Introduction
Some coins have tremendous hidden value, such as the rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which was reputedly valued at almost $10 million. While most Bicentennial Quarters are valued merely their face value, a few with unique minting faults or limited manufacture have become multimillion-dollar treasures.
Along with this coin, two other extraordinary finds—the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel and the 1901-S Barber Quarter—are each worth more than $350,000. Let us look at these extraordinary coins, what makes them valuable, and how collectors might identify similar rare items.
$10 Million Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter was issued in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ founding. Its reverse design, featuring a Colonial drummer and 13 stars, has made it everyone’s favorite collector coin. Only a small number of them are worth more than $25, however. Why does this one cost over $10 million?
The answer is a minting error. This Bicentennial Quarter was double struck, with the second strike misplaced, creating a ghostly, overlaying aspect on the piece. Minting flaws like this are extremely rare and highly treasured by collectors. While it is quite rare to come across a Bicentennial Quarter like this, which has such an egregious defect, it does draw attention to the fact that each coin must be carefully screened for such characteristics.
1. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is infamous for the extraordinary “3-legged” imperfection. During production at the Denver Mint, a mistake with polishing led to losing the front leg of the buffalo leaving only three visible ones. Due to its peculiarity, it has emerged to be one of the most expensive American numismatic coins.
A 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel, in good condition, can sell for over $350,000, and higher-grade specimens bring much more. The coin’s rarity and the mystery surrounding the error make it unique in the realm of coin collecting.
2. 1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is one of the most rare and valuable coins of the Barber series, which was struck from 1892 to 1916. The San Francisco Mint produced only 72,664 of these quarters, making it one of the lowest mintages in US history.
A well-preserved 1901-S Barber Quarter can cost more than $350,000, with near-mint or uncirculated examples fetching even higher prices. Collectors will seek out the coin for a long time because to its scarcity and historical worth.
Conclusion
The recent discovery of a Bicentennial Quarter valued approximately $10 million USD, along with two others for $350,000 each, serves as a reminder of the hidden jewels that may be lurking in our pockets or coin collections. Whether you are a professional collector or just an enthusiast, numismatics affords several opportunities to discover rare coins of great value. So, dust up that coin collection and start prospecting for your own hidden treasure; you might find something!
FAQ’s
1901-S Why are barbershops so rare?
The mintage of the 1901-S Barber Quarter was exceptionally low at only 72,664 pieces, and the majority were widely circulated or lost, making examples in good condition extremely uncommon.
How much does $10 million cost in a bicentennial quarter?
The nearly $10 million bicentennial coin features the rare mistake of a shortened mint double, making it a collector’s item.
Is the 1937-D Buffalo worth every penny?
The 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel alone is worth more than $350,000 for a cow with a missing leg. The regular version is substantially cheaper.