Rare Bicentennial Quarter and 5 Lincoln Pennies: The $38 million rare Bicentennial Quarter and a handful of valuable Lincoln pennies have taken the numismatic world by storm. Coin collectors, hobbyists, and even curious everyday folks are now eyeing their spare change, wondering if they might be holding a life-changing treasure right in their wallet. Despite sounding like fantasy, some rare U.S. coins can be worth thousands—or even millions—under the right conditions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the real facts, debunk common myths, and highlight 5 Lincoln pennies you can still find in circulation that are actually worth serious money. Whether you’re a casual collector, a seasoned numismatist, or someone simply fascinated by the potential of rare coins, this article is your go-to resource for spotting hidden treasures in everyday places.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter and 5 Lincoln Pennies
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Rare Coin | Bicentennial Quarter (1776–1976) |
| Estimated Value | Up to $38 million (rare error coins only) |
| Other Valuable Coins | 5 Lincoln Pennies worth thousands |
| Notable Examples | 1943-D Bronze Penny, 1955 Doubled Die, 1909-S VDB |
| Circulation Status | Still possible to find in change or collections |
| Official Resource | U.S. Mint – Coin Collecting |
The buzz around the $38 million Bicentennial Quarter might be inflated, but it highlights an important truth: rare coins are out there, and many are still being discovered today. While most Bicentennial quarters won’t make you rich, error coins and rare Lincoln pennies absolutely can. Some collectors have struck gold—figuratively and financially—by identifying valuable coins in their everyday change.
Whether you’re checking your change after a grocery trip or diving into a collection passed down from a grandparent, it only takes one lucky find to change everything. With a little knowledge, a sharp eye, and some curiosity, you might be the next lucky person to uncover a six-figure coin.
What Makes a Coin Worth $38 Million?
The idea of a Bicentennial Quarter worth $38 million sounds like an internet hoax or sensationalized headline—but there is some truth underneath the hype. The ultra-high value attached to certain rare coins typically stems from a combination of critical factors, including but not limited to:
- Rarity of the minting error (e.g., struck on the wrong planchet, double die, off-center strikes)
- Historical significance or uniqueness
- Professional grading and condition (especially coins graded MS67 or higher)
- Demand among high-profile collectors and auctions
The vast majority of Bicentennial quarters minted between 1975 and 1976 are common. Over 1.6 billion were produced across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Most were made of copper-nickel, which holds no premium value. However, there are two exceptions:
- Collector Sets with 40% Silver Quarters: These were sold by the U.S. Mint and not intended for general circulation.
- Minting Errors and Unique Varieties: These include off-metal strikes (such as being struck on a silver or experimental planchet), double strikes, or dramatic misalignments.
If one of these quarters also happens to be in flawless mint condition, verified by PCGS or NGC, and comes with provenance or a unique history, it could be worth a fortune—possibly even millions in a competitive auction environment. But a $38 million valuation? Highly unlikely unless it’s accompanied by an extraordinary backstory and uniqueness that no other coin can match.
The Truth About the Lincoln Pennies You Might Have
While the Bicentennial Quarter grabs attention for its shock value, the real excitement lies in Lincoln pennies—many of which are still quietly hiding in coin jars, piggy banks, and old drawers across the country. Here are five of the most valuable Lincoln pennies you can actually still find in circulation, along with how to identify and evaluate them.
1. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
During WWII, copper was critical for ammunition production, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel for penny production in 1943. However, a few leftover bronze planchets from 1942 were mistakenly struck at the Denver Mint.
- How to Identify: Look for a 1943-D date and a brown or reddish color. The coin should NOT stick to a magnet.
- Estimated Value: One of these coins sold for over $840,000. Only a handful exist.
- Why It Matters: It’s one of the most famous minting errors in history.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The first year of the Lincoln penny was 1909, and it included the initials “VDB” for designer Victor David Brenner. But public criticism led to quick removal. The San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 of these coins, making them incredibly rare.
- How to Identify: Look for a 1909 date, an “S” below the date, and “VDB” on the reverse bottom.
- Estimated Value: Prices range from $700 to over $300,000, depending on grade.
- Why It Matters: It’s the holy grail for early Lincoln cent collectors.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
An iconic coin among collectors, the 1955 Doubled Die Penny features a strong doubling effect, the result of misaligned dies during the minting process. Over 20,000 may have entered circulation before the error was discovered.
- How to Identify: The doubling is most noticeable in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date.
- Estimated Value: From $1,000 up to $20,000+ in high grade.
- Why It Matters: It’s one of the most dramatic and well-known errors in U.S. coinage.
4. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
Similar to the 1943-D bronze version, some Philadelphia-minted 1943 pennies were struck on copper planchets instead of the steel intended for wartime.
- How to Identify: Same as above—if the penny doesn’t stick to a magnet and looks copper-colored, you may have struck gold.
- Estimated Value: As high as $204,000, depending on grade and auction interest.
- Why It Matters: Extremely rare, with only 10–15 confirmed examples.
5. 1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent (Reverse Variety)
Not all rare coins are old. In 1999, a proof reverse die was mistakenly used on some circulation coins, creating the Wide AM error.
- How to Identify: Flip the coin and look at the word “AMERICA.” If there’s a visible gap between the “A” and “M,” it’s the rare Wide AM.
- Estimated Value: Worth $500 to $1,000+, depending on condition.
- Why It Matters: A modern rarity that’s still being found in circulation.
How to Check If Your Coins Are Valuable
You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to get started. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to checking your coins:
Step 1: Check the Date and Mint Mark
Scan all your change and note any coins that match the following years:
- 1943 (D or no mintmark)
- 1909 with “S” and “VDB”
- 1955 (especially with visible doubling)
- 1999 Wide AM reverse
Step 2: Use a Magnet
Steel pennies (from 1943) stick to magnets. Copper ones don’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, that’s a strong indicator it could be a rare version.
Step 3: Examine Lettering and Details
Use a magnifying glass to look for doubling, spacing errors, or off-center strikes. These often reveal minting anomalies.
Step 4: Get a Professional Grading
Think you’ve found something special? Send your coin to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll authenticate and grade it, increasing its market value and buyer trust.
Step 5: Keep It Safe
Until you’ve had your coin assessed, avoid cleaning it. Store it in a coin holder or soft cloth to prevent scratches.
Why These Coins Are Still Found in Circulation
You might assume that all valuable coins were snapped up years ago—but that’s not the case. Many people inherit coin collections, find old jars, or unknowingly spend rare coins because they don’t know what they have.
Here are a few common places where valuable coins are still being found:
- Bank rolls: Ask your bank for penny or quarter rolls. Search through them.
- Vending machines: People often use old coins unknowingly.
- Garage sales/flea markets: A casual seller might offload coin collections without checking values.
- Estate sales or inherited jars: These often yield coins from older generations.
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FAQs About Rare Bicentennial Quarter and 5 Lincoln Pennies
Q1. Is the $38 million Bicentennial Quarter real?
A: No confirmed sale has ever hit $38 million. While some quarters with rare errors are extremely valuable, most Bicentennial quarters are worth only 25 cents unless they’re rare error varieties.
Q2. Can I still find rare pennies in circulation?
A: Yes! Especially coins like the 1999 Wide AM penny and even older varieties like the 1955 Doubled Die have turned up in pocket change or coin rolls.
Q3. What should I do if I think I found a valuable coin?
A: Don’t clean the coin. Handle it gently, store it safely, and submit it to a reputable grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
Q4. Are silver Bicentennial quarters valuable?
A: Yes, especially uncirculated ones. These were sold in special collector sets and contain 40% silver, which increases their intrinsic and collectible value.
Q5. What are the odds of finding one of these coins?
A: It’s rare, but not impossible. Your chances increase if you regularly search bank rolls, estate collections, or old change jars.
