A jaw-dropping discovery has electrified the coin collecting world—an ultra-rare 1796 Draped Bust Quarter was unearthed inside an old dusty closet box and recently sold for a staggering $168,000 at auction.
This historical piece, dating back to the early years of the U.S. Mint, is among the rarest quarter dollars in existence, making its rediscovery not only remarkable but financially life-changing.
The Coin Discovery That Shocked Collectors
During a spring cleaning session, a family stumbled upon an unassuming box tucked away in a closet. Inside lay a collection of miscellaneous trinkets—alongside them, a coin wrapped in cloth.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, a piece known to be highly sought after in the numismatic community due to its rarity, age, and historical value.
Its preservation was surprisingly good, and after professional grading and authentication, the coin was placed in a prominent U.S. auction, quickly drawing interest from high-end collectors and investors alike.
Why the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter Is So Valuable
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is more than just old—it’s a cornerstone of American coinage. Here’s why it’s so valuable:
- First U.S. Quarter Ever Made: The 1796 issue marked the very first production of the U.S. quarter dollar.
- One-Year Type: This specific design was only used in 1796, making it a one-year type—extremely attractive to collectors.
- Low Mintage: Only 6,146 pieces were minted, and far fewer have survived to the present day.
- Historic Design: Features the elegant Draped Bust on the obverse and a Small Eagle on the reverse.
- High Demand: Every serious collector of early American coinage aims to own one of these.
Auction Details and Coin Specifications
This incredible coin was featured in a major spring auction and far exceeded its initial estimate. The final hammer price turned heads across the industry.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1796 Draped Bust Quarter |
| Design Type | Draped Bust / Small Eagle |
| Mint Year | 1796 |
| Mintage | 6,146 pieces |
| Grade | MS61 (Mint State) |
| Final Auction Price | $168,000 |
| Variety | Browning-1 (B-1) |
| Condition | Excellent – Strong Strike, Clear Details |
Collectors were particularly excited because this example belonged to the B-1 die variety, which shows unique die characteristics and is rarer than the B-2 variety.
Understanding the Browning-1 Variety
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter comes in two major die varieties—Browning-1 and Browning-2. The Browning-1 variety, featured in this find, is particularly rare and characterized by distinct alignment in the stars and letters.
This detail alone can raise the value significantly in the eyes of collectors who specialize in early federal coinage.
How Rare Is It?
Experts estimate that fewer than 700 examples of the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter exist today in all grades combined.
Among them, finding a coin in Mint State (MS) condition is extremely rare—making this recent discovery even more astonishing. Many similar coins are well-circulated and lack the sharpness and eye appeal this one displayed.
The discovery of the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter in a dusty closet box is more than a lucky break—it’s a powerful reminder that history can lie hidden in the most ordinary places. With a final auction price of $168,000, this coin proves that rare American currency continues to hold—and grow in—value.
For collectors and enthusiasts, it’s a shining example of why keeping an eye on the smallest details can lead to the most significant rewards. Keep checking those drawers and boxes—your treasure might be waiting.
FAQs
What makes the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter so special?
The 1796 quarter was the first-ever quarter-dollar minted by the U.S., and it was only produced for one year with a mintage of just 6,146 coins.
Can these coins still be found today?
Yes, though rare, such coins occasionally appear in family collections, estates, old safes, or forgotten boxes—just like this one.
What should I do if I think I found a rare coin?
Have it appraised by a certified grading service or a trusted numismatics expert before attempting to sell or clean it.