The 1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter is not just a piece of commemorative currency—it’s a collector’s dream. With rare errors and minting variations, some Bicentennial quarters have skyrocketed in value, with one notable quarter selling for nearly $14 million.
Additionally, there are a few other Bicentennial quarters with jaw-dropping valuations, exceeding $50 million combined.
In this guide, we explore the rarest and most valuable Bicentennial quarters, providing insight into what makes these coins so sought-after.
What is a Bicentennial Quarter?
Bicentennial quarters were minted between 1975 and 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The design on the reverse features a Revolutionary War drummer boy, chosen in a contest, while the obverse maintains George Washington’s profile. The dual date “1776–1976” distinguishes these quarters from regular Washington quarters.
More than 1.6 billion Bicentennial quarters were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, and they were circulated widely. However, certain variations—especially those with errors or in mint condition—can be worth much more than their face value.
The $14 Million Bicentennial Quarter
A standout in the world of Bicentennial quarters is a rare coin sold for nearly $14 million. This coin’s incredible value is due to its unique minting error.
According to numismatic experts, it featured a misplaced mint mark, significantly boosting its rarity and worth. Coins with such dramatic errors are extremely rare and highly coveted by collectors.
3 More Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $50 Million
Beyond the nearly $14 million quarter, there are three other Bicentennial quarters that have fetched staggering prices in the market. Here’s a breakdown of these valuable coins:
| Coin | Mint | Price | Date of Sale | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial | San Francisco | $19,200 | March 2019 | Made with 40% silver, sold in pristine proof condition |
| 1976-D Doubled-Die Obverse | Denver | $8,400 | May 2023 | Features a rare minting error with a doubled obverse design |
| 1976-S Deep Cameo Proof Bicentennial | San Francisco | $2,760 | July 2007 | A stunning deep cameo proof coin, renowned for its sharp contrast |
These coins stand out not only for their pristine condition but also for their rarity due to unique minting characteristics such as errors or being part of special mint sets.
Factors Affecting Bicentennial Quarter Value
The value of a Bicentennial quarter can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Mint Location: Quarters were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, each with a distinctive mint mark (or no mark for Philadelphia). Coins from the San Francisco mint are more valuable due to their silver content and proof quality.
- Error Coins: Errors such as doubled-die obverses or off-center strikes make a coin highly valuable. For instance, the 1976-D Doubled-Die Obverse is one of the most famous and valuable error coins.
- Condition: Mint State (MS) coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Coins graded at MS65 or higher are considered “gem quality” and can fetch premium prices.
- Composition: While most Bicentennial quarters are made of copper-nickel, special 40% silver coins were produced in San Francisco. These silver quarters are more valuable, especially when found in high grades.
The Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
Aside from the few coins mentioned, many Bicentennial quarters are worth more than their face value. Below is a table summarizing the most valuable Bicentennial quarters:
| Mint | Composition | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Cupronickel Clad | MS65 | $28 |
| Denver | Cupronickel Clad | MS68 | $3,750 |
| San Francisco | 40% Silver Proof | PR70 Deep Cameo | $150 |
| San Francisco | 40% Silver Uncirculated | MS68 | $80 |
How to Identify Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
To determine if you have a valuable Bicentennial quarter, you’ll want to look for the following:
- Mint Mark: Check for an “S” mark for silver quarters, or “D” for Denver. If there is no mint mark, the coin was made in Philadelphia.
- Errors: Look for doubled-die obverses or other visible errors.
- Condition: Higher-grade coins that have not circulated are more valuable. Coins with an MS65 grade or higher can be worth significantly more than those that are circulated.
Conclusion
Bicentennial quarters are not just pieces of history but also valuable collector’s items, especially when they have unique errors or are in mint condition.
With one rare quarter selling for nearly $14 million and several others commanding prices over $50 million, these coins continue to capture the attention of numismatists and collectors alike.
Whether you have one in your collection or are searching for one, keep an eye out for mint marks, errors, and condition, as these factors play a pivotal role in determining a Bicentennial quarter’s value.
FAQs
1. What makes a Bicentennial quarter valuable?
Bicentennial quarters become valuable due to minting errors, silver composition, and their condition. Coins that are part of special proof sets or have doubled-die errors can be worth thousands.
2. How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
Check for an “S” mint mark on the coin. Silver Bicentennial quarters were minted in San Francisco and are composed of 40% silver.
3. What is the most valuable Bicentennial quarter?
The most valuable Bicentennial quarter sold for nearly $14 million due to a rare minting error.
4. Are circulated Bicentennial quarters worth anything?
Most circulated Bicentennial quarters are worth their face value unless they feature a rare minting error or are in mint condition.
5. What is a doubled-die Bicentennial quarter?
A doubled-die quarter is one where the design is mistakenly stamped twice, creating a shadow effect on the coin. These coins are rare and valuable.
References
- Imery Group – “Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $14 Million”
- LoveToKnow – “3 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Thousands”
- Gainesville Coins – “1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value and Price Chart”
- CoinValueChecker – “Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters”