Introduction
The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most renowned US coins. Made from one of several special editions issued to commemorate 200 years since the founding of the nation, the coin is one of the most special quarter types in circulation. Below, we discuss the history, design, kinds of coin, and value aspects of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter.
In 1976, the Declaration of Independence, the founding document of the United States, turned 200 years old. There were numerous activities, projects, and festive merchandise to celebrate the Bicentennial.
The US Mint produced coins for 1976 Bicentennial that would be icons of a lifetime. The **Bicentennial Quarter**, the **Bicentennial Half Dollar**, and the **Bicentennial Dollar** brought unprecedented reverse designs highlighting the history and independence of the nation. They were to commemorate the American past, connecting future generations with it.
Coins’ Design and Features
The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter has a unique design. The reverse of this coin features a design exclusive to the Bicentennial. The obverse contains the portrait of George Washington. The reverse design makes the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter stand out among other US quarters.
Obverse Design
It is on the obverse that George Washington’s portrait appears. He was the first US president. Since 1932, John Flanagan’s image has been on the quarter. In profile, “LIBERTY” appears above and “1776” is below.
Designed by Jack L. Ahr is a colonial drummer surrounded by 13 stars to recall the original 13 American colonies. The drummer preparedness iconifies the energy and tenacity of the American Revolution. The back reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the national motto. The top and bottom of the coin include “BICENTENNIAL” and “1776-1976”.
The coin embodied the revolutionary past, unity, and forward momentum of the nation. The colonial drummer represented the military contribution and American Revolutionary War, while the 13 stars represented colonial unity in their freedom struggle.
Coin Specifications
The diameter is 24.3 mm (0.955 inches).
The weight is 5.67 grams (0.200 ounces).
91.67 percent copper, 8.33 percent nickel.
From the mint marks, the coins are known to have been minted at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.
“D” for Denver
“S” for San Francisco (proof coins)
No mint mark for Philadelphia coins
Millions of 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarters were produced for orders taken in the Bicentennial celebration. These high mintage numbers and wide circulation now stand out to determine the value of the coin.
There were several Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints that produced nearly 1.6 billion Bicentennial Quarters. San Francisco mint special proof sets tend to be more expensive due to the higher polish and fewer shipments. The highly polished dies deliver the mirror-like reflective glow of a proof coin.
Special Variations and Proof Coins
Collectors were provided with a proof Bicentennial Quarter and circulation coins. These coins are struck at the San Francisco Mint using a better polish. Proof coins are made when dies are polished and struck multiple times, which makes the coins surface very much mirror-like. Proof coins were available in sets to collectors and are therefore more scarce than circulation coins.
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Apart from proof coins, the Mint produced uncirculated and commemorative coin sets. Collectors appreciated these sets; it included Bicentennial Quarter, Half Dollar, and Dollar, giving a full view of the money.
Value of 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Collectors appreciate the mass-produced 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter. Nearly all circulated Bicentennial Quarters are only worth 25 cents due to the high mintage. Coin value could increase with condition, mint mark, and specific variations.
Factors That Influence the Value
Factors that Determine Value of 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarters:
Condition
Most primary factors affecting the value of a coin involve condition. Graded coins range from **Good** to all the way up to **Mint State** (MS), with the higher grades costing an arm and a leg in comparison with the others. One will pay more for an uncirculated or proof versus a circulated coin because the circulated varieties are less valuable.
These coins are in mint condition as they have never been used. Uncirculated 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarters graded can be sold for several dollars over face value.
Proof Coins – Because proof coins have limited mintage and higher quality of finish, Bicentennial Quarter proof coins have a higher price. In a proof set, a well-preserved proof coin could be worth much, much more than a circulation coin.
High-Grade Coins: In mint state, coins at MS-65 or better may have a premium. Most rare and valuable coins are MS-67 or higher.
Mint Mark
The value also depends on the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter’s mint mark. Quarters that come from the San Francisco Mint have a “S” and sell at a premium over those from the Philadelphia and Denver mints because proof sets are limited and of higher quality.
Special Coins and Errors
Collectors are seeking Bicentennial Quarters with minting errors or characteristics. Double die versions, where the pattern is struck twice, will blur or distort images. Collectors value these errors and can raise the coin’s value dramatically.
The other factor that determines value is the rarity of a particular coin. Although millions of 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarters were minted, coins in near perfect condition or in rare proof sets carry a premium.
Market Value Estimates
Circulated 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarters average a few cents to a dollar over face value, depending on condition, according to recent market patterns. Proof coins, especially within a Bicentennial proof set, command $5 to $15 dollars or more. Uncirculated coins range from one to five dollars.
Like the rare or high-grade coins, MS-67 might cost $50 more or higher. A more defined error with doubled die varieties might fetch hundreds of dollars, depending on how severely the defect affects it and present collector demand.
The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most particular American coins. Its importance is based on the formation of America and the ideas that make it: liberty and unity. While the coin’s value can be relatively not important compared to other rare U.S. coins, its historical significance, unique design, and more importantly, its role in commemorating the Bicentennial of the nation give it much importance in the world of American numismatics.
The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter gives a fantastic view into history and makes for a wonderful emblem for the two-century long journey to a nation, yet value for collectors and numismatists is placed based on their searching for the high-grade and unusual coins, so value may increase accordingly. Regardless of its market value, the Bicentennial Quarter
FAQs
What is the current value of a 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter?
Circulated coins (those that have been used in everyday transactions) are typically worth only face value (25 cents) or slightly more, depending on their condition.Uncirculated coins (coins that have never been in circulation) can range from $1 to $5, depending on their quality and grade.
Why is the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter so special?
Commemorative Design: The coin was released to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The reverse features a colonial drummer surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies. This design is unique to the 1776-1976 quarters and marks an important moment in U.S. history.
How can I tell if my 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter is worth more than face value?
Condition: Coins in excellent condition (particularly those that have not been circulated) are worth more than those with visible wear. Use the coin grading scale to assess its condition, with coins in the Mint State (MS) or Proof category generally being more valuable.