Coin collecting has been one of the most fascinating hobbies for many, but when you learn that a small little piece of change could turn into a lot of money, it becomes much more than pastime. The search for rare Bicentennial Quarters is indeed one of the most interesting coin collecting stories. People are going out and scanning their coins with a chance at having the one or ones worth thousands of dollars. Specifically, four rare Bicentennial Quarters have been discovered that, in total, may equal a part of a $500 billion market. Here’s why you need to begin checking for the rare Bicentennial Quarters and why they’re so special.
The History of Bicentennial Quarters
The United States Mint released the Bicentennial Quarters in 1976, commemorating America’s 200th year of independence. What makes these quarters unique is their design. Unlike most quarters, which feature the eagle on the back, this one features a special Colonial drummer design courtesy of Jack L. Ahr. George Washington still features on the front obverse face, but with the date “1776-1976” instead of the usual year.
Although the U.S. Mint mints millions of these Bicentennial Quarters, they are not all equal. A small amount of these coins are sought after by the avid collector because of their rarity. From a rare minting error to a special silver composition, some of these coins are worth way more than face value.
Why These Four Bicentennial Quarters Are So Valuable
Not all Bicentennial Quarters are worth thousands of dollars. Those that stand out from the rest are distinguished by those features that lend them their value. Here’s the breakdown of the four key types of Bicentennial Quarters that you should be looking for:
1. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
The silver proof is one of the most expensive coins minted during the Bicentennial series. The coins are produced at the San Francisco Mint, and they consist of 40% silver, whereas the regular copper-nickel quarters do not. Proof coins are made with special care, so they tend to have a shiny, almost mirror-like surface. A well-preserved condition 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter can sell for hundreds of dollars, depending on its grade.
2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter With Errors
Errors that are found with the Denver-minted coins are quite valuable. One is a doubled die error, in which parts of the design are duplicated. These kinds of errors are extremely rare, and collectors pay a high premium for them. Even not-so-dramatic errors like off-center strikes can considerably raise the value .
If you find an uncirculated Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark, it indicates that the coin was minted in Philadelphia. While that is not unusual, some no-mint mark quarters can bring in handsome sums of money if they are encapsulated with superior grades or rare errors. Top quality coins which receive high grades from professional services can bring hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
3. 1976-S Uncirculated Silver Bicentennial Quarter
Like the proof coin, the 1976-S Uncirculated Silver Quarter contains 40% silver. However, uncirculated coins vary in that they were not intended to be used for general circulation. Normally presented in mint sets, an uncirculated coin will also have a dull finish. These coins in pristine condition may also be quite valuable.
4. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter
A Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark was made in Philadelphia. Although not necessarily rare in and of itself, particular no-mint mark quarters are highly valuable if in super condition or possess rare errors. Many high-quality coins, graded by professional services, sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.
How to Identify Rare Bicentennial Quarters
This might be a rare coin if you can find one, but with the right knowledge, it can easily be identified in your change or coin collection. Begin by looking for any quarters dated 1976, paying particular attention to the mint mark. Coins struck at the San Francisco Mint will have an “S” below Washington’s head, while Denver coins will feature a “D,” and Philadelphia coins will have no mint mark.
Examine the grade of the coin. The higher grade the coin is in, the more money it is worth. If your quarter is shiny and has a mirror-like appearance, then it may very well be a proof coin. If this quarter feels heavier or slightly different than your average coins, chances are it does contain at least some silver, therefore making it worth more.
Also, check for any special marks on the coin face, such as doubling, off-center strikes or any other minting errors. Those imperfections can make your coin extremely valuable.
Coin Grading
If you suspect that you have a rare Bicentennial Quarter, then you should get it graded by a professional service. Such services as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) grade your coin by its condition and scarcity. A high grade can be particularly valuable if it is on proof or uncirculated coins. A “Mint State” or “Proof” graded 65 or higher can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter Market Worth $500 Billion?
The total value of the rare coin market worldwide stands at $500 billion, and many of those belong to U.S. coins. Not all of the Bicentennial Quarters are rare, but more and more people want a piece of history. Therefore, the market for high-value collectibles, such as coins, is sure to expand further. With demand among collectors and investors, the right coin in the right condition can sell for astronomical prices.
How to Sell Your Bicentennial Quarters
If you are one of the lucky few who can find one of these precious Bicentennial Quarters, selling is easier than you may think. You can list your coin on any online auction site like eBay or have it listed with coin specialized houses. Any collector and dealer looks for rare U.S. coins, especially those that are historically significant.
Before you can sell, see that your coin is professionally graded and appraised so that you get a good price. Dealers or auction houses will also determine if your coin is actually a proof, an uncirculated, or an error, which affects its value.
Conclusion: Keep Looking!
In these coin circles, though, the search for Bicentennial Quarters is by no means a done deal. A probability like this has coin collectors searching high and low for the next valuable find, especially with a market like $500 billion possibly including Bicentennial Quarters, and knowing what to look for in the four types of rare Bicentennial Quarters may have you sitting on a small fortune in your pocket change.
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FAQ
What makes Bicentennial Quarters special?
They have a different look since the reverse carries a Colonial drummer, and the obverse carries the double date “1776-1976”.
How do I know if I have a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Start with the mint mark below Washington’s neck on the obverse. An “S” means it was minted in San Francisco, a “D” that it was minted in Denver and if there’s no mint mark, then it was from Philadelphia. And search for proof-like surfaces, high silver content, or any obvious errors such as doubling or off-center strikes.
How much are these rare Bicentennial Quarters worth?
The value and collectibility of the scarce Bicentennial Quarters will almost exclusively hinge upon their grade and rarity. Any silver proof issues, and any issues with mint errors can sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, depending on whether they are available in mint or uncirculated condition.
Some interesting mishaps that occurred at the mints that can sometimes be found on Bicentennial Quarters?
Some of the common minting errors with only a few easily visible mistakes include doubled dies-the design is doubled, off-center strikes, or other striking anomalies. Those errors are super rare and will greatly appreciate the value of your coin.