The “Bicentennial Quarter” refers to the special U.S. quarter minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. While most Bicentennial quarters are not worth much more than their face value (25 cents), there are a few rare examples that can fetch significant amounts, especially if they are in excellent condition or have unique errors.
Here are three examples of rare Bicentennial quarters that could be worth up to $5 million:
1. 1976-D Double Die Obverse Quarter
This coin features a double die error, which causes the image of George Washington to appear doubled. The error is especially noticeable in the date and the word “LIBERTY.”
If you find a well-preserved version of this error coin, it could be worth upwards of $5 million, depending on its condition. However, this is an extremely rare coin, and only a few examples are known to exist.
2. 1976-S Proof Quarter with Deep Cameo
The proof quarters minted in 1976 were created with special care for collectors and have a shiny, mirror-like finish.
A deep cameo version of this coin, which features a strong contrast between the frosted image and the mirror-like background, is especially valuable. Some of these have been sold for tens of thousands of dollars, with the rarest examples fetching more.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Inverted Mint Mark
This rare error occurs when the mint mark (the “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco) is stamped upside down. The inverted mint mark is incredibly hard to find, but it is highly sought after by collectors. A well-preserved example of this error can be worth millions, though they are extremely rare.
These rare coins are typically only found through dedicated searching and are highly prized by numismatists and collectors. If you have a Bicentennial quarter that you suspect could be valuable, it’s always a good idea to have it professionally graded by a reputable service to determine its true worth.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at $19 Million Still in Circulation
| Coin Type | Error/Feature | Potential Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-D Double Die Obverse Quarter | Double die error on the obverse (doubled image of George Washington) | Up to $5 million (depending on condition) | Extremely rare |
| 1976-S Proof Quarter with Deep Cameo | High contrast between frosted image and mirror-like background | Tens of thousands of dollars to higher amounts | Rare, high demand |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Inverted Mint Mark | Inverted mint mark (“D” or “S” upside down) | Millions for well-preserved examples | Extremely rare |
How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is worth more than face value?
Look for errors such as double die obverses, inverted mint marks, or unique proof finishes. If you think your coin is rare, have it professionally graded by a reputable service like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
What is the best way to identify a double die error on a 1976-D quarter?
The double die error causes the images (such as “LIBERTY” and the date) to appear doubled. This is most visible when closely examining the details with a magnifying glass.
What makes a 1976-S Proof quarter with Deep Cameo special?
The deep cameo version has a highly distinct frosted image of George Washington with a shiny, mirror-like background. This creates a stark contrast and increases the coin’s appeal to collectors.