5 Bicentennial Quarters Worth Serious Money: Have you ever emptied your pockets after a trip to the store and casually tossed your change into a jar? You might want to take a closer look. Among your ordinary coins, there could be a hidden gem—specifically, a Bicentennial quarter from 1976. While these coins were widely circulated, a handful of rare versions have become highly desirable collectibles, sometimes selling for thousands of dollars.
If you’ve got a curious mind, an eye for detail, or a budding interest in coin collecting, this guide is for you. We’ll dive into the top five most valuable Bicentennial quarters, explain why some are worth more than others, and give you easy steps to determine whether your quarter is just spare change—or a small fortune.
5 Bicentennial Quarters Worth Serious Money
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter |
| Valuable Varieties | Silver Proof, Doubled Die, Off-Metal Strikes, Strike-Through Errors |
| Top Sale Price | $19,200 (PR-70 DCAM Silver Proof) |
| Total Mintage | Over 1.6 billion coins issued |
| Official Resources | United States Mint |
| Collectors’ Tip | Check mint marks (“S”, “D”), weigh coins, inspect for doubling/errors |
Don’t underestimate the coins rattling in your pocket. That 1976 Bicentennial quarter could be far more than spare change—it might be a collector’s prize. By learning how to spot key details like mint marks, silver content, weight, and errors, you can discover if your coin holds hidden value. And if you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare varieties, professional grading could turn it into a big payday.
What Is a Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial quarter is a special edition of the Washington quarter minted in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. Unlike the typical design that features an eagle on the back, the reverse of the Bicentennial quarter displays a Revolutionary War-era drummer boy flanked by a victory torch and 13 stars, symbolizing the original colonies. The obverse (front) of the coin retains George Washington’s image, but the date reads “1776–1976”, emphasizing its commemorative status.
These quarters were produced in enormous numbers—over 1.6 billion coins—at three U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Most of them were made from standard copper-nickel clad material, but a small portion was minted in 40% silver, especially those struck for collectors. This high mintage means that most Bicentennial quarters have no premium value, but exceptions exist due to rarity, errors, and condition.
The Top 5 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
1. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (PR-70 DCAM)
- What to Look For: Struck in San Francisco, this proof quarter was part of a collector’s set and made with a 40% silver composition.
- Grading: PR-70 DCAM means a perfect coin with a deep cameo finish, displaying a strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields.
- Value: One of these coins fetched a jaw-dropping $19,200 at auction.
- Professional Insight: These are rare in top condition and are usually housed in original mint packaging. The silver version also has a slightly higher weight (about 5.75 grams) than its clad counterparts.
2. 1976-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- What to Look For: Look closely at the text “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST” for signs of doubling, especially on the edges of the letters.
- Mint Location: Denver (“D” mint mark)
- Value: Well-preserved DDO coins can command $3,000 or more, depending on clarity and grading.
- Expert Tip: Use a 10x or higher magnifier to confirm doubling. Genuine examples must be verified by a third-party grader.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime Planchet
- What to Look For: A dime planchet is smaller than a quarter blank, so these error coins appear undersized, and the edges may cut off part of the design.
- Weight: About 2.3 grams, much lighter than the standard quarter.
- Value: An authenticated example sold for $9,200 in a major coin auction.
- Special Note: These are rare and easily overlooked. Any coin that looks smaller than usual should be weighed and examined.
4. 1976-S Clad Proof Quarter (PR-69)
- What to Look For: These were also minted in San Francisco but made from the standard copper-nickel composition. They can be identified by their mirror-like surfaces.
- Grading: PR-69 is nearly perfect, just a step below the flawless PR-70.
- Value: In-demand examples can exceed $6,000, especially when they show a cameo or deep cameo contrast.
- Expert Advice: Store these coins properly—proof coins are easily scratched and lose value with damage.
5. Bicentennial Quarter with Major Strike-Through Error
- What to Look For: A strike-through error happens when foreign material—like grease or cloth—obstructs the die during minting, creating a distorted or partially blank area.
- Rarity: Each error is unique, making them fascinating to collectors.
- Value: Serious collectors have paid thousands for particularly dramatic strike-through errors.
- Authentication Tip: Submit to PCGS or NGC for certification, as many fake errors circulate online.
How to Tell If You Have a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter
Identifying a potentially valuable Bicentennial quarter doesn’t require professional training, just attention to detail and the right tools.
Step 1: Check the Mint Mark
Look just behind Washington’s ponytail:
- “P” or no mark = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco (proof versions)
Step 2: Inspect the Coin’s Edge
Silver coins show a solid edge with no visible copper strip. Use good lighting to check for that solid silver appearance.
Step 3: Weigh the Coin
Use a digital scale to measure weight:
- Clad quarters: ~5.67 grams
- Silver quarters: ~5.75 grams
- Dime errors: ~2.3 grams
Step 4: Use Magnification
A 10x or stronger loupe will help you spot doubling, scratches, or minor strike errors.
Step 5: Send It for Grading
For high-value finds, submit your coin to a certified grading company:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Grading determines the condition and authenticity of your coin, which is critical for accurate valuation.
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FAQs About 5 Bicentennial Quarters Worth Serious Money
Are Bicentennial quarters still in circulation?
Yes, they can still be found in pocket change, although high-grade or rare error coins are much harder to come by.
Are Bicentennial quarters made of silver?
Only the special collector versions struck at the San Francisco Mint contain 40% silver. These were never released into general circulation.
What is the difference between a proof and a regular coin?
Proof coins are struck multiple times with polished dies and blanks, resulting in a sharp, mirror-like finish. Regular coins are minted for circulation and lack these premium qualities.
Can I sell a valuable quarter on eBay?
Yes, but coins with high value should be professionally graded and listed with certification to attract serious buyers and ensure fair pricing.
Why shouldn’t I clean my coin?
Cleaning removes natural toning and can create scratches, both of which drastically lower a coin’s value. Leave coins in their original state.
