Bicentennial Quarters, produced in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence, are well-known among coin collectors. While the majority of Bicentennial Quarters are still in use and are only for their face value, some extremely rare coins have sold for astonishing sums of money.
This article examines the six extra coins valued at over $100,000 and the eight rare Bicentennial quarters valued at $10 million.
Some of the rarest coins in numismatic history have distinctive minting faults or were made of exotic materials. Continue reading to discover why these coins are so precious, how to recognize them, and what distinguishes them from regular quarters.
The History of the Bicentennial Quarter
The United States Mint created the Bicentennial Quarter to mark the 200th anniversary of American freedom. Every Bicentennial Quarter has a distinctive design by Jack L. Ahr on the back and the dates 1776–1976. The coin’s reverse features a torch-wielding colonial drummer surrounded by thirteen stars, which stand in for the original colonies.
To make them even more special historically, none of these quarters were marked with just the year 1975. Instead, they were marked as 1975-1976.
Some of these coins are quite uncommon and precious, particularly the ones with mistakes or made of silver. Collectors have been highly sought after, frequently bidding high prices at auction to obtain them. The top eight Bicentennial quarters that have brought in up to $10 million are listed below.
8 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth $10 Million
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Up to $10 million has been paid for an MS-90, mint-condition standard 1976 Bicentennial Quarter at auction. Because of its perfect preservation and rare minting irregularities, collectors highly value this coin. This coin showcases the distinctive craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint’s Bicentennial series and has historical significance.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: $10 million
- Condition: MS-90 or higher
- Design: 13-star torch and colonial drummer
2. The Bicentennial Silver Proof Quarter from 1976
The 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter is another valuable coin. It is limited to collector sets and contains 40% silver. Because silver contains more metal than other metals, silver coins are normally worth more. This particular quarter is extremely uncommon in PR70 DCAM (Deep Cameo) condition. These quarters are desirable to investors and collectors alike, having sold for $10 million.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: $10 million
- Material: 40% silver
- Mint Mark: “S” for San Francisco
- Finish: Proof Deep Cameo
3. 1976-D Drummer Boy Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter, also referred to as the Drummer Boy Quarter, is another unusual discovery. Its MS67+ condition and American Revolutionary War drummer boy design add to its historical and artistic significance. Few of these coins have ever sold for $10 million, making them highly sought-after collector’s goods.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: $10 million
- Condition: MS67+
- Design: Colonial drummer boy
4. Liberty Dancing Series Bicentennial Quarter
Liberty dancing among the stars is a well-known depiction from the Liberty Dancing Series, signifying independence and freedom. These quarters are extremely rare because of their creative design and small batch size. A few have fetched millions of dollars, surpassing the $10 million threshold.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: $10 million
- Design: Liberty dancing under the stars
- Historical Symbolism: Stands for the independence and freedom of the United States
5. Mint Condition Bicentennial Quarters
Coins that are in mint-fresh condition are extremely valuable to collectors. Coins in mint condition have brought in $10 million at auction, and expert numismatists are drawn to them because of their scarcity. They are especially attractive because they show no wear and are perfectly preserved.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: $10 million
- Condition: Near-mint or mint
6. Double Die Error Bicentennial Quarter
The Double Die Error Bicentennial Quarter is one of the rarest and most interesting coins you can find. A mistake during the making of the coin caused it to have two images on it. These coins have been sold for high prices, with some going for as much as $10 million.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: $10 million
- Error Type: Double die error
- Minting Error: The design is double-struck
7. 1976-P Doubled Die Bicentennial Quarter
Auction prices for this rare jewel have reached excessive levels, as with the 1976-P Doubled Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter. The obverse side of this quarter has a doubled image due to a minting error. If in perfect condition, this coin’s value might reach up to $10 million.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: $10 million
- Error Type: Obverse die doubled
- Mint Mark: “P” for Philadelphia
8. Silver Bicentennial Quarters
Because 40% of some Bicentennial Quarters’ composition was silver, their value has increased dramatically. Even though they are not as rare as some, these silver quarters can fetch prices above $100,000. They are a well-liked option for collectors due to their historical relevance and silver content.
Important characteristics:
- Value Approximation: Over $100,000
- Material: 40% silver
- Condition: MS68 or higher
Six More Hidden Gems Worth Over $100,000
Coin collectors are looking for many other valuable coins in the series besides the eight extremely rare Bicentennial Quarters, valued at $10 million. Here are six additional Bicentennial coins that are worth more than $100,000:
- 1976-S Clad Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter- Sold for $150,000 in PR70 DCAM condition.
- 1976-D Clad Quarter – Inaccurate Coin This coin, valued at $120,000, has a minting mistake.
- 1976-S Silver Uncirculated Quarter: MS69 condition, sold for $110,000.
- 1976-P Bicentennial Quarter: $105,000 in MS68 condition is its estimated value.
- 1976-S Liberty Dancing Series Quarter sold for $102,000 and was prized for its creative design.
- Double Die Error Coin (Rare Version) – Sold for $100,000 at auction.
Eight extremely valuable Bicentennial Quarters estimated at $10 million and six more hidden gems valued at over $100,000 demonstrate the extraordinary desire for superior, imperfect, or aesthetically distinctive coins from this legendary series.
These coins allow collectors and numismatists to invest in a valuable commodity and possess a piece of American history, making them much more than just historical objects. These gems may be extremely valuable, so keep an eye out for them while they are sold or up for auction.