Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $45 Million – Plus 4 More Valued Over $20,000
When people think of quarters, they usually think of loose change in their pocket or car. But some quarters are far more valuable than 25 cents — especially one very rare Bicentennial Quarter that has reportedly been valued at nearly $45 million. That’s not all — there are four more quarters also worth over $20,000 each.
The Bicentennial Quarter was released in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. While most are common and only worth face value, a few rare versions with unique features or minting errors are now considered highly collectible. In this article, we’ll break down what makes these quarters special, which ones to look out for, and how you might already have one in your home.
Overview Table: Rare Quarters and Their Values
| Quarter Type | Year | Special Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (Rare Silver/Proof) | 1976 | Unique minting error or off-metal strike | Up to $45 million |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | Low mintage, first year of series | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | 1932 | Very low mintage, hard to find | $20,000+ |
| 1950-D/S Washington Quarter | 1950 | Overmint mark (D over S) | $20,000+ |
| 1964-D Doubled Die Quarter | 1964 | Doubling on reverse letters | $22,000+ |
The Bicentennial Quarter: A $45 Million Coin?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is easily recognized by its special design: a drummer boy on the reverse side and the dual date “1776–1976” on the front. These quarters were made in massive numbers for public circulation, but a tiny handful were struck in rare ways that made them incredibly valuable.
The one worth nearly $45 million is believed to be a proof error or possibly struck on the wrong metal planchet, like silver instead of the regular copper-nickel mix. This kind of mistake is extremely rare, and collectors are willing to pay enormous amounts for coins like this.
How to Spot It:
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The coin might feel heavier or lighter than a regular quarter.
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It could have a silver appearance (even though it’s not from a silver set).
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It might have extra-sharp details or unusual coloring.
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Look for coins with high shine and no wear — these are often proofs or uncirculated.
If you suspect you have a special Bicentennial Quarter, don’t spend it! Get it checked by a professional coin dealer or grading service.
1. 1932-D Washington Quarter
This is one of the earliest Washington Quarters, made in the first year of the series. Only about 436,000 were minted in Denver, making it highly sought after by collectors.
What Makes It Valuable:
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Low mintage.
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Popular because it’s the first year of the Washington design.
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High values in good condition or better.
Estimated Value: Up to $25,000 in near-mint condition.
2. 1932-S Washington Quarter
Just like the 1932-D, the San Francisco version of this coin had a very small number produced — around 408,000. It’s equally collectible and holds strong value in the market.
Key Features:
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“S” mint mark below the eagle on the reverse.
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Sharp details and little wear increase value.
3. 1950-D/S Overmint Mark Quarter
This coin has an unusual mint error: a “D” mint mark stamped over an “S”. These types of errors are extremely rare and make coins highly collectible.
How to Check for This Error:
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Use a magnifying glass to look at the mint mark.
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You might see a shadow of the original “S” under the “D”.
Value: Upwards of $20,000 depending on clarity of the error and condition.
4. 1964-D Doubled Die Quarter
Coins with doubled dies have a design that looks like it was stamped twice, causing letters and numbers to appear thicker or shadowed. The 1964-D quarter has one such version, and collectors love these rare mistakes.
Where to Look:
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Check the word “QUARTER DOLLAR” on the back.
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Look for doubling in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
Value: Up to $22,000 or more in high-grade condition.
Tips for Finding Valuable Quarters
You might be wondering — could I have one of these in my house? It’s possible! Here’s how to check:
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Search your change jar or coin collection.
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Look closely at older quarters, especially ones from the 1930s through the 1970s.
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Use a magnifying glass to check mint marks and design details.
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Weigh and examine coins that feel different or look unusual.
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Don’t clean the coin — cleaning can ruin its value.
If something stands out, take it to a local coin dealer for a second opinion.
FAQs About Rare Quarters
1. Is it really possible for a quarter to be worth $45 million?
Yes — in rare cases, unique errors or unusual mint conditions can make a coin extremely valuable. The right buyer, historical importance, and rarity can drive prices sky-high.
2. How do I know if I have a Bicentennial Quarter worth money?
Check for unusual features — like silver shine, proof finish, or errors. Regular 1976 quarters are common, but rare versions look and feel different.
3. Should I clean my old coins to make them look better?
No! Cleaning coins often reduces their value. Collectors prefer original condition, even if it’s a little dirty.
4. Can I sell a rare coin online?
Yes, but it’s best to get it professionally graded first. You can sell through coin dealers, auctions, or trusted online platforms once its value is confirmed.
5. Are modern quarters worth collecting too?
Definitely. Some newer quarters, like those with minting errors or from limited runs, are already gaining value. It’s always worth paying attention.
Final Thoughts
Most quarters you see every day aren’t worth more than their face value. But every so often, one comes along that’s worth a life-changing amount — like the rare Bicentennial Quarter that could be worth nearly $45 million. Add to that a few other historical treasures worth over $20,000, and suddenly checking your change becomes a whole lot more exciting.
So next time you get a quarter in your hand, take a second look. You might just be holding a small piece of American history — and a big piece of unexpected wealth.