You Might Be Carrying a Fortune: 3 Rare Quarters Worth Big Money
That loose change in your pocket may be more valuable than you think. Among common coins are a few rare gems that could be worth thousands—or even over $100,000. This article explores three exceptional quarters that collectors go wild for: the 2021 Crossing the Delaware quarter, the 1976 Bicentennial quarter, and the 2022 Maya Angelou quarter. Whether you’re a seasoned coin enthusiast or simply curious, you’ll want to check your pocket change closely. These coins have made headlines for their rarity, design features, and potentially jaw-dropping values.
1. The 2021 Crossing the Delaware Quarter
A Classic Look with Rare Surprises
After the conclusion of the America the Beautiful series, the U.S. Mint launched a new quarter in 2021 with a traditional yet powerful design. It showcases George Washington courageously leading troops across the icy Delaware River—a pivotal moment from the Revolutionary War. This design pays homage to American bravery and history.
What Makes It Special?
Beyond the impressive design, certain unique errors and variants have caught collector interest. Some Denver Mint coins show doubled letters, especially on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” These doubled die varieties may range in value from $500 to $5,000, depending on clarity. Other rare finds include coins mistakenly struck on dime or foreign planchets, worth $10,000–$15,000 or more. Additional strikethroughs or die chips, like a “helmeted” Washington, can fetch $200–$3,000. High-grade examples in MS68 or above can exceed $5,000, and a perfect MS70 could potentially bring six figures.
2. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Celebrating America’s 200th Anniversary
In honor of America’s 200th birthday, the U.S. Mint issued a unique quarter in 1976. Featuring a colonial drummer and a torch with 13 stars symbolizing the original colonies, the coin is marked with a dual date: “1776–1976.” This design stands out and instantly reminds collectors of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations.
Why They’re Worth Collecting:
What makes these coins especially attractive are various production mistakes and limited variants. Errors like off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and doubled dies can significantly raise their value—anywhere from $500 to $5,000. Some rare Denver issues were unintentionally made using 40% silver blanks meant for special sets, and those can sell for $10,000 to $15,000 or more. Premium-grade pieces (MS68) have sold for over $6,400, and those with strong visuals—like full drum details—can go for $20,000–$30,000. If an MS70 or undiscovered error surfaces, it could reach over $100,000 at auction.
3. The 2022 Maya Angelou Quarter
Honoring a Literary and Civil Rights Icon
The first in the American Women Quarters series, the 2022 Maya Angelou quarter honors a renowned writer, poet, and civil rights activist. The reverse shows Angelou with outstretched arms, inspired by her famous autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This culturally significant coin is both modern and meaningful.
Valuable Variants to Look For:
Collectors should watch for certain production anomalies that make this coin valuable. Doubled die errors, even slight ones on the text or figures, can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars. Struck-through coins, where debris leaves odd marks during minting, are rare and may bring up to $2,500. Other flaws like die cracks or off-center strikes also add value. Top-graded specimens, particularly MS67 and above certified by PCGS or NGC, have sold close to $10,000. These are newer coins, so as more are evaluated, values may increase over time.
Conclusion: That Quarter Could Be a Treasure
What looks like a regular quarter could be hiding immense value. The 2021 Delaware quarter, 1976 Bicentennial issue, and 2022 Maya Angelou design each present opportunities to own something truly rare. Their significance comes not just from design but from grading condition and minting anomalies. Some collectors have made life-changing finds from nothing more than pocket change. As coin collecting grows in popularity, staying informed increases your odds of uncovering one of these valuable gems.
Key Points to Remember:
High-quality grading and minting mistakes can turn a regular coin into a valuable treasure. Look for doubled letters, wrong metal blanks, unusual striking patterns, and coins rated MS68 or higher. The higher the grade and rarer the error, the more valuable the coin becomes. Always examine your coins carefully with proper lighting and magnification tools. You might already be holding a small fortune in your palm without knowing it.
What Should You Do Next?
If you come across a coin that looks off or unique, don’t spend it. Submit it to a recognized grading service such as PCGS or NGC for proper evaluation. Certification by these organizations can validate the coin’s grade and authenticity, often boosting its resale value. This step can be critical in turning a rare coin into a significant financial find. Whether you’re a casual hobbyist or a serious investor, proper verification is the first move toward a possible payday.
Have a Rare Find?
We’d love to hear about it! Drop your story in the comments section below and let others know what rare treasure you’ve uncovered. Sharing experiences helps the community grow and educates others on what to watch out for. Sometimes even small variations can hold great value, and your find could guide someone else to their next big discovery. Whether it’s an error coin or a high-grade beauty, your story matters. Who knows? It might even be featured in a future spotlight!
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FAQs
How can I tell if I have a valuable quarter?
Check for visible errors like doubled lettering or off-center prints, or coins in nearly flawless shape. Use a magnifier and trusted coin references from sources like PCGS or NGC.
What do MS68 and MS69 mean?
These are Mint State grades showing how perfect a coin is. Higher numbers mean better condition. Graded coins at MS68 and above often have high market value.
Are all Bicentennial or Maya Angelou quarters worth more?
No, only certain ones with specific errors or in high-grade condition have significant value. Most common versions are worth face value unless verified rare.
How do I spot a doubled die?
Look for letters or numbers with shadows or doubling effects, especially around phrases like “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Confirming with a grading expert is recommended.
Where can I sell a rare quarter?
You can list coins on eBay or auction them through reputable sites like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. Certified dealers or coin shows are also excellent venues.
Susan is a seasoned finance writer with a knack for breaking down complex money topics into clear, actionable advice. With years of experience in personal finance, investing, and market trends, she empowers readers to make smarter financial decisions. Her work has been featured in leading finance blogs and publications, where she combines sharp analysis with relatable storytelling. Whether it’s budgeting, wealth-building, or decoding the latest economic shifts, Susan’s mission is to help people take control of their financial future with confidence.