The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Washington Quarter is a beloved collector’s item, but claims of $500,000 valuations require careful scrutiny. While most are worth face value to $10, certain rare errors can bring hundreds or even thousands—but not half a million dollars.
🔍 The Truth About High-Value Errors
✅ Real Errors That Increase Value:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Strong doubling on Washington’s profile or lettering ($50–$5,000+).
- Off-Center Strikes (30%+ misalignment): ($100–$1,000+).
- Struck on Wrong Planchet (e.g., silver): ($500–$10,000+).
❌ The $500,000 Myth:
- No Bicentennial Quarter has ever sold for close to $500K.
- The highest confirmed sale for any error is $15,000 (for a dramatic misprint on a different quarter).
- “Secret” errors worth millions are unverified rumors.
💰 Realistic Value Guide (2024)
| Error Type | Average Value (Certified) |
|---|---|
| Minor Doubled Die (DDO) | $50–$500 |
| Major DDO (Strong Doubling) | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 40% Silver Error | $300–$2,000 |
| Off-Center Strike (30%+) | $200–$1,500 |
| Mint-Caused Die Breaks | $100–$800 |
🚨 Beware of Scams!
- “Laser-enhanced” fakes (worth $0).
- Plated coins sold as “silver errors.”
- Altered dates/mintmarks (illegal to sell).
🏆 Where to Sell Legitimate Errors
- <$1,000: eBay, coin forums
- $1,000–$10,000: Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections
- $10,000+: Stack’s Bowers (for extreme rarities)
Think You Found a Rare Error?
📸 Email photos to experts@pennyverse.info for a free evaluation!
Free Download:
📥 “Bicentennial Quarter Error Checklist”
“Collect for history and fun—not fabricated fortunes!”
— The PennyVerse Research Team
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