark
- Scarce and looks unusual
- Priced as high as $90,000+ at auctions
5. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter (High or Low Leaf)
- Agricultural leaf differences that were not intended
- Found in circulation
- High-grade ones can sell for $90,000+.
6. 1964 SMS Washington Quarter
- A member of a rare Special Mint Set (SMS)
- Mirror-like surfaces, extremely rare die polish marks
- Only a few are thought to exist.
- Can sell for $100,000+.
Tips to Spot and Sell Rare Quarters
- Check Every Coin: Have a magnifying glass or coin loupe to examine coins for mistakes or special characteristics.
- Weigh and Measure: An abnormal weight or diameter could mean a rare planchet error.
- Get Coins Graded: Get professional grading and certification from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS.
- Protect the condition: Handle coins around the edges, keep them in coin flips or capsules, and do not clean coins.
- Sell Through Auctions: Utilize professional auction sites or coin shops, and do not sell quickly through online auctions unless you’re certain.
Why Are These Quarters So Valuable?
The reasons for such exorbitant prices are:
- Rarity: Low mintage or mint errors by mistake render them very rare.
- Condition: High-grade coins (MS67 and higher) are particularly valuable.
- Demand: Coin collectors are avid and will pay a premium for historically significant or aesthetically pleasing coins.
- Historical Relevance: Coins commemorating milestones such as the Bicentennial have fueled collector demand.
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Conclusion
A $388,888 Bicentennial Quarter or one of the other six coins valued at more than $88,888 is like hitting gold for any coin collector or even a casual coin hunter. Although odds are against it, it’s certainly worth sorting through your change particularly older quarters. You never know what could be in plain sight.
Whether you are an experienced numismatist or a newcomer, knowing what to search for and how to check the validity of a coin can assist you in finding concealed treasures and even make your pocket change a life-altering amount.
FAQs:-
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter worth $388,888?
Its value comes from a rare minting error, pristine condition, and collector demand driving the price.
What are the six other coins worth over $88,888?
They include rare versions of the 1976 quarter, early Washington quarters, and specific silver mint errors.
What’s the highest recorded price for a Bicentennial Quarter?
One rare specimen reportedly sold for over $380,000 at a private auction.
What is a minting error and why does it increase value?
A minting error is a mistake made during coin production, making it rarer and highly collectible.
