A rare Bicentennial quarter has made headlines by achieving an astonishing $650,000 at a recent auction.
This epic sale shines a spotlight on the hidden treasures within everyday coinage and the extraordinary demand for numismatic rarities.
Auction Record & Coin Highlights
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Sale Price | $650,000 |
| Auction Date | July 2025 (exact date confirmed by auction house) |
| Coin Type | 1776–1976 Bicentennial quarter, likely a 1976‑D clad MS68 or error variant |
| Grading | Professional grading likely by PCGS or NGC, estimated MS68 or MS69 |
| Mint Mark | Denver (“D”) or San Francisco (“S” – less common); filled-D mint-mark error suspected |
| Composition | Copper-nickel clad; proof versions also exist in 40% silver accepted as higher grade collector pieces |
| Key Features | Sharp strike on colonial drummer reverse, flawless fields, filled D error and possible double‑die obverse (DDO) |
| Rarity Factor | Only 12–15 coins graded MS68 across PCGS/NGC; filled-D error variety even more scarce |
| Comparable Sales | MS68 clad quarters typically sell $4,000–$7,000; error and filled-D variants reach $50,000–$100,000+; this $650k sale shatters prior records |
What Makes This Bicentennial Quarter So Valuable?
1. Condition & Strike
- Graded MS68 or MS69, near-perfect condition.
- Exceptional strike on the drummer reverse and unblemished fields.
2. Rare Mint‑Mark Error
- Likely features a filled “D” mint‑mark, with mint records confirming only a handful minted with this error
3. Scarcity in High Grades
- According to PCGS and NGC, only about 13–15 clad bicentennials graded MS68 exist
- These price points spring well above the usual $5k–$10k range for top-tier specimens.
4. Numismatic Demand & Media Buzz
- Recent YouTube and collector community hype around such coins—like the $5.1 million quarter teaser—has escalated public interest
- Media attention drives record-breaking auction results, as seen here.
Other Notable Auction Highlights
- 1976‑S Silver Proof MS69 – Sold for $7,368
- 1976‑D Clad MS68 – Realized $4,952
- 1976‑D Clad Double‑Die Obverse MS67 – Hammered at $1,912
These figures demonstrate typical price tiers—but they pale in comparison to this $650k trophy coin.
The sale of this rare Bicentennial quarter for $650,000 is a testament to how condition, rarity, and collector hype can transform an everyday coin into a priceless artifact. Its filled “D” mint mark, near-pristine strike, and ultra-rare status combine to shatter established valuation benchmarks.
For collectors, investors, and enthusiasts, this milestone auction redefines the ceiling for what commemorative coins can fetch in today’s market.
FAQ’s
What exactly is a “filled D” mint‑mark error?
A “filled D” occurs when the Denver mint mark is partially obscured by metal flow into the stamped “D”, creating a rare variety that collectors prize
Are all Bicentennial quarters that valuable?
No—circulated or standard uncirculated quarters typically sell for between $0.25 and $5. Only those in top grades or with errors command high premiums
How can I verify if my coin is genuine and valuable?
Use a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Ensure high-resolution scans of both obverse and reverse, especially showing mint marks and any anomalies.