The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a special coin that was released to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. While millions were minted, some rare varieties and minting errors have made a few of these quarters incredibly valuable. In fact, some of these coins have sold for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions. If you have one of these rare quarters, you might be sitting on a small fortune! Here are four Bicentennial Quarters that have fetched unbelievable prices in the market.
1. The Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter
One of the most famous errors in coin collecting is the double die obverse (DDO), where the coin’s design is struck twice, causing a noticeable overlap of letters or numbers. Some Bicentennial Quarters have this error on the front (obverse), with doubling visible on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date 1776-1976. One of these rare DDO Bicentennial Quarters sold for over $50,000 in pristine condition! If you spot doubling in the lettering or numbers on your quarter, it’s worth having it checked by a professional coin grader.
2. The No Mint Mark Silver Bicentennial Quarter
Most Bicentennial Quarters were made from clad (copper-nickel) materials, but a limited number were struck in 40% silver for collector’s sets. However, a few silver quarters were accidentally released into circulation without a mint mark, making them extremely rare. One of these no mint mark silver Bicentennial Quarters was auctioned for an unbelievable $85,000! You can check if your quarter is silver by weighing it—a silver quarter weighs around 5.75 grams, while a regular clad one weighs 5.67 grams.
3. The Off-Center Strike Bicentennial Quarter
A common but valuable mint error is an off-center strike, where the design is misaligned due to an error in the minting process. Some Bicentennial Quarters with an extreme off-center strike (50% or more off) have sold for over $20,000. The more dramatic the off-center error, the more valuable the coin. If your quarter’s design looks shifted or incomplete, it could be worth a lot to collectors!
4. The Full Drum Lines Bicentennial Quarter
On the back of the Bicentennial Quarter, there is an image of a drummer. Most circulated coins have worn-down details, but if you find a Bicentennial Quarter with crisp and full drum lines, it can be worth a small fortune. A perfect-condition quarter with full drum lines graded at MS-68 sold for over $30,000 at auction! To check, look at the drum’s fine lines—if they’re sharp and visible, your coin could be very valuable.
The Bicentennial Quarter is a beloved collectible, and certain rare varieties have sold for unbelievable prices. Whether it’s a double die error, a missing mint mark, an off-center strike, or a perfectly preserved example, these coins are worth checking for. If you have old quarters lying around, take a closer look—you might be holding a valuable treasure!
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is silver?
A silver Bicentennial Quarter weighs 5.75 grams, while a regular clad quarter weighs 5.67 grams. You can also check the edge—if it’s solid silver without a copper stripe, it might be valuable.
2. Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell it through coin dealers, auctions, online platforms (like eBay or Heritage Auctions), or professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
3. What makes a Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Mint errors, silver content, high-grade condition, and rare varieties like double die obverse or off-center strikes increase the value of a Bicentennial Quarter.
4. Should I clean my Bicentennial Quarter before selling it?
No! Cleaning a rare coin can decrease its value significantly. Collectors prefer coins in their original, untouched condition.
5. How do I get my Bicentennial Quarter graded?
You can send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, where experts will evaluate its condition and authenticity.
