American history is celebrated on the Bicentennial Quarter that honors 200 years of our nation’s founding. While these quarters are hardly rare, some rare variations have knocked up to half a million dollars at auction.
Yet these coins have become collected to the extreme of the collector market and there’s a good chance you have one in your pocket without knowing it. In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 most valuable Bicentennial Quarters that collectors fancy themselves looking for.
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter
One of the most desired is this Denver minted Bicentennial Quarter. A perfect, mint condition example of this quarter can be worth quite a bit, especially if it has a feature or error that’s unique. Although many 1976-D quarters were produced, there are very few at the highest levels of grading making these very rare and very valuable.
Bicentennial Silver Quarter 1976-S
Bicentennial Quarters were struck by the San Francisco Mint in 40% silver as part of a collectors set. We know these coins exist, but few people realize that the best preserved versions can cost a small fortune. The 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter strikes another sweet spot, combining a measure of silver with perfect visual appeal, making it a prize find for the collector looking for a bounty.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No mint mark)
Coins of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark are rare. Philadelphia didn’t use a mint mark when it was struck in these quarters. Scarcity in pristine conditions makes high grade versions of this no mint mark Bicentennial Quarter worth thousands.
1976 Bicentennial Proof Quarter
Proof coins feature designs that are highly detailed and which reflect a mirror finish. In the original, untouched packaging they are especially valuable: the 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter. If you happen to have a proof coin in your collection and run across a catalogue of ‘perfect’ proof coins, it could be worth far more than you think.
It is 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error)
The double die error is a beautiful find for the collector in which the coin’s design seems slightly doubled. During the minting cycle, a mistake occurs that can make the coin worth a lot of money. A 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with a double die error is such a true treasure, and with prices at auction potentially reaching astronomical levels it is one that everyone gets to keep, even though it can be more exciting to have a ‘collector’s piece’.
| Year | Mint Mark | Type | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-D | D | Regular Issue | Up to $40,000 | Mint Condition |
| 1976-S | S | Silver Version | Up to $50,000 | 40% Silver Content |
| 1976 | None | No Mint Mark | Up to $100,000 | Philadelphia Mint |
| 1976-S | S | Proof Version | Up to $125,000 | Mirror-Like Finish |
| 1976-D | D | Double Die Error | Up to $500,000 | Doubled Design |
FAQs
Q. Why are Bicentennial Quarters so rare?
A. However, Bicentennial Quarters’ value is determined by scarcity, mint mark, condition and errors or amount of silver.
Q. If I had Bicentennial Quarters, how would I know that they are valuable?
A. Search for mint marks, proof finishes or errors such as the double die. Furthermore, get your coin graded by a professional service in order to find out your coin’s worth.
Q. What do I do if I think I have a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
A. To be sure the coin is authentic and worth something, consult a coin expert or get your coin professionally graded.
Q. Why are proof coins more valuable than the ordinary coins?
A. Struck by a special process that lends them a mirror like finish and sharp details, these are very attractive to collectors.