The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1975-1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence, is a unique and collectible coin. While most Bicentennial Quarters are common, a few rare varieties and errors can be incredibly valuable, with some reportedly fetching up to $5 million under exceptional circumstances. Here are three rare Bicentennial Quarters you should know about:
1. 1976 “No Mint Mark” Bicentennial Quarter (Philadelphia Mint)
- Value: $5,000–$10,000 (in perfect MS70 condition)
- Struck without a mint mark, these quarters were produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
- Though most are worth face value, coins in perfect Mint State (MS70) can command significant prices due to their rarity and demand among collectors.
2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Errors
Value: $1,000–$20,000 (depending on the error and condition)
- Minted in Denver, these coins may feature errors such as:
- Double Die: Doubling on the inscriptions or the drummer’s design.
- Off-Center Strikes: A partial design visible on the coin.
- Clipped Planchet: A small piece of the coin’s edge is missing.
- Error coins are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
3. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
Value: Up to $15,000 (in PR70 condition)
- These coins were part of a special 40% silver proof set produced at the San Francisco Mint.
- High-grade examples in PR70 (perfect proof) condition can be worth thousands of dollars.
- These quarters are distinguishable by their smoother, shinier surfaces and lack of circulation wear.
| Coin Type | Value (Top Grades) | Mint Mark | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 “No Mint Mark” Bicentennial Quarter | $5,000–$10,000 | None | Produced at Philadelphia; perfect MS70 condition coins are rare and valuable. |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Errors | $1,000–$20,000 | D (Denver) | Features errors like double die, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets. |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $15,000 | S (San Francisco) | 40% silver proof coin with a polished finish; PR70 specimens are extremely valuable. |
The $5 Million Claim
The “$5 Million Bicentennial Quarter” is often a sensationalized or hypothetical scenario. While no Bicentennial Quarter has officially sold for this amount, it is possible that a unique, error-laden specimen or a coin with exceptional provenance could achieve a record-breaking price at auction.
Also See: Top 5 Most Valuable Barber Dimes Worth Five Figures and Beyond
What makes a Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Condition: High-grade coins (MS70 or PR70) are the most valuable. Errors: Coins with minting mistakes, such as double dies or off-center strikes, can be worth thousands. Silver Content: Silver proof quarters have intrinsic value and collector appeal.
How can I identify a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Look for mint errors such as doubling, misstrikes, or clipped planchets. Check for the “S” mint mark indicating a silver proof coin. Have your coin graded and authenticated by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. Online platforms, including eBay (ensure proper authentication). Certified coin dealers specializing in rare coins.