The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary, is a beloved collectible in American numismatics. While most of these quarters remain in circulation and are worth just 25 cents, certain rare variations—whether due to errors, silver composition, or pristine condition—have fetched thousands of dollars at auctions.
If you have Bicentennial quarters lying around, now might be the perfect time to inspect them closely. Here are five exceptionally valuable Bicentennial quarters that have captured collectors’ interest and could be worth a small fortune.
Key Facts About Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
| Coin | Mint Mark | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter | S | 40% silver, flawless finish | $19,975 |
| 1976-D Mint State 68 Quarter | D | Impeccable MS-68 grade | $6,462 |
| 1976-P Double Die Obverse | P | Doubling on inscriptions | $5,875 |
| 1976-S Silver Business Strike | S | Limited silver business strike | $4,465 |
| 1976-P Off-Center Strike | P | Misaligned, off-center design | $3,000 |
1. The 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter was minted exclusively for collectors and contains 40% silver, making it highly sought after. Its polished, mirror-like finish adds to its appeal.
- Why It’s Special: Coins graded PR-70 (Proof 70) are considered perfect, free of any imperfections. Such flawless specimens are exceedingly rare.
- Value: One of these Silver Proof quarters sold for an impressive $19,975, setting a record for Bicentennial quarters.
Collector Tip: If you own a 1976 proof set, carefully inspect your quarter for exceptional condition—PR-70 grades are worth significantly more.
2. The 1976-D Mint State 68 Bicentennial Quarter
While the 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter was minted in large quantities, finding one in MS-68 condition—a nearly perfect, uncirculated grade—is extraordinarily rare.
- Why It’s Special: Coins in MS-68 condition have sharp details and no visible flaws, making them highly desirable to collectors.
- Value: One such coin fetched $6,462 at auction, a remarkable sum for a coin usually worth only face value.
Collector Tip: If you have a Denver Mint Bicentennial quarter, have it professionally graded to check its condition.
3. The 1976-P Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter
Error coins are especially prized in the numismatic community, and the 1976-P Double Die Obverse quarter is a standout example. It features noticeable doubling on the coin’s inscriptions, particularly in the lettering.
- Why It’s Special: Doubling errors result from a misalignment during the coin-striking process, creating a visually unique design.
- Value: A well-preserved Double Die Obverse quarter sold for $5,875, reflecting its rarity and appeal among error coin collectors.
Collector Tip: Use a magnifying glass to check your Bicentennial quarter’s inscriptions for doubling—this could indicate a valuable error coin.
4. The 1976-S Silver Business Strike Bicentennial Quarter
In addition to the proof version, the 1976-S Silver Business Strike Bicentennial quarter was also minted in 40% silver for collectors. These coins lack the polished proof finish but still feature a sharp design and limited mintage.
- Why It’s Special: Its combination of silver content and scarcity makes it a rare find, particularly in high grades.
- Value: A top-condition example sold for over $4,465 at auction.
Collector Tip: Look for the “S” mint mark on your Bicentennial quarter and weigh the coin—silver quarters are heavier (6.25 grams) than standard clad quarters (5.67 grams).
5. The 1976-P Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike
The Off-Center Strike error is among the most visually striking Bicentennial quarter variations. These coins were misaligned during minting, resulting in a design that appears shifted or incomplete.
- Why It’s Special: Off-center errors are unique—no two coins will have the exact same misalignment, making each a one-of-a-kind piece of numismatic art.
- Value: Well-preserved off-center strikes have sold for $3,000, with more dramatic misalignments commanding higher premiums.
Collector Tip: If your Bicentennial quarter’s design looks uneven or incomplete, it may be a valuable off-center error coin.
How to Spot a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter
Follow these steps to determine if your Bicentennial quarter is worth more than face value:
- Check the Mint Mark:
- Look for “S” mint marks indicating silver composition.
- Mint marks are located near Washington’s portrait on the front of the coin.
- Inspect for Errors:
- Use a magnifying glass to check for doubling, off-center strikes, or unusual marks.
- Weigh the Coin:
- Silver quarters weigh approximately 6.25 grams; standard clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams.
- Grade Your Coin:
- Send your coin to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC to assess its condition and value.
- Research Recent Sales:
- Compare your coin’s features and condition to recent auction results to gauge its market value.
Final Thoughts
The Bicentennial quarter is more than just a piece of pocket change—it’s a piece of American history. While most are worth face value, rare variations like silver strikes, high-grade coins, and error pieces can be worth thousands. Take a closer look at your collection or spare change—you might uncover a hidden gem that holds significant value.
FAQs About Bicentennial Quarters
Why are some Bicentennial quarters worth so much?
Their value depends on factors like rarity, silver content, condition (grade), and errors.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
Silver quarters have an “S” mintmark and weigh 6.25 grams, compared to clad quarters’ 5.67 grams.
What’s the most expensive Bicentennial quarter ever sold?
A 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter in PR-70 condition sold for nearly $20,000.
Can I still find Bicentennial quarters in circulation?
Yes, but valuable versions—like silver or error coins—are rarely found in everyday transactions.
Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial quarter?
You can sell valuable coins through certified dealers, online auctions, or professional grading services.
