The Bicentennial Quarter, a special edition coin issued by the U.S. Mint in 1976 to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary, has recently gained attention due to its extraordinary value on the rare coin market.
While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth their face value or a small premium for their novelty, certain rare variations have been identified that are worth millions of dollars. Here’s an overview of the rarest and most valuable Bicentennial Quarters.
Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Nearly $90 Million
1. The 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter
A particularly rare variant of the Bicentennial Quarter has been discovered in a small batch of coins made from pure silver rather than the standard copper-nickel composition. These silver quarters were mistakenly struck, and the error was not caught by the mint.
As a result, these quarters are not only highly valuable due to their rarity but also because they contain silver, which is inherently valuable as a precious metal. One such quarter recently fetched nearly $90 million at auction, setting an unprecedented record for coin values.
2. The 1976 Double Die Bicentennial Quarter
Another rare version of the Bicentennial Quarter features a striking error where the coin has two impressions, making the design appear doubled or misaligned.
This double die error, which was caused by a misalignment of the die during production, creates a distinctive look and is highly sought after by collectors. A recent sale saw this rare coin reach values over $30 million, a clear indicator of its significance in the numismatic world.
Other Valuable Quarters Worth Over $30 Million
3. The 1976 Clipped Planchet Bicentennial Quarter
A lesser-known variation of the Bicentennial Quarter comes from a misstep in the minting process known as a clipped planchet. This error occurs when the blank metal disc used for coin production is cut off-center, resulting in a partial coin that is missing part of its outer edge.
While these coins are relatively rare, a few have been found in exceptional condition, with one example recently selling for more than $30 million at auction.
4. The 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter
Most Bicentennial Quarters have a mint mark indicating where they were struck. However, a very small number of these quarters were mistakenly produced without a mint mark.
These coins, which were originally thought to be part of an error run, have become highly collectible, and one such example has recently fetched upwards of $30 million due to its rarity and historical significance.
| Coin | Value | Error Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter | Nearly $90 million | Error in composition | Pure silver instead of copper-nickel |
| 1976 Double Die Bicentennial Quarter | Over $30 million | Double die error | Misaligned die causing doubled design |
| 1976 Clipped Planchet Bicentennial Quarter | Over $30 million | Clipped planchet | Missing edge due to manufacturing error |
| 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter | Over $30 million | Missing mint mark | No mint mark stamped on coin |
Why are Bicentennial Quarters so valuable?
Bicentennial Quarters with rare errors, such as double dies or missing mint marks, are highly valuable due to their scarcity and the unusual circumstances under which they were minted.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for production errors such as double dies, clipped planchets, or missing mint marks. Coins in pristine condition, with these errors, are typically worth much more than face value.
Where can I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarters?
Rare coins can be sold at auction houses, to private collectors, or through numismatic dealers specializing in rare coin sales.
I have two bicentennial quarters with no mint mark where can I take them to and who can I show them too to see what mine is worth