Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at Nearly $350,000 USD – 6 More Worth Over $5,000

Coin collecting is the hobby that combines history, art, and economics. Collectors may seek out one of the interesting pieces, the Bicentennial Quarter. These coins, usually worth only their face value, were minted in 1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of American independence. But no matter to which of them you refer, some of the coins have fetched astronomically high prices due to being minting errors or being rare. Since the most expensive Bicentennial Quarter sells for close to $350,000, many others sell for well over $5,000. So let’s take a look at six rare Bicentennial Quarters and see why they are valuable.

Double Die Obverse

The Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter is a highly sought-after error coin. The doubling of important details, such as the date or the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST,” is caused when the die strikes the coin twice in different positions in the minting process. This error is unique and rare, making it a highly sought-after collectible. These coins are in such mint condition that, in the auction world, their prices can go past $5,000, making them a collector’s treasure beyond price.

Off-Center Strike Quarter

An error is an off-center strike when the die and blank are not perfectly aligned. The result is the disjointedness of the design and loss of part of the image. The most desirable off-center Bicentennial Quarters are those with the date spottable, if off center, even to the point of being obviously off center. These coins are in excellent condition and easily sell for more than $5,000, and their visual uniqueness enhances their appeal.

Overstock Quarter

They are one of the rarest overstuck Bicentennial Quarters. This is when a quarter strikes off a previously minted coin and produces impressions of two different designs. Overstruck coins are rare and exceptional, and many are worth more than $5,000, with the piece worth way over that if the overstrike is clear and pronounced.

Silver Bicentennial Quarters

Collector sets, however, were minted in silver instead of the standard copper-nickel composition, and a limited amount were minted. They are naturally more valuable because they are silver coins. Usually coins in uncirculated grade sell for five digits or more, while these with errors or special features may command several times more.

Full Drum Lines Quarter

The central design feature for the Bicentennial Quarter features the drummer seen on the reverse of the coin. In exceptional detail, this image is displayed on a Full Drum Lines Quarter, with clear and strong lines on the drum. However, these coins are often the first strikes from a new die and consequently are usually the least worn and most (very) attractive coins (read, extremely highly lustrous) for their period. Rare coins in mint condition are sometimes worth more than $5,000.

Rainbow-Toned Quarters

They’re creatively striking Bicentennial Quarters that, over a period of time, turn rainbow-toned because of environmental reasons. It also naturally tones the coin in tasteful ways, making it a more attractive coin. Toning does not influence the structural condition of a coin; rather, it can have a very significant effect on the coin’s visual uniqueness and, consequently, a very significant increase in the value of the coin. A Rainbow Bicentennial Quarter showing a nice, bright, uniform coloration can bring $5,000 and up.

Conclusion

The stories behind these rare Bicentennial Quarters are an interesting chapter in numismatics. With dramatic minting errors along with gorgeous toning, these coins are treasures for the collector. No matter how seasoned an enthusiast or new to coin collecting, finding one of these rare pieces can be thrilling and rewarding.

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