Coins are more than just spare change—some of them can be worth a small fortune. One of the most incredible examples is a rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter that has been valued at up to $38 million. While most Bicentennial Quarters are only worth face value, a few rare varieties and minting errors have turned them into collector’s gold.
Beyond the quarter, several pennies still in circulation could also be worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. If you’ve ever wondered if you might be holding a valuable coin in your pocket, this guide will help you know what makes certain coins so rare and how to identify them.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter
| Coin | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Unique mint error, silver version | Up to $38 million |
| 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent | Accidental bronze minting | $840,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | Obvious doubling on text | $125,000+ |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | Missing Denver mintmark | $75,000+ |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Penny | Doubling on inscriptions | $35,000+ |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny | Doubling on “One Cent” | $15,000+ |
Valuable 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. It features a unique design with a drummer boy on the reverse and the dual date “1776-1976.” While most of these quarters are common, a few rare versions are worth significant money.
Key Factors That Increase Value
- Minting Errors – Some Bicentennial Quarters have double die errors, off-center strikes, or overstruck designs.
- Silver Composition – Special collector’s editions were made with 40% silver instead of copper-nickel.
- Rare Variants – Some unconfirmed ultra-rare specimens are rumored to have been struck on experimental planchets.
One of the most valuable errors to look for is the Double Die Obverse, where letters and numbers appear doubled due to die misalignment. A high-grade double die Bicentennial Quarter can sell for thousands, with rare versions rumored to be worth even more.
5 Rare Pennies
1. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze blanks were accidentally used, resulting in the ultra-rare 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent.
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a few exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
- Value: One sold for $840,000 at auction.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
This penny is famous for its dramatic doubling on the obverse, most noticeable in the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.”
- Why It’s Valuable: The doubling is highly visible, making it easy for collectors to identify.
- Value: Some high-quality examples have sold for over $125,000.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
Most 1922 pennies have a “D” mintmark (Denver Mint), but a few were mistakenly struck without it. These are highly sought after.
- Why It’s Valuable: The missing mintmark is a rare error that only occurred in 1922.
- Value: Some examples have sold for more than $75,000.
4. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
This penny features a clear doubling on the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” It was once mistaken for a counterfeit, but is now recognized as a rare collector’s piece.
- Why It’s Valuable: The doubling is clear and well-documented.
- Value: Some specimens have sold for as much as $35,000.
5. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny
Unlike most doubled die coins, this error occurs on the reverse side, where the words “One Cent” and “United States of America” are doubled.
- Why It’s Valuable: Reverse doubling is rarer than obverse doubling.
- Value: High-quality examples can be worth up to $15,000.
How to Identify Rare Coins
If you think you have a valuable coin, follow these steps to check its authenticity and potential worth.
1. Check the Year and Mintmark
Look at the year and mintmark (usually located under the date). Rare varieties are often specific to certain years or mints.
2. Look for Minting Errors
Use a magnifying glass to check for:
- Double die errors – Doubling in text or numbers.
- Off-center strikes – Misaligned designs.
- Missing mintmarks – Should be present but isn’t.
3. Inspect the Condition
The better the condition, the more valuable the coin. Coins graded MS65 or higher (Mint State) sell for the highest prices.
4. Get Your Coin Graded
To confirm authenticity and value, send your coin to a professional grading service like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Grading provides an official assessment, increasing the resale value.
5. Sell or Auction Your Coin
If you have a rare coin, consider selling it through:
- Online auctions (eBay, Heritage Auctions)
- Professional coin dealers
- Numismatic forums and communities
Checking a rare coin worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars is a collector’s dream. While the odds of finding a $38 million Bicentennial Quarter are slim, rare pennies like the 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent or the 1955 Doubled Die Penny could still be in circulation. By knowing how to identify valuable coins and getting them professionally graded, you can turn everyday pocket change into a valuable investment.
FAQs
Is the $38 million Bicentennial Quarter real?
The $38 million valuation is likely exaggerated, but rare versions exist.
What is the rarest penny still in circulation?
The 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the rarest and most valuable.
How do I check if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for mint errors, silver composition, or doubling in text.
What is the best way to sell a rare coin?
Sell through online auctions, coin dealers, or professional grading services.
Should I get my coins graded?
Yes, grading by PCGS or NGC increases a coin’s credibility and value.
