In the world of coin collecting, some coins are worth much more than their face value, especially when they are the result of minting errors, rarities, or unique finishes.
Among these sought-after treasures are certain Bicentennial quarters and dimes that are still in circulation but have been known to fetch up to $700,000 each at auctions or private sales.
While most of the coins from these series are worth no more than their face value, a select few have become highly valuable gems due to their rare characteristics.
This article will explore the Bicentennial quarter and the rare dimes that are worth $700,000 USD each. If you’re wondering how to spot these treasures, or just curious about what makes these coins so valuable, read on for a deeper dive into these rare finds.
1. Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $700K: The Double Die Error
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is a celebrated coin in U.S. history, as it was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States.
However, some of these coins feature a minting error known as a double die, where the design appears doubled in certain areas of the coin, particularly in the date and inscription.
The error occurs when the die used to strike the coin imprints the design more than once, slightly out of alignment.
Key Features:
- Double Die Error: The design on the coin, particularly the date and “LIBERTY” inscription, appears doubled, making it a distinctive error.
- Minting Location: The coin was minted at either the Denver Mint (D Mintmark) or Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark).
- Uncirculated or Mint State Condition: These coins, in particular, are more valuable when they are in high-grade condition (Mint State or Uncirculated), as the condition plays a key role in the final price.
Why It’s Worth $700K:
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter with a double die error is incredibly rare, and when found in mint state, it can command as much as $700,000 or more.
These coins are prized not only for their rarity but also because of the historical significance of the Bicentennial celebration. In terms of sheer rarity and the mistake made during production, this error has become a highly sought-after collector’s item.
2. The 1970s Dime: A Rare Minting Error Worth $700K
While Bicentennial quarters have garnered much attention, the 1970s-era dimes, specifically the 1972 and 1975 dimes, also contain some minting errors that have made them worth up to $700,000.
These rare dimes are valuable not because they are simply old, but due to their minting errors, including clipped planchets, off-center strikes, or incorrectly struck designs. Such errors are incredibly difficult to find, making these dimes incredibly valuable.
Key Features:
- Clipped Planchet Error: One of the rarest types of errors, where a portion of the coin’s planchet (the metal disc before it is struck) was missing, leading to a distorted shape or incomplete design.
- Off-Center Strike: Another error occurs when the die does not strike the planchet in the correct position, causing the design to be shifted and part of the coin to be missing.
- High-Grade Condition: Like the Bicentennial quarters, mint-state examples of these rare dimes in near-perfect condition can fetch significantly more than the typical dimes of the era.
Why It’s Worth $700K:
The 1970s dimes, especially those with major minting errors, are valued highly due to their rarity and the extremely limited number of these errors that exist.
The off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and misstrikes from the 1970s are highly collectible, with well-preserved examples reaching prices in the $700,000 range or even higher at specialized coin auctions.
3. The 1976 Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Deep Cameo Finish: Worth $700K
In addition to the minting error varieties, the 1976 Bicentennial quarter in Proof condition can also be worth $700,000 if it has a Deep Cameo finish. Proof coins are produced with extra care, often for collectors, and feature a mirror-like finish.
When these coins are made with a Deep Cameo finish, the design features are frosted while the background remains reflective, giving the coin a striking contrast that is particularly appreciated by collectors.
Key Features:
- Proof Finish: A specialized minting process where the coin is struck multiple times to ensure it has a mirror-like surface with high clarity.
- Deep Cameo Finish: A deep contrast between the frosted design elements and the mirror-like background. This finish is sought after for its aesthetic appeal and technical difficulty.
- San Francisco Mint (S Mintmark): These proof coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint, and the Deep Cameo finish was sometimes applied to coins that were intended for special collectors’ sets.
Why It’s Worth $700K:
The Deep Cameo finish on a 1976 Bicentennial quarter is a rare and highly valued feature. These coins were struck with extra care to make sure they would meet the high standards of collectors.
When found in flawless condition, the value of these proof coins can reach up to $700,000. The rarity of these special editions, combined with their high-quality finish, makes them highly desirable in the numismatic community.
4. Other Rare Dimes with Minting Errors: Worth $700K
In addition to the 1970s dimes, other rare dimes with minting errors from different years have also been known to fetch prices of $700,000 USD. These coins typically feature rare minting mistakes, such as double strikes, die clashes, or over-polished dies.
Key Features:
- Double Strikes: These occur when the die strikes the coin more than once, causing the design to appear doubled or shifted.
- Die Clash: A die clash occurs when the two dies (obverse and reverse) strike each other without a planchet between them, leaving a shadowed image on the coin’s surface.
- Over-Polished Dies: This error happens when the dies are over-polished, erasing part of the design or making it look blurred or faint.
Why It’s Worth $700K:
These minting errors are rare, and dimes with such errors, especially from historic years like the 1960s and 1970s, can command significant sums, sometimes reaching $700,000 USD or more.
Coins with multiple errors or those that display particularly striking flaws can increase the coin’s value due to their uniqueness and collector demand.
| Coin | Error/Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error) | Double die error | $700,000 USD |
| 1972 or 1975 Dime (Clipped Planchet/Off-Center) | Clipped planchet, off-center strike, minting errors | $700,000 USD |
| 1976 Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo Finish) | Deep Cameo finish, Proof condition | $700,000 USD |
| Other 1970s Dimes with Minting Errors | Double strikes, die clashes, over-polished dies | $700,000 USD |
Also see:-Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $89 Million USD 3 More worth over $999,999 Gems
How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is valuable?
Look for minting errors like double die errors, or if the coin has a Proof finish with a Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo appearance. Uncirculated or high-grade coins are also more valuable. A professional appraisal or a visit to a trusted coin dealer can help assess your coin’s value.
What makes the 1970s dimes so valuable?
Dimes from the 1970s with minting errors, such as clipped planchets, off-center strikes, or double strikes, are incredibly rare. The rarity of these minting mistakes, coupled with high demand among collectors, makes these dimes worth up to $700,000 or more.
Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial quarter or dime?
Rare coins can be sold through auction houses, coin dealers, or online platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions. For extremely valuable coins, it’s recommended to seek a professional numismatist or appraiser to ensure you get the best possible price.
Are these coins common or rare?
While most Bicentennial quarters and dimes are common and worth only their face value, those with minting errors or special features like Deep Cameo are extremely rare. Only a small fraction of these coins exhibit the errors or qualities that make them worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
