The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to commemorate 200 years of American independence, is one of the most popular U.S. coins. While most of these quarters are worth only 25 cents, a few rare versions have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Due to minting errors, special compositions, or low-mintage varieties, some of these coins have become collector’s treasures. In this article, we’ll explore three Bicentennial Quarters that sold for staggering prices and why they are so valuable.
1. The 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter – Sold for $85,000
The San Francisco Mint struck 40% silver Bicentennial Quarters, but a few rare pieces were struck on experimental silver planchets that were not meant for circulation. One such quarter was graded MS69 (near-perfect condition) and sold at an auction for an astonishing $85,000. The reason for its high value is its unusual silver composition, pristine condition, and extreme rarity. If you find a 1976-S quarter with a silver edge, it’s worth checking its authenticity—it could be worth thousands!
2. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die Error – Sold for $120,000
Minting errors can drastically increase a coin’s value, and the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a Double Die Obverse (DDO) is a perfect example. The doubling effect is most noticeable in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Because of its strong doubling, excellent condition, and historical significance, one such coin sold for $120,000 at an auction. If you own a 1976 quarter, closely examine the lettering for doubling—you could be holding a rare treasure.
3. The 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter – Sold for $200,000
While most Bicentennial Quarters have mint marks from Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S), an extremely rare missing mint mark error was discovered on a small batch of 1976 quarters. This error resulted in an auction sale of $200,000 for one such coin. The lack of a mint mark, combined with a high-quality strike and flawless condition, made this coin one of the most valuable Bicentennial Quarters ever sold.
The Bicentennial Quarter may seem ordinary, but certain rare variations and errors have turned some into six-figure treasures. The 1976-S Silver Quarter, the Double Die Obverse error, and the No Mint Mark quarter are some of the most valuable ever sold. If you come across a Bicentennial Quarter in your collection, it’s worth getting it checked—because you might be sitting on a small fortune!
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for minting errors, missing mint marks, or silver composition. If your quarter has unique features, it might be valuable.
2. Where can I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell valuable quarters through coin auctions, professional grading services, coin dealers, or online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions.
3. Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No, most Bicentennial Quarters are common and only worth face value, but certain rare varieties and errors can be worth thousands.
4. How can I tell if I have a silver Bicentennial Quarter?
Silver Bicentennial Quarters have a white-silver edge rather than the typical copper-nickel clad edge. You can also weigh the coin—silver quarters weigh 5.75 grams instead of 5.67 grams.
5. Should I clean my old coins before selling them?
No! Cleaning a coin can reduce its value. It’s best to leave it in its original condition and have it professionally appraised.
