A rare 1970 Bicentennial quarter recently made headlines after selling for an astonishing $22 million, shattering records and captivating the numismatic community. This immense value stems from a unique minting error, where the quarter was struck off-center, creating a noticeable misalignment in the design.
Typically, Bicentennial quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents. However, this particular coin’s rarity, combined with its minting mistake, catapulted its price to an extraordinary amount. In this article, we’ll delve into the story behind this record-breaking coin, and take a look at five other rare coins that have fetched prices above $250,000, offering a glimpse into the lucrative world of coin collecting.
The $22 Million Bicentennial Quarter
The 1970 Bicentennial quarter that sold for nearly $22 million serves as a prime example of how minting errors can lead to incredible value. Although millions of these quarters were struck to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States, a few were minted with significant mistakes. This specific coin was produced with an off-center strike, leading to an off-kilter design, which made it a one-of-a-kind item.
Five Rare Coins Worth Over $250,000
While the Bicentennial quarter may be the most famous, it’s far from the only coin that has commanded massive prices at auction. Here are five other rare coins valued at over $250,000, each highlighting the fascinating and high-stakes nature of rare coin collecting.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 Million
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is widely regarded as one of the first silver dollars minted by the U.S. Mint. With only around 130 known examples remaining, this coin is not only rare but also holds immense historical value. One of these coins sold for a staggering $10 million in 2013, securing its place as one of the most expensive coins in history. - 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle – $22 Million
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is another coin that fetched an incredible price, selling for $22 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021. Struck during the Great Depression, this gold coin was never released into circulation due to government orders to melt it down as part of the U.S. transition off the gold standard. With most of the 445,500 coins destroyed, the few remaining examples have become highly sought after. - 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $4.56 Million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a truly rare coin, as only five examples were ever struck, and they were created illegally by a U.S. Mint employee. This error coin has an intriguing backstory, and one of the five nickels sold for $4.56 million at auction in 2018, proving its high value among collectors. - 1943 Copper Penny – $1.7 Million
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to producing steel pennies to conserve copper. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally struck, making them highly valuable. In 2019, one of these rare copper pennies sold for $1.7 million, setting a new record for the most valuable penny ever sold. - 1907 Double Eagle – $1.8 Million
The 1907 Double Eagle, a gold coin designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, has become a symbol of numismatic prestige. Its bold design, which was initially controversial, led to its prominence. One example of this coin was sold for $1.8 million in 2021, cementing its status as a coveted collector’s item.
Key Features of These Rare Coins
| Coin Name | Year | Auction Price (USD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 Bicentennial Quarter | 1970 | $22 million | Off-center strike, proof coin |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $10 million | One of the first U.S. silver dollars, historically significant |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle | 1933 | $22 million | Never circulated, gold coin |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.56 million | Struck illegally, only five examples |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | $1.7 million | Copper instead of steel, wartime error |
| 1907 Double Eagle | 1907 | $1.8 million | Controversial design, gold coin |
What Makes the Bicentennial Quarter Worth $22 Million?
The 1970 Bicentennial quarter’s off-center minting error, combined with its flawless proof condition, makes it an incredibly rare and valuable coin. Error coins, particularly those with substantial flaws that set them apart from standard coins, are highly sought after in the numismatic world.
How Can You Tell If Your Coin Is Valuable?
If you believe you may have a rare or valuable coin, the best way to find out is to have it appraised by a professional or submit it for grading with a reputable service like the PCGS or NGC. A coin’s rarity, condition, and demand among collectors will all play a role in determining its market value.
Why Are Some Error Coins Worth More Than Others?
Not all error coins are worth significant amounts. Coins with large, visually striking mistakes, rare characteristics, or historical importance tend to be more valuable. The coin’s rarity, the significance of the error, and the level of demand in the collecting community all contribute to its worth.
Can You Sell a Coin for Millions?
While it’s possible to sell rare coins for millions of dollars, the vast majority of coins do not reach such prices. Most high-value coins are exceptionally rare, hold significant historical value, or contain precious metals like gold or silver.
