Every day, millions of coins change hands across the United States, with the majority bearing simply their nominal face value. However, amid the many coins in circulation, a few rare ones are quite valuable.
One such coin is a one-of-a-kind variation on the 25-cent George Washington Bicentennial Quarter. It has sold for up to $5 million in collector markets due to its unique characteristics, historical relevance, and minting faults.
The George Washington Bicentennial Quarter was coined between 1975 and 1976 to honor the 200th anniversary of American independence.
Unlike previous quarters, it bears the bicentennial dates “1776-1976”. Millions of these coins were manufactured, but some uncommon varieties with flaws, such as a double-struck obverse, have become extremely valuable to collectors.
The George Washington Bicentennial Quarter
The George Washington Bicentennial Quarter was coined to honor America’s 200th year of independence. It was first released in 1975 and 1976, and unlike other quarters, it has two dates: 1776-1976.
This design alteration, together with other distinguishing characteristics, has elevated it to the status of historical significance.
The quarter is unusual for not bearing the single year “1975” or “1976” but rather celebrating the full bicentennial year.
Millions of these coins were produced, but there are a few unusual varieties with flaws that considerably raise their value—one of which is the double-struck obverse, which is especially valuable to collectors.
Characteristics of the Bicentennial 25-Cent Coin
To correctly recognize a George Washington Bicentennial Quarter, it is necessary to understand its key qualities. Here are the main elements of the coin:
Obverse Features
- Design: The bust of President George Washington is facing left.
- Inscriptions:”LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the two dates “1776-1976.”
Reverse Features
- Design: A colonial drummer facing left, flanked by a victory torch and surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies.
- Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” or “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Mint Marks
The mints that produced these quarters were Denver (D), Philadelphia (no mint mark), and San Francisco (S). The mint mark is on the obverse side of the coin, directly below Washington’s neck.
| Mint Mark | Location | Minted Coins |
|---|---|---|
| D | Denver | Circulated versions, standard quality |
| No Mark | Philadelphia | Standard quality |
| S | San Francisco | Proof versions, primarily for collectors |
The Error That Makes It Worth Millions
One of the major reasons why this coin has been valued at over $5 million is due to an error known as double-struck obverse. This indicates that the design on the coin’s front side (or obverse) was stamped twice by accident. Here’s how to identify this feature:
Identifying the Double-Strike Error
- Double Image: The double-struck obverse is slightly misaligned, resulting in a faint double image. You may notice two impressions of Washington’s profile or a doubling effect in the inscriptions.
- Unique Pattern: The double-strike effect produces a unique, almost ghost-like impression that those familiar with rare coin faults would recognize right away.
The peculiarity of this inaccuracy, combined with the coin’s historical setting, makes it extremely valuable. Despite the fact that millions of these coins have been struck, just a few have this remarkable imperfection, which has pushed their value to unprecedented levels.
Why the Double-Struck Bicentennial Quarter Is Worth Millions
The value of the double-struck Bicentennial Quarter has risen to more than $5 million for numerous reasons:
- Extreme Rarity: Double-struck errors are unusual. The fact that this blunder appears on a bicentennial coin commemorating a historical event adds to its appeal.
- Historical Significance: The George Washington Bicentennial Quarter is associated with the 200th anniversary of the United States, giving it a strong historical relevance.
- Collector Demand:Coin collectors and history buffs value large minting faults, especially those related to well-known events.
According to the Hill Country Weekly, collectors are willing to pay millions of dollars for the mix of uniqueness, historical significance, and the curiosity sparked by such minting errors.
So, what should you do if you think you have one of these valuable coins?
- Begin by inspecting any quarters in your possession, particularly those with the 1776-1976 date on them. Examine the obverse (Washington’s profile) for any evidence of a double image.
- These minting faults are not often apparent. Use a magnifying glass to examine the details attentively.
- Identify the mint mark. Proof versions from San Francisco (marked “S”) are rarely available, but if found, they might be quite valuable.
- If you believe you have a double-struck quarter, consult a coin specialist or certified numismatist for authentication. Certification from an institution such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) can have a substantial impact on the coin’s market value.
Could You Have a $5 Million Coin?
The George Washington Bicentennial Quarter is a significant part of American history. While millions of these pieces are in circulation, only a few have the double-struck obverse mistake, which makes them worth millions of dollars. These coins are valuable because of their rarity, distinctive mistake, and historical significance.
Take the time to check your loose change. You never know; the next quarter you find in your pocket could be worth more than $5 million. With careful investigation, attention to detail, and experienced advice, you may just discover a piece of numismatic treasure.