The $73 Million Bicentennial Quarter – Plus More Rare Coins to Look For

Coin collecting- a rare hobby, but a boon if pursued with dedication. Some outlandish yet true prices are paid for coins, setting some new records each time in coin collecting. One of these many coins is the recently sold 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, for an absolutely shocking value of $73 million! The sale came as a shock for even this technique collectors and investors because, indeed, an ordinary-looking coin like this could be worth an astounding amount of money.

However, more than just being the sole coin to have made it big, the Bicentennial Quarter coins have sent tens of thousands back in the shining past, and they have also taken over the skies of rarities that have surpassed a million-dollar deal owing to their scarcity, historical importance, or minting error in some cases. In this article, we shall cover some interesting tales of the Bicentennial Quarter and four other coins so valuable that every collector dreams of owning them.

Overview of the Most Valuable Coins

Another variety of the rarest and most valuable coins, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, is quite a sight to behold and is valued at $73 million. The U.S. Mint struck the Bicentennial Quarter in order to celebrate the 200 years of American independence. However, this special edition has a different design on the reverse side: a colonial drummer with a torch and 13 stars representing the original colonies. While the front features George Washington’s portrait, it carries the date notation “1776-1976,” acknowledging the country’s bicentennial.

These quarters were commonly made and are worth only their face value. They can be worth money to collectors today because small numbers of these coins were accidentally struck on the wrong type of metal—the same planchet used for half-dollar coins. As such, they turned out to be larger and a little bit different in weight.

The coin, worth $73 million, became one of the most valuable coins ever to be sold, due to this one error. Due to its unrepeatable error and its relation to the 200th anniversary in the United States, it became one of the really legendary coins among collectors.
Four Other Rare Coins Worth Over $999,999
While the Bicentennial Quarter’s value is extraordinary, there are other coins that have also sold for millions. Let’s take a look at four more of the rarest and most expensive coins in U.S. history.

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – A Coin Shrouded in Mystery

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most mysterious coins ever made; the U.S. Mint stopped producing Liberty Head Nickels in 1912 and switched to the buffalo design produced on nickels in 1913. However, somehow five are known to exist from 1913. Some share the belief they were secretly made by a mint employee, which is a felony and makes them extremely rare. Because of the mystery surrounding them and their extreme rarity, these coins have become legendary. One of these nickels sold for over $3 million, forever etching its name among the most valuable nickels in history.

The 1943 Copper Penny – A Wartime Minting Mistake

The U.S. Mint is tasked by the U.S. government to provide copper for military supplies, including ammunition and electrical wiring, during the Second World War. Said to save on materials, the 1943 penny was changed from copper to steel by the U.S. Mint. However, a select few of these pennies were erroneously struck in copper instead of steel. The error, of course, is what sets these pennies as some of the rarest in the U.S. With only about 20 in existence, one of them has sold, reportedly, for over a million dollars. Check that 1943 penny of yours from time to time—it may be worth a fortune!

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle – A Coin That Shouldn’t Exist

The Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle of 1933 is one of the most coveted coins of its time. Originally a $20 gold coin, the U.S. government ordered that these coins be melted prior to their release to the public following the Great Depression and the Gold Reserve Act. Though most of the coins that circulated never did get released, there were a few that shadowed the whole melting ordeal. Because they are technically illegal to own, they have been the subject of legal battles and secret transactions.

One of these rare coins sold for over $7 million, making it one of the most expensive coins in U.S. history. Even those in lesser condition sell for well over $1 million.

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – The First-Ever U.S. Dollar Coin
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is believed to be the first dollar coin ever minted by the United States. Featuring an elegant design of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, this coin marked the beginning of America’s official currency system.

Because of its historical importance and rarity, collectors are willing to pay staggering amounts for it. In 2013, one of these coins sold for a record-breaking $10 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold.

Conclusion – Rare Coins That Tell Incredible Stories

Coins like the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, and the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar show that even the smallest objects can have huge historical and financial value. Whether they were created by accident, made in extremely small numbers, or hold deep historical significance, these coins are treasures in the world of collecting.

If you love collecting coins, who knows? You might one day find a rare gem hiding in your pocket change—or even in your grandparents’ old coin collection!

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