The Bicentennial quarter, minted in 1975 and 1976, was a tribute to America’s 200th birthday. Featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse and dual dates “1776–1976,” it’s a favorite among collectors and history buffs alike. While most Bicentennial quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents, a few rare varieties can be worth an astonishing amount—up to $950,000! In this article, we’ll explore three of the most valuable Bicentennial quarters, explain what makes them so rare, and show you how to identify these treasures.
1. The 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter
Made from 40% silver, this proof coin was included in special collector sets sold by the U.S. Mint. Its mirror-like finish and sharp details make it highly desirable among collectors.
- Value: While most silver Bicentennial quarters are worth around $5–$10, an uncirculated example in perfect condition can sell for tens of thousands.
- Record Sale: A high-grade proof coin recently sold for over $15,000 at auction, demonstrating the premium collectors are willing to pay for pristine examples.
This 1976 Quarter Error Is Worth $950,000—Could You Have It?
2. The 1976-D Double Die Obverse (DDO)
Error coins are often the crown jewels of numismatic collections, and the 1976-D Double Die Obverse is no exception. This error occurs when a misaligned die strikes the coin, causing the inscriptions like “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST” to appear doubled.
- Value: Depending on the severity of the doubling and the coin’s condition, these quarters can fetch anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000 at auction.
- Record Sale: Some high-grade examples of the DDO have sold for amounts approaching $950,000, making this one of the most coveted error coins.
3. The Bicentennial Quarter with Clad Layer Missing
Sometimes, a minting error results in the quarter missing its outer clad layer, exposing the copper core beneath. These rare error coins are visually striking and exceedingly scarce.
- Value: High-grade examples of this error have sold for upwards of $7,000, and some can fetch even more if certified as mint state.
- Why It’s Valuable: The missing clad layer makes the coin a fascinating anomaly, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for these visually distinctive errors.
Conclusion: Hidden Potential in Your Pocket Change
The Bicentennial quarter is a common coin with uncommon potential. Among the millions of ordinary quarters minted in 1975–76, these rare varieties shine as treasures that every collector dreams of owning. Whether it’s a silver proof, a double die error, or a clad layer mistake, these coins prove that history and value go hand in hand.