A Coin Worth Millions
In a quiet town in Pennsylvania, Maria Lopez made an unbelievable discovery during a normal visit to the bank. As she went through a pile of loose coins, she spotted a 1976 Bicentennial quarter that looked different. After looking it up online, she learned it might be a rare version without the “S” mint mark.
This tiny detail could mean the coin is one of the rarest in the world. Experts say it might be worth up to $3.76 million, and now people everywhere are checking their change for hidden treasures.
A Rare Minting Mistake
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter was made to honor America’s 200th birthday. It shows a drummer boy on the back and usually has an “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint. But a few proof coins were made without this “S” mark by mistake.
Only two of these rare “No S” quarters are confirmed to exist. One was sold in 2022 for a massive $3.76 million. If Maria’s coin is real, it could be the third ever found. Coin experts are very excited to examine it and see if it matches the rare type.
How It Was Spotted
Maria is a 38-year-old teacher who found the coin after buying groceries. As she counted her change, she noticed the quarter looked shinier than normal and had no “S” mark. She became curious and searched online, quickly realizing it matched the description of the rare “No S” Bicentennial quarter.
She took it to a local coin expert, who was stunned by the find. Now the coin is being sent to a professional grading service. The grade will help decide how rare and valuable it truly is and if it could match past auction prices.
What’s It Worth?
The value of a rare “No S” Bicentennial quarter depends on how well it has been kept. Based on past auctions and expert opinions, the potential value of such coins is shown in the table below. If Maria’s coin is in the best shape, it could sell for even more.
| Condition | Estimated Auction Value |
|---|---|
| Good | $1.5M – $2M |
| Excellent | $2M – $3M |
| Near Mint | $3M – $3.76M+ |
Collectors are excited by the chance that this might be a new top-quality “No S” quarter entering the market.
Could More Be Out There?
Maria’s find has made people across the country check their old jars and coin rolls. These “No S” quarters were originally made as proof coins for collectors, not for spending. But once in a while, a minting error can put them into public circulation. Experts believe finding another one is very rare, but not impossible.
Maria’s neighbors have started looking through their change, and some have even dug out old piggy banks. Everyone is hoping they might find their own lucky coin that could change their life forever.
What’s Next for Maria?
Finding this coin has opened new doors for Maria and her family. She’s thinking about selling it to pay for her kids’ college and help her parents enjoy retirement.
At the same time, she’s also thinking about keeping it because it’s such a rare and special piece of history. Her family has become closer, sharing laughs about her incredible luck at the grocery store. Whether she chooses to sell it or keep it, Maria’s story is a powerful reminder that something very valuable might be sitting in your change jar right now.