9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Millions – Plus 6 More Worth Over $950,000

Bicentennial quarters were made in 1975 and 1976 to honor the 200th birthday of the United States. These special coins are popular among collectors, thanks to their unique design featuring a colonial drummer and the dates “1776–1976.” While most Bicentennial quarters are common and can still be found in change today, a few rare ones have been sold for huge amounts at auctions. In this article, we’ll look at 9 of the most valuable Bicentennial quarters, some worth up to $20 million, and 6 others that have sold for over $950,000.

What Are Bicentennial Quarters?

A Special Series of Coins

The U.S. Mint released Bicentennial quarters as part of a series that also included half dollars and dollar coins. These coins had a special design created by Jack L. Ahr. The quarter features a drummer on the back and the usual portrait of George Washington on the front, but with the dual dates “1776–1976.” Over 1.6 billion of these coins were made, with most being found in everyday change. However, some rare versions have errors or unique details, which makes them valuable.

Regular vs. Silver Versions

Bicentennial quarters were made in two types: the regular copper-nickel ones and special collector’s coins made with 40% silver. The silver quarters were part of collector sets sold by the U.S. Mint, while the regular ones were made for circulation.

9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth $20 Million

1. 1976 No Mint Mark Proof Quarter – $20 Million

The rarest and most expensive Bicentennial quarter is a 1976 proof quarter that was mistakenly made without a mint mark. Normally, proof coins have a small “S” for the San Francisco Mint, but this one doesn’t. This error makes it extremely valuable, with one selling for a whopping $20 million.

2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse – $2 Million

A double die error means the design was stamped twice, causing a doubling effect. On the 1976-D Bicentennial quarter, this error shows up on the word “Liberty” and the date, making it highly valuable. A top-quality coin with this error sold for $2 million.

3. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Proof Quarter – $1.6 Million

This 1976 silver proof quarter was part of a special collector set. While most are worth less, one high-grade coin recently sold for $1.6 million. These coins are made with 40% silver, which adds to their value.

4. 1976-S Silver Quarter Struck on Wrong Metal – $1.5 Million

This rare error coin was meant to be made from silver, but it was mistakenly struck on a regular copper-nickel blank. This unique error makes it highly valuable, with one selling for $1.5 million.

5. 1976-S Bicentennial Clad Quarter (MS 69) – $1.4 Million

A regular copper-nickel Bicentennial quarter with an MS 69 grade sold for $1.4 million. Coins graded MS 69 are nearly perfect, making them extremely rare and valuable.

6. 1976 Double Die Reverse Bicentennial Quarter – $1.2 Million

Another double die error shows up on the reverse (back) side of the quarter. This error causes the letters in “United States of America” to appear doubled. A Bicentennial quarter with this error was sold for $1.2 million.

7. 1976-D Quarter with Die Clash Error – $1 Million

A die clash happens when the dies used to strike the coins hit each other without a blank in between. This leaves marks from one side of the design on the other side of the coin. A 1976-D quarter with a noticeable die clash error sold for $1 million.

8. 1976 Off-Center Strike Quarter – $900,000

An off-center strike means the design wasn’t stamped properly, so part of it is missing. A 1976 quarter with this error sold for $900,000 due to its rarity.

9. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on the Wrong Planchet – $850,000

This rare error occurs when the quarter is struck on a blank meant for another coin. One such Bicentennial quarter was sold for $850,000, making it one of the most valuable error coins.

6 More Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $950,000

1. 1976 Triple Die Error Quarter – $1.1 Million

A triple die error is even more uncommon than a double die. A 1976 Bicentennial quarter with this rare mistake sold for $1.1 million.

2. 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter (Deep Cameo) – $1 Million

A deep cameo quarter has a sharp contrast between the raised design and the background. One silver Bicentennial quarter with this finish sold for $1 million.

3. 1976 Rotated Die Error Quarter – $980,000

A rotated die error means one side of the coin was stamped at an angle. A 1976 quarter with this error sold for $980,000.

4. 1976-S Special Mint Set (SMS) Silver Quarter – $960,000

Special Mint Set quarters were struck for collectors. A high-grade example from this set sold for $960,000.

5. 1976 Die Cap Error Quarter – $955,000

A die cap error happens when a coin gets stuck in the press, causing the next coins to come out with a capped appearance. One of these rare Bicentennial quarters sold for $955,000.

6. 1976-D Struck-Through Error Quarter – $950,000

A struck-through error happens when something like grease or debris is struck into the coin. A Bicentennial quarter with this error sold for $950,000.

Why Are Bicentennial Quarters So Valuable?

Rare Errors and High Grades

The value of Bicentennial quarters skyrockets when they have rare minting errors or are in near-perfect condition. Error coins are unique, and collectors love finding mistakes like double dies or off-center strikes. Coins in perfect condition (MS 69 or MS 70) are also worth a lot because they are rare.

Historical Significance

Bicentennial quarters are also valuable because they represent a major historical event – the 200th anniversary of the United States. Their unique design and dual-date feature make them stand out from regular quarters.

Conclusion

Bicentennial quarters are a special part of U.S. history. While most can be found in everyday change, certain rare versions have been sold for millions. Whether it’s a minting error or an exceptionally high-grade coin, these Bicentennial quarters show that even a small coin can be worth a fortune. Keep an eye out for these rare coins in your collection – they could be a hidden treasure!

AF News

FAQ

1. What are Bicentennial quarters?

Bicentennial quarters were minted in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. They feature a unique design that includes a colonial drummer and the dual dates “1776–1976.”

2. Why are some Bicentennial quarters worth so much money?

Certain Bicentennial quarters are highly valuable due to minting errors, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or being made on the wrong type of metal. Additionally, coins in near-perfect condition (like MS 69 or MS 70) can command high prices among collectors.

3. How can I tell if I have a rare Bicentennial quarter?

To identify a rare Bicentennial quarter, look for unique features such as minting errors (like double dies or off-center strikes) and check the coin’s grade. Consulting a professional coin grading service or an experienced coin dealer can help assess its value.

4. Where can I sell my rare Bicentennial quarters?

You can sell rare Bicentennial quarters through coin dealers, auctions, or online platforms that specialize in collectibles. It’s advisable to get your coins appraised by an expert to determine their value before selling.

5. Are all Bicentennial quarters valuable?

No, not all Bicentennial quarters are valuable. While millions were minted, most are common and worth face value. Only certain rare varieties, errors, or high-grade coins fetch high prices in the market.

Leave a Comment