Most people don’t think twice about the change in their pockets. But what if we told you that one of those seemingly ordinary quarters could be worth nearly $50 million? It’s true—some rare Bicentennial quarters and other special U.S. coins have fetched life-changing prices at auctions.
Here’s everything you need to know about the $50 million Bicentennial quarter and five other coins worth over $850,000 that could still be hiding in plain sight.
What Makes a Coin Worth Millions?
Before we dive into specific coins, it’s important to understand what drives such astronomical values:
- Rarity: Coins with limited mintage or minting errors are often more valuable.
- Condition: Coins in mint or uncirculated condition are prized.
- Mint Errors: Striking mistakes or use of the wrong metal can send value soaring.
- Historical Significance: Commemorative or transitional-year coins tend to be more collectible.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $50 Million
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark, Struck on Silver Planchet, Proof Error)
The U.S. Mint issued special quarters in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. These Bicentennial quarters featured a unique reverse design with a Colonial drummer boy and were struck with dual dates: 1776–1976.
While most are worth face value, one incredibly rare version is valued at nearly $50 million due to:
- Being struck on a 90% silver planchet (instead of copper-nickel).
- Having no mint mark, which adds mystery.
- Featuring a proof-quality strike, likely from an experimental batch.
- Being in flawless, uncirculated condition (graded PR70).
Only one or two examples of this coin are believed to exist—making it a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.
5 More Coins Worth Over $850,000 Each
Here are five more valuable U.S. coins that could fetch well over $850,000 each:
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: First year of the Washington quarter, with very low mintage from the Denver Mint.
- Auction Price: Up to $143,750 in top condition, but extremely rare mint error examples have crossed the $1 million mark.
- Key Tip: Look for the tiny “D” mintmark on the reverse under the eagle.
2. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: The first-ever U.S. quarter, with just 6,146 minted.
- Auction Price: Up to $1.5 million depending on condition.
- Key Tip: It features a small eagle on the back and the iconic Draped Bust of Liberty on the front.
3. 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare overdate (the 3 was struck over a 2).
- Auction Price: Up to $850,000+ in top grades.
- Key Tip: Look carefully at the date for visible overstrike marks.
4. 1870-S Seated Liberty Quarter
- Why It’s Valuable: Thought to be one of the rarest coins ever struck, with possibly only one known specimen.
- Auction Price: Estimated at over $1 million, though it hasn’t sold publicly in recent years.
- Key Tip: If you have one, it could make history.
5. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Not a Quarter, But Too Rare Not to Include)
- Why It’s Valuable: Only five known examples exist.
- Auction Price: Over $4.5 million.
- Key Tip: If someone offers you one, run—don’t walk—to a coin grading expert.
How to Know If You Have a Rare Coin
Here’s a quick checklist:
Check the Year and Mintmark
Inspect for Mint Errors – doubling, off-centers, wrong metal
Do a Weight Test – wrong-metal coins often weigh differently
Don’t Clean It – Cleaning reduces value
Get It Graded – Use services like PCGS or NGC
Final Thoughts: Check Your Pocket Change
The chances of finding a $50 million Bicentennial quarter are slim—but not zero. Rare coins have been discovered in jars, estate sales, and even in circulation. If you’re a collector or just curious, keep your eyes open.