Bicentennial Quarter The one that was issued in celebration of bicentennial in 1976 is one history and one that collectors look forward to get their hands in. Most of the Bicentennial Quarters in circulation today really are just worth their face value; however, there exist some very rare editions that can actually be worth a pretty penny.
One of such quarters has been known to go for as much as 50,000 dollars and this informs why what may be in your pocket without being valued as a coin of worth could be an actual worth of thousands of dollars. Now let’s delve deeper and see why this Bicentennial Quarter is such a unique find and why it’s wise to examine your change from time to time.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Double Die Obverse.
This error happens when the design is-hit from both sides on the same side and hence gives that common look of being double struck on the date, legends or any other part of the coin. The Bicentennial Quarters that are referred to as Double-die obverse are extremely rare and are most popular among the collectors because of the special patina on its surface. If you come across one of these in good condition you could be looking at a price of tens of thousands of dollars.
A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter and if you have, the most likely of it will be the proof version.
The circulation version of the Bicentennial Quarter, which was released in 1976 to commemorate the 200 years of US freedom, had a much more refined appearance than a regular quarter because the proof version has been the doubling rather than the master hub and had actually been struck with more care to provide a brilliantly mirrored shiny surface and outstanding details. These coins were not meant for the circulation, the general public can buy them in special sets only. That is why a Bicentennial Quarter in a proof version could be sold for a high price at an auction.
The Liberty/1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Silver Composition
Some of the Bicentennial Quarters resembled what was produced from copper-nickel alloy, but there was also 40% silver minted. These silver Bicentennial Quarters were in premium quality collector’s sets. If ever come across one, its silver and its being a collectible object may just bring you a lot of money.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter available in high-grade condition
It is self-understood that for any coin, its price grows with its condition, and the Bicentennial Quarter is no exclusion. By far the most valuable would be the coins with the professional grading of MS-65 or above and even in this set, the better the coins have been preserved the more valuable after 1976. The Bicentennial Quarter with a high grade can cost hundreds to a thousand of dollars.
Collectible Coins: 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Affected Coins
Vizards are always appreciated by collectors because such coins are unique in their kind. Some of the Bicentennial Quarters introduced to circulation were basically mint errors that included missing clad layer, off-center strikes, or even incorrect planchets. These must be scarce and are available at good prices especially if not damaged together with other coins or during minting errors.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
Special satin finish was used while minting a very small number of Bicentennial Quarters. These coins are collector coins and their surface does not reflect the light. It is difficult to come across Satin finish Bicentennial Quarters and any coin in this set that was not circulated will be highly valued.
In 1976, there was circulation of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter on its type 1 reverse side.
The hub on the reverse side of the Type 1 Bicentennial Quarter has more chunky, block-like letters contrast to the slightly more refined letters found on the Type 2 variety. The two proofs are floating around and while many of the Type 1 coins are relatively affordable those that are in perfect condition, or have a minting error can be valuable.
Errors of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Copper Plated Clad
A small number of Bicentennial Quarters contain one of the clad layers missing or not fully formed, so you get a view of the copper core. Such mistakes are very few, and if you find the coin in this state, it will be valuable than the face value price.
| Coin Variant | Rarity Level | Estimated Value | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Die Obverse | Very Rare | $25,000-$50,000 | Doubling Effect |
| Proof Version | Rare | $1,000-$3,000 | Mirror-Like Finish |
| Silver Composition | Rare | $5,000-$10,000 | 40% Silver |
| High-Grade Condition | Uncommon | $500-$5,000 | MS-65+ Grade |
| Error Coins | Very Rare | $10,000-$30,000 | Striking/Planchet Error |
| Satin Finish | Rare | $1,000-$5,000 | Non-Reflective Finish |
| Type 1 Reverse | Common | $50-$200 | Blocky Lettering |
| Clad Errors | Rare | $500-$2,000 | Missing Clad Layer |
Despite the strict regulation of circulation, millions of Bicentennial Quarters were minted, but such unique versions prove that some coins can be extremely expensive. Perhaps you received a coin in your change that, by mistake, in composition, or due to its condition, is actually worth thousands of dollars. As crazy as it may sound, one might need to put more effort into searching for pennies—your next coin discovery may be valuable.
FAQs
Q. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – High-Grade Condition
A. Similar to other quarters, the value of the Bicentennial Quarter rises with the condition of the coin. Those from professional grade services such as the MS-65 and above, the mint state coins are the most valuable, especially if they have not seen the light of day since the year 1976. Expert-graded Bicentennial Quarter or the 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter can sell for between hundreds to thousand of dollars.
Q. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Error Coins
A. Given the fact that error coins are unique, ideally they are always most sought after in the marketplace. There are Bicentennial Quarters whose material layers were not properly struck or the planchet had the wrong metal composition. Such error coins are very scarce and when put up for auction they can attract very good prices especially where they are in good circulation.
Q. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Satin Finish – Proofs
A. Some low mint Bicentennial Quarters contain a satin type finish to the coin. These coins are collected and the surface is not polished so that they will not produce reflections on their faces. Bicentennial quarters with a satin finish are not common and coins in as new condition can be considerably valuable.
Q. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Type 1 Reverse looks like this:
A. The Type 1 Bicentennial Quarter has a relatively crude lettering style of theNUM on the reverse while Type 2 has neater letters. Both types of mint marks are seen but the Type 1 coins in perfect condition or with minting mistakes can be of high value.
Q. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Clad Errors
A. There are a number of Bicentennial Quarters that are clad layer errors, meaning that the outer layer of metal either is not complete or is altogether absent, revealing the copper beneath. These errors are uncommon and when this coin is available in mint condition then it is sold at a higher price range.