The Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976, commemorates the 200th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence. While most Bicentennial Quarters are valued at just their face value, one in particular has reached a stunning $43 million due to a rare double-strike minting error. This error has resulted in overlapping images, a feature highly sought by collectors. This coin’s unique blend of historical importance and minting error has established it as one of the crown jewels in coin collecting.
Contents
- 0.1 1932-D Washington Quarter
- 0.2 1932-S Washington Quarter
- 0.3 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter
- 0.4 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
- 0.5 Coin Details Table
- 0.6 Quarters and Their Historical Legacy
- 0.7 Valuable Quarters: Unique Factors and Valuation Impact
- 0.8 The Allure of Rare Quarters
- 1 FAQs
- 1.1 What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
- 1.2 Why are the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters worth over $18,999?
- 1.3 What is special about the 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter?
- 1.4 How does the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter error increase its value?
- 1.5 What should I look for when identifying valuable quarters?
- 1.6
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter marks the debut of the Washington design on U.S. quarters. Initially intended as a one-year commemorative piece, it eventually became the standard design. With only 436,800 produced at the Denver Mint, this coin’s scarcity has driven its value beyond $18,999. Pristine, uncirculated examples of this coin command even higher prices at auction, making it a favorite among collectors.
1932-S Washington Quarter
Similar in value to the 1932-D, the 1932-S Washington Quarter was minted in San Francisco with a limited production. Coins from this series are highly valued, especially those in mint condition. Collectors prize the 1932-S for its rarity, quality, and status as one of the scarcest Washington quarters, often selling for over $18,999.
1943-S Silver Washington Quarter
Minted during WWII, the 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter has historical significance, as the U.S. Mint shifted from nickel to silver due to war material needs. The “S” mint mark on this quarter indicates its San Francisco origin, and in near-perfect condition, these coins often sell for over $18,999. Its value is attributed to its historical context and the silver composition, a rarity among quarters.
1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter is another rare coin, distinguished by a unique overmintmark error where a Denver “D” mint mark appears stamped over a San Francisco “S.” This error, resulting from transitioning mint practices, has created a highly desirable collector’s item worth upwards of $18,999. Collectors seek quarters with minting errors, and high-quality versions of this overmintmark coin are particularly coveted.
Coin Details Table
| Coin Name | Year | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Double-strike error | $43 million |
| 1932-D Washington | 1932 | Denver Mint, rare first series | Over $18,999 |
| 1932-S Washington | 1932 | San Francisco Mint, low production | Over $18,999 |
| 1943-S Silver Quarter | 1943 | San Francisco Mint, silver wartime | Over $18,999 |
| 1950-D/S Overmintmark | 1950 | Denver over San Francisco error | Over $18,99 |
Quarters and Their Historical Legacy
| Coin | Rarity | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | One-of-a-kind double strike | Symbol of U.S. bicentennial |
| 1932-D & 1932-S | Limited mintage | Introduction of the Washington design |
| 1943-S | Wartime silver composition | WWII-era historical importance |
| 1950-D/S | Unique overmintmark error | Rare minting process transition error |
Valuable Quarters: Unique Factors and Valuation Impact
| Feature | Definition | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|
| Double Strike | Coin struck twice, creating overlapping image | Extremely high, unique error |
| Overmintmark | Mint mark struck over a previous one | Increases collector interest |
| Mint Condition | Coin remains in perfect state | Premium price at auctions |
| Silver Composition | Coin made from silver due to wartime needs | Historical and material value |
The Allure of Rare Quarters
Collecting rare quarters is more than an investment; it’s a journey through American history. These coins not only embody artistry and craftsmanship but also serve as historical markers. From the $43 million Bicentennial Quarter to the wartime 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter, each piece tells a story that captivates collectors. Whether it’s due to minting errors or historical moments, these coins represent valuable artifacts, uniting collectors through shared passion and discovery.
FAQs
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
The Bicentennial Quarter generally has a face value of 25 cents, but a specific version, valued at nearly $43 million, stands out due to its rare minting error—a double strike. This error creates an overlapping design, combined with its historical significance, making it an exceptionally rare collectible.
Why are the 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters worth over $18,999?
Both the 1932-D and 1932-S quarters are part of the first Washington Quarter series and were minted in limited quantities. Their rarity, combined with their condition (especially uncirculated ones), contributes to their high value. Collectors seek these quarters for their historical significance and pristine preservation.
What is special about the 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter?
The 1943-S Silver Washington Quarter, minted during WWII, is composed of silver because other metals were diverted for the war effort. With its ‘S’ mint mark from the San Francisco Mint, this quarter is highly prized, especially in uncirculated condition, and can be worth over $18,999 due to its scarcity and pristine quality.
How does the 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter error increase its value?
The 1950-D/S Overmintmark Quarter features a unique error where the Denver (‘D’) mint mark was stamped over a San Francisco (‘S’) mint mark. This overmintmark occurred during a transition in minting processes, making it exceptionally rare. Well-preserved examples of this error are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.
What should I look for when identifying valuable quarters?
To spot valuable quarters, check for unique mint marks, minting errors (such as double strikes or overmintmarks), and historical mintage details. Coins with limited production or errors, like the Bicentennial Quarter with double strike or the 1950-D/S Overmintmark, can significantly increase a coin’s value, especially if found in near-mint condition.
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