Rare Bicentennial

The $7 Million Bicentennial Quarter Still In Circulation – Plus 8 More Coins Worth Millions

Published

2 days ago

February 6, 2025

Alexy

The $7 Million Bicentennial Quarter Still In Circulation – Plus 8 More Coins Worth Millions

The world of coin collecting is filled with tales of rare coins fetching astronomical prices. One such story that has captured the imagination of many is that of the Bicentennial Quarter allegedly worth $7 million. But is there truth to this claim?

Let’s delve into this intriguing narrative and explore eight other coins that have genuinely commanded million-dollar price tags.

The Bicentennial Quarter: A Closer Look

In 1976, to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary, the U.S. Mint released the Bicentennial Quarter featuring a unique design: the obverse retained the traditional portrait of George Washington, while the reverse showcased a colonial drummer and a victory torch encircled by 13 stars.

These quarters were minted in large quantities across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, making them quite common. However, certain special editions and errors have made specific Bicentennial Quarters valuable:

1976-S Silver Proof Quarters: Struck in 40% silver, these coins were part of special mint sets. A high-grade specimen sold for $19,200 at auction.
Error Coins: Misstrikes or other minting errors can significantly increase a coin’s value.

The claim of a Bicentennial Quarter worth $7 million appears to be unsubstantiated. While certain rare coins have fetched millions, there is no verified sale of a Bicentennial Quarter reaching such a staggering amount.

Eight Coins That Have Fetched Millions

While the $7 million Bicentennial Quarter remains a myth, several other coins have legitimately sold for millions:

1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: Originally minted but never circulated due to the Gold Reserve Act, one of these coins sold for over $20 million, making it one of the most valuable coins in existence.
1849 Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle: The first double eagle coin minted during the California Gold Rush era. Only one known specimen exists, housed in the Smithsonian Institution, valued at approximately $17.9 million.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: Believed to be the first silver dollar minted in the U.S., with only about 1,758 coins minted. A specimen sold for $10 million in 2013.
723 Umayyad Gold Dinar: An ancient Islamic coin minted from gold believed to be sourced from a mine owned by the Caliph. Approximately a dozen are known to exist, with one selling for over $6 million.
1787 Brasher Doubloon: Privately minted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, this coin is highly prized, with one example selling for $5.5 million in 2019.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel: With only five known specimens, one sold for $5 million in a private sale.
2007 C$1 Million Coin: Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin contains 100 kilograms of pure gold and has a face value of 1 million Canadian dollars but was sold for $4 million.
1804 Silver Dollar: Known as the “King of American Coins,” a Class I specimen sold for $3.8 million in 2013.

Coin Name	Year	Notable Sale Price	Remarks
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle	1933	$20 million	One of the last gold coins minted before the Gold Reserve Act; extremely rare.
1849 Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle	1849	$17.9 million	First double eagle coin; only one known specimen housed in the Smithsonian.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar	1794	$10 million	Believed to be the first U.S. silver dollar minted; very few exist.
723 Umayyad Gold Dinar	723	$6 million	Ancient Islamic coin from a mine owned by the Caliph; about a dozen known.
1787 Brasher Doubloon	1787	$5.5 million	Privately minted gold coin by Ephraim Brasher; highly prized among collectors.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel	1913	$5 million	Only five known specimens; extremely rare and valuable.
2007 C$1 Million Coin	2007	$4 million	Contains 100 kg of pure gold; minted by the Royal Canadian Mint.
1804 Silver Dollar	1804	$3.8 million	Known as the “King of American Coins”; very rare with few specimens.

While tales of a $7 million Bicentennial Quarter are enticing, they lack factual backing. However, the numismatic world is rich with coins that have genuinely fetched millions, reflecting their rarity, historical significance, and the fervor of collectors.

For those intrigued by the potential value of coins, it’s essential to research and authenticate any coin of interest, as true treasures are often hidden in plain sight.

FAQs

Is there really a Bicentennial Quarter worth $7 million?

No verified evidence supports the existence of a Bicentennial Quarter valued at $7 million. While certain high-grade or error Bicentennial Quarters have sold for significant amounts, none have reached this figure.

What makes a coin valuable to collectors?

Factors such as rarity, historical significance, condition (grade), and unique features or errors contribute to a coin’s value.

How can I determine the value of a coin in my possession?

Consulting with a reputable coin dealer or having the coin graded by a professional service can provide insights into its value. Additionally, researching recent auction results for similar coins can offer a benchmark.