Millions of coins circulate daily across the United States, with most only worth their face value. However, a select few coins are worth far more due to rare features, historical importance, or minting errors. One such coin is the George Washington Bicentennial Quarter, which has garnered significant attention from collectors and has reached prices as high as $5 million due to its unique characteristics.
Minted in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence, the George Washington Bicentennial Quarter features dual dates, 1776-1976, commemorating the nation’s bicentennial. While millions of these coins were produced, a rare variant with a minting error, specifically a double-struck obverse, has propelled its value to astronomical heights.
Features of the Bicentennial 25-Cent Coin
Key Characteristics of the Coin
To identify a George Washington Bicentennial Quarter, it’s important to recognize its main features:
- Obverse (Front) Design: The bust of President George Washington faces left, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the dual dates 1776-1976.
- Reverse (Back) Design: A colonial drummer faces left, holding a victory torch, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original American colonies. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
- Mint Marks: Coins were produced at the Denver (D), Philadelphia (no mint mark), and San Francisco (S) mints. You can find the mint mark just below Washington’s neck on the obverse side.
These quarters were mass-produced for circulation, but only certain rare errors have contributed to their high value.
The Minting Error That Makes the Coin Worth Millions
Double-Struck Obverse: The Key to Its Value
A key reason why some George Washington Bicentennial Quarters are valued at over $5 million is due to an error known as the double-struck obverse. This occurs when the coin is stamped twice, causing a misalignment and leaving a faint double image of Washington’s profile or the coin’s inscriptions.
How to Identify the Double-Strike Error
- Double Image: A double-struck quarter displays an impression of Washington’s profile that appears faint or misaligned, creating a ghostly second image.
- Unique Pattern: The error gives the coin an unusual, almost blurry appearance on the obverse, which collectors can easily identify.
This minting mistake, coupled with the historical importance of the bicentennial coin, has driven its value up significantly, despite millions of these coins being produced.
Why the Double-Struck Bicentennial Quarter Commands a High Price
Several factors contribute to the inflated value of the double-struck Bicentennial Quarter:
- Rarity: Double-struck coins are an uncommon error, making those with this flaw highly prized among collectors.
- Historical Importance: The coin commemorates the 200th anniversary of the United States, giving it a deep historical connection and significance.
- Collector Demand: Numismatists and history enthusiasts place a premium on coins with unique errors, especially those tied to monumental events in U.S. history.
The combination of rarity, history, and the allure of minting mistakes makes this particular variant of the Bicentennial Quarter an exceptionally valuable piece of American numismatic history.
How to Spot a Rare Double-Struck Quarter
Steps for Identifying a High-Value Coin
If you believe you may have one of these rare double-struck quarters, here’s how you can check:
- Inspect Your Quarters: Start by examining quarters with the 1776-1976 date. Focus closely on the obverse to see if you notice a misalignment or faint double image of Washington’s profile.
- Use Magnification: Some errors are subtle. A magnifying glass can help you detect the double-strike more easily.
- Look for the Mint Mark: Proof versions minted in San Francisco (marked with an “S”) are typically not in circulation but could carry additional value if found in your collection.
- Consult Experts: If you find a potential double-struck coin, consult a professional numismatist or coin grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), for authentication. Proper certification can enhance the coin’s value in the market.
Could You Own a $5 Million Coin?
The George Washington Bicentennial Quarter is a vital piece of U.S. history. While millions were minted, only a few feature the double-struck obverse error that makes them so valuable. The worth of these coins stems from their rarity, historical connection, and the unique error that occurred during minting.
Take the time to examine your spare change; the next quarter you find could potentially be worth millions. With careful attention and expert guidance, you might discover a hidden numismatic treasure in your pocket.
