People who collect coins often pay crazy amounts of money for rare and valuable coins that have mistakes in the minting process, historical value, or special features.
One amazing example is the Bicentennial Quarter, which was made in 1976 as a way to celebrate the country’s 200th birthday but can now fetch nearly $49 million USD.
We’ll talk about why this Bicentennial Quarter is worth so much in this blog post, along with 7 other coins that are worth more than $799,999. These coins are the holy grails for coin collectors, whether it’s because they were minted wrong, have historical value, or are just very hard to find.
Why Is the Bicentennial Quarter Worth $49 Million?
The Bicentennial Quarter, issued in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, typically holds a value of just 25 cents.
However, one special error coin has been valued at a staggering $49 million. But how did a regular circulating coin become so valuable?
The Die Error
A mistake during the minting process is what makes this Bicentennial Quarter so valuable. This mistake happened because the dies used in production were not lined up correctly.
A die misalignment is when the dies aren’t exactly lined up when the coin is struck. This causes the image or design on the coin to be slightly off-center.
This Bicentennial Quarter is very collectible because of the misaligned die mistake that made it unique compared to other coins made at the same time.
The coin is special because of this one-of-a-kind mistake. Because of this, the Bicentennial Quarter with the misplaced die is worth an amazing $49 million USD, making it one of the most valuable quarters ever found.
1. Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (1794)
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is a true treasure for collectors. As one of the first silver dollars ever minted by the U.S. Mint, it holds significant historical value.
Featuring a flowing hair design of Lady Liberty and an eagle on the reverse, only around 120 of these coins are still in existence today. Due to its age, rarity, and historical significance, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar has fetched prices exceeding $10 million at auctions.
2. 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is a well-known and highly sought-after gold coin that was made in that year. Most of the coins were taken back by the U.S. government and burned down when the country switched to the gold standard during the Great Depression.
Some of these coins did not get recalled, though. In 2002, one of these rare coins sold for a record $18.9 million. The 1933 Double Eagle is still one of the most valuable coins ever sold at auction, mostly because of its historical value and lack of availability.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
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The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. numismatic history. This coin was never officially minted by the U.S. Mint but was instead struck in secret by a Mint employee.
Only five known examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel exist today, making it extremely rare. Its mysterious origin and low mintage make it one of the most coveted coins in the world, and it has sold for as much as $4.5 million in recent years.
4. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is a classic example of a rare and highly valuable coin. Produced in limited quantities, this coin is renowned for its elegant design and its place in American coinage history.
There are only a few known examples of the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, and it can command prices as high as $4.1 million due to its rarity, design, and historical context. It is considered one of the most important coins in U.S. history.
5. 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar
There aren’t many of the 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar coins left, and they are very expensive. This coin is very rare because it was only made in very small numbers at first. There are only a few known copies of it today.
The 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar is very valuable, thought to be worth around $1.6 million. It is very rare and important in the history of U.S. coins, so fans of rare U.S. coins really want it.
6. 1793 Chain Cent
The 1793 Chain Cent is one of the earliest copper coins minted by the U.S. Mint. The coin features a chain of links on the reverse, symbolizing the unity of the American states.
Because of its age, rarity, and the historical significance of its design, the 1793 Chain Cent has become one of the most valuable early U.S. coins. The price for one of these coins can reach upwards of $1.4 million, depending on its condition and provenance.
7. 1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is one of the most valuable coins from the Barber coin series, due to a minting error that caused only a small number of these coins to be struck. With only a few examples remaining, this coin is highly sought after by collectors.
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is valued at around $2 million, making it one of the most valuable quarters ever minted.
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $10 million+ | A highly rare early U.S. silver dollar, one of the first coins ever minted, with only 120 examples known. |
| 1933 Double Eagle | 1933 | $18.9 million | A famous $20 gold coin, recalled by the U.S. government but a few survived and sold for millions. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.5 million | One of the rarest coins in existence, never officially minted, with only five known examples. |
| 1804 Draped Bust Dollar | 1804 | $4.1 million | A rare dollar coin known for its elegant design and low mintage, making it highly collectible. |
| 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar | 1870 | $1.6 million | One of the rarest coins from the Liberty Seated series, with only a few surviving examples. |
| 1793 Chain Cent | 1793 | $1.4 million | A historical U.S. copper coin, notable for its rarity and the “Chain” design on the reverse. |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | 1901 | $2 million+ | A rare coin from the Barber series with a minting error, only a few of these exist. |
Also see:- Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $29 Million USD 3 More worth over $199,999
Why do some coins become worth millions of dollars?
Coins can become worth millions due to factors like rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and condition. Coins that were minted in limited quantities or feature rare minting mistakes tend to command higher prices in the market.
Collectors are often willing to pay large amounts for coins that are considered unique or have important historical connections.
What are minting errors, and why are they important?
A minting error occurs when a coin is struck incorrectly during the minting process, leading to flaws like misaligned dies, double strikes, off-center strikes, or die cracks.
These errors create coins that are unique and rare, which significantly increases their value among collectors. Minting errors can make a coin extremely valuable because they are often the result of rare mistakes.
How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
To determine if your coin is valuable, consider factors such as its rarity, condition, and historical significance. Coins with minting errors, unusual features, or those from limited production runs are typically more valuable.
It’s also essential to check the coin’s mintage year, mintmark, and overall preservation. For a precise evaluation, you can consult with a professional numismatist or coin dealer.
Are coins from the early U.S. Mint generally more valuable?
Yes, coins from the early U.S. Mint—particularly those minted before 1800—are generally more valuable due to their historical significance, age, and rarity.
These coins were produced in limited numbers, and many of them were used in everyday commerce, making them difficult to find today. Early U.S. coins, such as the **1793 Chain Cent
