Found in Grandpa’s Sock Drawer: In the quiet town of Amesbury, Massachusetts, a discovery in an old sock drawer has stunned numismatists and casual collectors alike. While cleaning out her late grandfather’s belongings, 39-year-old Amanda Reilly stumbled upon a small coin envelope nestled among vintage postcards and faded family photos. Inside was a 1976 Bicentennial quarter—seemingly ordinary at first glance, but soon revealed to be anything but.
This unassuming piece of American history turned out to be one of the rarest coin varieties ever minted—a 1976-S Bicentennial quarter struck in 40% silver with an unusual double die obverse and a rare minting error. Verified by top grading experts at PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), the coin was graded MS-68, an almost unheard-of condition for such an error coin. What makes this Bicentennial quarter worth a jaw-dropping $2.1 million?
A Coin of Historic Significance
The 1976 Bicentennial quarters were part of a special series minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. These coins featured a unique reverse design—Colonial drummer boy and a torch of victory—designed by Jack L. Ahr. Millions were minted in both clad and silver versions, but only a handful exhibit the kind of minting anomalies seen in Amanda’s coin.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery,” said James Hathaway, a renowned coin appraiser. “We’ve seen rare Bicentennial quarters sell for thousands, but this one is in a league of its own.”
The Details That Matter
Amanda’s coin combines several rare attributes:
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Struck in 40% silver – Most quarters are made from copper-nickel. Only a limited number of silver versions were produced at the San Francisco Mint.
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Double Die Obverse (DDO) – The date and the word LIBERTY show clear doubling, a rare and desirable error.
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Off-center strike – The coin is slightly off-center, adding to its uniqueness and value.
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Pristine condition – With a mint state grade of 68, it’s among the best-preserved examples known to collectors.
From Sock Drawer to Auction Block
After authentication, the coin was put up for auction by Heritage Auctions, where it ignited a bidding war among private collectors and museums. It ultimately sold for $2.1 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a Bicentennial quarter.
“I still can’t believe it,” Amanda said. “It was just sitting there in a sock drawer, forgotten for decades. Grandpa always said he had a few ‘interesting’ coins, but none of us expected this.”
Lessons for Treasure Hunters
This remarkable find serves as a reminder that some of the most valuable treasures may be hiding in plain sight—in old jars, dresser drawers, or forgotten albums. Coin experts advise amateur collectors and families going through inherited belongings to do a little homework before tossing old change into the Coinstar machine.
If you think you might be sitting on a hidden gem, experts recommend:
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Looking for unusual dates, errors, or mint marks.
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Using a magnifying glass to check for doubling or design anomalies.
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Consulting reputable grading companies like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Final Thoughts
The tale of Amanda’s million-dollar quarter has captivated the collecting world and sparked a new wave of public interest in coin hunting. Who knows how many more forgotten treasures are tucked away in dusty boxes, waiting for a second glance?
So next time you’re helping a loved one clean out their attic or going through estate items, take a closer look—you just might be holding history in the palm of your hand.
FAQ Found in Grandpa’s Sock Drawer: A Bicentennial Quarter Worth $2.1 Million
Q1: Why is this quarter worth $2.1 million?
It’s a rare 1976 silver Bicentennial quarter with a double die error, off-center strike, and near-perfect condition—making it extremely valuable to collectors.
Q2: How do I know if my Bicentennial quarter is valuable?
Check for silver content, minting errors (like
doubling or off-center designs), and an “S” mint mark. Rare traits increase value.
Q3: What should I do if I think I found one?
Handle it carefully, don’t clean it, and get it appraised by a reputable coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC.