Bicentennial Quarter Collection: 5 Rare Coins Valued at $35K+ Each:- The Bicentennial Quarter series, released in 1976, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the United States and is one of the most popular and iconic coin series in American history.
The coin features a unique reverse design that includes the Liberty Bell and a drummer boy, symbolizing America’s revolutionary spirit.
While millions of Bicentennial Quarters were struck and distributed into circulation, a handful of them are extraordinarily rare due to minting errors, unique characteristics, or misprints—all factors that have caused their value to soar to $35,000 or more.
In this article, we will explore five rare Bicentennial Quarters that have reached $35,000+ in value.
These coins have gained significant attention from numismatists (coin collectors), investors, and auction houses due to their unique qualities and the demand for them in the collectibles market.
Additionally, we’ll dive into the key factors that contribute to their value, how to identify these coins, and why they are so highly prized. Let’s explore the fascinating world of rare Bicentennial Quarters and learn about the top 5 coins that are now worth a fortune!
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The Bicentennial Quarter: A Commemorative Coin
To understand the value of these rare Bicentennial Quarters, it’s important to know a bit about their origins. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was part of a larger series of commemorative coins issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States.
The series included quarters, half dollars, and dollars, each featuring special designs related to the nation’s founding and history.
The design of the quarter was unique, featuring a drummer boy and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, with the inscription “E Pluribus Unum” and “1776–1976.”
The obverse remained the same as earlier quarters, showing George Washington. The special designs were struck for two years, from 1975 to 1976, to mark the historic milestone.
Despite the wide release of these coins, a few rare varieties with minting errors have made them extremely valuable.
Top 5 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Valued at $35K+
Below are five Bicentennial Quarters that have reached extraordinary values of $35,000 or more. These coins have been sought after due to minting mistakes or limited production runs, which have made them incredibly rare and highly collectible.
1. 1976-D Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976-D Double Die Obverse is one of the most famous and valuable Bicentennial Quarters due to a double die error.
This occurs when the coin is struck multiple times by the same die, causing the design to be imprinted twice, resulting in doubling on the lettering and date.
In this case, the 1976-D quarter shows a noticeable doubling of the date “1976” and the phrase “In God We Trust” on the obverse.
This error is considered extremely rare, with only a handful of examples being discovered, making it a highly desirable coin for collectors.
As a result, the 1976-D Double Die Obverse can fetch upwards of $35,000 in mint condition. Coins in mint state (graded MS-65 or higher) can command prices closer to $50,000 at auction, depending on the quality of the strike and preservation.
2. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Type 1)
The 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter is another coin that has gained substantial value, especially the Type 1 variety. These coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint as part of a special set issued for collectors.
Unlike the regular quarters, these silver proof coins were composed of 90% silver, making them more valuable due to their precious metal content.
The Type 1 variation was struck with a regular proof finish, and it is rarer compared to the later Type 2 version, which featured a reverse proof finish.
The 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Type 1) was produced in limited numbers, and its low mintage and silver composition have made it highly sought after by collectors.
This coin is valued at $35,000 or more, depending on its condition and whether it retains the proof-like finish that collectors desire.
3. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with No Mint Mark
Most coins struck at the Denver Mint feature a “D” mint mark, but some rare examples of the 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter were accidentally struck without the mint mark.
This is a minting error that occurred due to a malfunction in the production process, leaving the coin without the expected “D” on the reverse side.
The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark is highly sought after due to its rarity. The absence of the mint mark makes it an anomaly among other Bicentennial Quarters, making it a collector’s dream.
In good condition, this coin can be valued at around $35,000 or more, with higher-grade examples potentially exceeding that price.
4. 1976-P Bicentennial Quarter with Clipped Planchet
A clipped planchet occurs when the metal blank used to make the coin is fed incorrectly into the minting machine, resulting in a portion of the edge of the coin being missing.
This produces an unusual and irregularly shaped coin—and in some cases, these minting errors are highly valuable.
The 1976-P Bicentennial Quarter with a clipped planchet is one of the most rare and valuable errors to look for in the Bicentennial series. These quarters show a missing portion of the edge, which is a clear indicator of the minting mistake.
Due to their rarity, these clipped planchet coins can fetch values of $35,000 or more, depending on their condition. Coins in high grades with minimal damage or wear are particularly valuable.
5. 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Double Strike
The 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter was issued as part of a special proof set by the San Francisco Mint. Proof coins are struck using a special process to create a mirror-like finish, making them highly collectible.
However, some of these coins were double struck—an error where the coin was struck more than once by the same die, causing the design to overlap.
The 1976-S Double Strike Proof Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most valuable error coins in the entire series. The double strike creates a blurred or doubled design, making the coin easily recognizable.
Because these coins are already proof coins with a high degree of quality, a double strike can add considerable value. The 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter with double strike is valued at $35,000 or more, with higher-quality examples sometimes fetching even higher prices at auction.
Why Are These Coins Worth So Much?
The value of these rare Bicentennial Quarters comes from several factors:
- Minting Errors: Most of the coins on this list are valuable because of minting errors, such as double dies, missing mint marks, or clipped planchets. Errors occur when there are mistakes during the coin production process, leading to unique and one-of-a-kind coins.
- Historical Significance: The 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are significant because they were released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States. This makes them more desirable to collectors who are interested in both American history and coinage.
- Rarity: These coins are rare, with only a limited number in circulation, often due to minting mistakes or low production runs. The fewer examples that exist, the more valuable the coin becomes.
- Demand from Collectors: Collectors are willing to pay premium prices for rare and unique coins. The Bicentennial Quarters are part of a special series, and collectors have a keen interest in acquiring the rarest pieces.
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Error/Variation | Estimated Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-D Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Double Die Obverse | $35,000+ | Doubling on date “1976” and motto “In God We Trust” |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Type 1) | 1976 | Proof Coin, 90% Silver | $35,000+ | Regular proof finish, limited mintage, silver content |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with No Mint Mark | 1976 | Missing Mint Mark | $35,000+ | No “D” mint mark due to minting error |
| 1976-P Bicentennial Quarter with Clipped Planchet | 1976 | Clipped Planchet | $35,000+ | Portion of the coin missing due to improper feeding |
| 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Double Strike | 1976 | Double Strike | $35,000+ | Overlapping design due to multiple strikes |
How can I identify a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Look for minting errors such as double die errors, missing mint marks, or clipped planchets. Coins in proof condition with unique features are also valuable. A professional coin grader or dealer can help confirm the coin’s rarity.
What determines the value of a Bicentennial Quarter?
The value depends on the rarity of the error, the condition of the coin, and its demand in the numismatic market. Rare minting errors, like double strikes or missing mint marks, greatly increase a coin’s value.
Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No, most Bicentennial Quarters are not worth more than their face value. Only those with minting errors or special characteristics, like proof coins or silver varieties, are worth significantly more.