What if the quarter you get back at the grocery store could make you a millionaire? Only 10 of These Rare Quarters Exist That’s exactly the case with one of America’s rarest coins: the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter with a special error that’s worth over $1 million! Only about 10 of these coins are known to exist, and they’re hiding in old collections and coin jars across the country. Here’s what makes these quarters so valuable — and how you could spot one. Only 10 of These Rare Quarters Exist
A Quarter That Became a Million-Dollar Mistake
The U.S. Mint introduced the Standing Liberty Quarter in 1916. It showed Lady Liberty standing on the front, which was a big change from earlier designs. But during its first year of production, a small batch of these quarters was minted with a design that was quickly changed. Liberty’s exposed chest on these early coins sparked controversy, so the Mint covered it in later versions. Only 10 of These Rare Quarters Exist
Those early 1916 quarters with the “bare-breasted” design are incredibly rare today. Experts estimate that only 10 high-quality examples still exist. That’s why collectors are willing to pay more than $1 million for one of these coins.
What to Look for on the $1 Million Quarter
You don’t need to be an expert to check your coins. Here’s how to spot one of these rare Standing Liberty Quarters:
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The date must read “1916.”
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Liberty’s right breast on the front of the coin should look exposed or uncovered.
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On quarters from 1917 and later, Liberty’s chest is covered with chainmail.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Common Standing Liberty Quarter | Rare 1916 Bare-Breasted Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 1917–1930 | 1916 |
| Liberty’s chest | Covered with chainmail | Exposed |
| Value | $20–$200 | Over $1 million |
Why Is It Worth So Much?
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The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter had the lowest mintage in the entire series — only 52,000 were made.
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Most of those coins were used in daily purchases and worn down, making uncirculated examples almost impossible to find.
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The design controversy adds a unique historical story that collectors love.
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Coin collecting has become more popular, and the rarest coins keep getting more valuable.
One of these rare quarters sold at auction for more than $1.1 million in 2022, breaking records in the coin world.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
If you come across a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter:
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Don’t spend it or toss it in a coin jar.
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Don’t clean it — cleaning can damage the coin and drop its value.
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Keep it safe in a coin holder or protective sleeve.
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Take it to a trusted coin dealer or a professional coin grading service to confirm if it’s real.
Because this quarter is so valuable, there are fakes and altered coins out there. Having an expert look at your coin is the only way to know for sure.
Are More Hidden Away?
Yes! Coin experts believe a few more 1916 Standing Liberty Quarters could still be in old coin collections, passed down through families or forgotten in old jars. Because so many coins from the early 1900s are still floating around, it’s possible someone could find one of these million-dollar quarters by accident.
Before you spend your change or roll up quarters for the bank, take a moment to check for a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. That one coin could be the key to changing your life overnight.
So next time you’re counting your coins, don’t overlook those old quarters. One simple glance could turn 25 cents into $1 million — and make you the luckiest coin collector in America!