A numismatic treasure, the Bicentennial Quarter was minted to celebrate the US’s 200th birthday. Between 1975 and 1976, this quarter came with “1776–1976” and a design that paid homage to the nation’s revolutionary history. Most Bicentennial Quarters can be purchased at face value, but the most unusual varieties – namely, those containing minting errors – have always captured collectors’ imaginations and pushed up auction prices. These little quarters can sell for a lot of money; one sold at auction for $808,000.
In this post, we shall delve into the history, design, and factors that determine the value of a Bicentennial Quarter. We shall also look at unusual minting faults that make coins more valuable and what collectors see in a Bicentennial Quarter.
Fast Facts Bicentennial Quarter
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minted Years | 1975–1976 |
| Obverse Design | George Washington’s profile with dual dates “1776–1976” |
| Reverse Design | A colonial drummer surrounded by 13 stars, designed by Jack L. Ahr |
| Metal Composition | Standard copper-nickel clad or 40% silver |
| Rare Features | Errors like double die, off-center strikes, and strike-through errors |
| Highest Auction Price | $808,000 for a 1976-S Proof Quarter graded PR70DCAM |
| Mint Locations | Denver (D), San Francisco (S), and Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
History and Design of the Bicentennial Quarter
To commemorate the US bicentennial for 1976, the Bicentennial Quarter was minted. The U.S. Mint marked this incredible milestone by creating a coin that brought attention to the country’s revolutionary roots and independence. This was a deviation from the typical decades-old designs used by the U.S. Mint.
The Obverse: George Washington’s Profile
The Bicentennial Quarter’s obverse features John Flanagan’s classic George Washington profile, first used on quarters in 1932. For the Bicentennial issue, the design changed. Instead of the mint year, the coin has “1776–1976,” tying the current to the US founding 200 years ago. This alteration highlights the coin’s commemorative aspect, making it special for collectors and history buffs.
The Reverse: A Revolutionary Tribute
The Bicentennial Quarter reverse is by Jack L. Ahr, symbolizing America’s revolutionary past. Art The illustration features a proud colonial drummer in uniform against 13 stars. The number of the 13 colonies that fought for their independence from Great Britain can be seen in these stars.A colonial drummer, as an icon of resistance and united endeavor to gain freedom, features on the reverse. The reverse was designed to symbolize the nation’s history and independence.
Value of Bicentennial Quarter: Factors Behind It
The Bicentennial Quarter value can vary greatly, but many are common and are only worth 25 cents. Some of the factors that determine its value include the coin’s quality, composition, rarity, and minting mistakes. Here is what determines the Bicentennial Quarter value.
Condition
It also depends on condition. Coins graded as near-excellent, especially those certified with a grade of MS67 or better by professional grading services, could fetch much more in price compared to circulated and worn coins. These coins with sharp details and fresh appearance sell for more.
Bicentennial Quarters in mint condition may fetch several dollars more than their face value, but circulated or damaged ones may be worth only 25 cents. Coins that are well-preserved without damage, grime, or scratches can be sold at maximum prices.
Composition
The 40% silver Bicentennial Quarters are notable for being the uncommon copper-nickel clad Bicentennial Quarters. Silver quarters were rare, and that’s what made them valuable to collectors. The value of silver imparts intrinsic value to silver coins, and so collectors are willing to pay more for them.
Before purchasing a coin, check its composition. Professional coin dealers or grading services can indicate whether the coin is 40% silver or copper-nickel. Silver Bicentennial Quarters tend to sell at higher prices than copper-nickel ones.
Minting Errors
Coin collecting is interesting for the possibility of finding rare minting errors. Errors during minting yield uncommon or visually anomalous coins. Minting faults provide rarity and mystery to coins, making them all the more precious. These faults abound on Bicentennial Quarters and may increase the price of these coins:
Double-Die Errors
A double die error occurs when the die that stamps the design on the coin is in the wrong location, so it stamps characters or digits twice, producing a “doubling” impression. The coin may double the “1776–1976” date. Collectors prize these minor to major defects. Double die errors on Bicentennial Quarters can sell for $500 to $1,100, depending on their degree of doubling and condition.
Off-Center Strikes
Incorrect coin alignment in the minting press results in off-center strike errors. The coin can look “crooked” or “holey” because part of its design is missing. These rare and highly collectible coins sell for $2,000 to $5,500 depending on misalignment.
Errors that strike through
A strike-through is due to grease, dirt, or debris that may have been obstructing the die during minting. Foreign objects create a unique pattern on coins, making them unique from conventionals. Collectors pay $10,000-$15,000 for strike-through errors depending on the error.
Mint Marks
Yet another important factor determining the value of the Bicentennial Quarter is its mint mark. The Philadelphia coins have no mint mark on them, while the Denver ones bear a “D,” and the San Francisco ones bear an “S.” As fewer numbers of them were minted, the Philadelphia coins with no mint marks could be more valuable, especially in higher grades.
Mint marking collecting is a popular hobby, with some specialists in only one. Rarer mintages or locales bring a higher price for quarters. Coin alignment mistakes when coins are assembled into the minting press result in off-center strike errors. The coin may look “crooked” or hollow as part of its design is missing. These rare and unique coins sell for between $2,000 to $5,500, depending on the amount of misalignment.
Strikes that pass through
A strike-through error is caused by grease, dirt, or debris blocking the die during the minting process. Foreign objects create a unique pattern on coins that makes them different from other convention issues. These can make $10,000–$15,000, depending on the error.
Mint Marks
The value of the Bicentennial Quarter depends on its mint mark. Philadelphian coins carry no mint mark, but those from Denver show a “D,” while San Francisco’s has the “S.” Since fewer quantities were minted, the coin with no mint mark coming from Philadelphia will be more valuable and always fetch high grades.
The hobby of collecting mint markings is very common; several hobbyists specialize in one. Quarters of rare mintages or localities fetch more money.
Highest Bicentennial Quarter Auction Price
Probably one of the most incredible Bicentennial Quarter sales was one 1976-S Proof Quarter graded PR70DCAM and selling for $808,000. A rare coin, in good grade, and perfect quality explains the price achieved during auction. Such sale proves that the Bicentennial Quarters can sell at precious value, more so in good preservation or those that are minted incorrectly.
The Bicentennial Quarter is more than just a commemorative coin for the country’s 200th year anniversary. Its design, historical significance, and rare minting errors make it a collector. While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth face value, some have sold for thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars owing to errors, as well as flawless specimens.
The Bicentennial Quarter is sure interesting history and could be a hidden gem for coin collectors who like to seek out these well-preserved coins or the rare minting faults associated with them. Look for unusual varieties-they may be worth far more than you realize.