You will be surprised to know that some coins can be sold for crores! Imagine, if you find a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter lying in your purse worth 36 million dollars i.e. about Rs 300 crore? It may seem unbelievable, but the truth is that some rare coins, which have special minting errors or special designs, can be sold for millions of rupees in auction.
In this article, we will know what is the story of the rare Bicentennial Quarter of 36 million dollars, which coins are valuable, and how you can identify the hidden treasure in the coins you have.
Why is the rare Bicentennial Quarter of 36 million dollars so special?
This special quarter was made in 1976 to commemorate the 200th year of America’s independence. Although most quarters are of only normal value, some rare versions have become extremely valuable.
What is special about the Bicentennial Quarter?
- The reverse side of the quarter features the Liberty Bell design, with the moon above it and 13 stars surrounding it, representing the original 13 colonies of the US.
- Most Bicentennial quarters were made from copper-nickel alloy, but some were accidentally minted on silver or gold planchets, making them extremely rare and valuable.
- Some coins were found to have double dies, off-center strikes, or other minting errors, making them very valuable.
- The most expensive Bicentennial quarter ever sold was one that was accidentally minted on a gold planchet. This coin sold for $36 million (Rs 300 crore) at auction.
How to identify if your Bicentennial quarter is valuable?
Not every 1976 quarter is valuable, but here are some tips to help you figure out if your coin is special:
1.Check the material
- Normal coins are made of copper-nickel.
- Some special editions were made of silver, which is more valuable to collectors.
- If you see a Bicentennial quarter that looks like gold, it may be a rare coin minted by mistake.
2. Look for minting errors
- Double Die Obverse – If the lettering or design on the coin shows a double strike, it may be rare.
- Off-Center Strike – If the design is not struck in the right place, the coin may be valuable.
- Missing Clad Layer – Some quarters may have a missing top layer, making them look different from other coins.
3. Check the Mint Mark
The US Mint produced this coin in three locations:
- Philadelphia – no mint mark
- Denver – with a “D” mint mark
- San Francisco – with an “S” mint mark, which most Proof coins had
If your coin has a unique mint mark or unusual luster, it may be worth more.
4. Check the Coin’s Authenticity
If you think your coin may be rare, get it certified by companies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Other rare and valuable coins of the world
Apart from the Bicentennial Quarter, there are many other coins in the world that have been sold for crores. Let’s know about some of the most valuable coins:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – More than $3 million
- Only 5 coins are known to exist.
- One of these sold for $3.7 million in 2018.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – $7.5 million
- The US government melted most of the 1933 coins, but some survived.
- One of these coins sold for $7.5 million in 2002.
3. 1943 Copper Penny – Over $1.7 million
- Most coins in the US were made of steel during World War II.
- Some coins were accidentally minted on copper, which are now selling for crores.
4. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 million
- This was the first US silver dollar made by the US.
- A rare version was auctioned for $10 million.
How to start collecting rare coins?
If you want to collect rare coins, follow these tips:
- Learn grading of coins – Coins are rated from 1 (poor condition) to 70 (absolutely perfect).
- Watch your pockets and piggy banks – Many valuable coins can be found in everyday transactions.
- Join the coin collecting community – participate in online forums and coin collecting fairs.
- Bring a magnifying glass and coin album – to carefully observe and preserve the coin’s design.
FAQs – Questions about Rare Bicentennial Quarters
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial quarter so valuable?
Some coins had the wrong metal (gold, silver), minting errors and unique designs, making them worth millions.
How do I know if my Bicentennial quarter is rare?
Look for doubled dies, off-center strikes, unusual metals or gold/silver composition.
What is the most expensive Bicentennial quarter ever sold?
A quarter struck on a rare gold planchet sold for $36 million.
If I find a rare coin, where do I sell it?
Contact auction houses, online marketplaces and coin dealers.
Could you have a rare coin?
Now that you know how to identify valuable coins, why not take a closer look at your old coins? Your next coin could be a rare treasure worth millions!