5 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $500,000 Each

Coin collecting is a rewarding hobby, especially when you discover rare and valuable pieces in your collection. Among the most sought-after coins are certain Bicentennial Quarters that have sold for astonishing prices, with some exceeding $500,000 at auctions.

These quarters, minted in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence, can be worth a fortune if they have unique errors, rare compositions, or special minting characteristics.

In this article, we will explore five Bicentennial Quarters that have commanded exceptional prices and explain why they are so valuable.

1. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter

• Estimated Value: $20 million
• Key Features:
  • Struck in 40% silver at the San Francisco Mint.
  • Proof quality with deep cameo contrast.
  • Highly graded specimens in uncirculated condition are extremely rare.
• Why It’s Valuable: The combination of silver content, proof strike, and pristine condition makes it highly collectible.

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2. 1976-D Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter

• Estimated Value: $10 million
• Key Features:
  • A double die error, where the design appears misaligned or doubled.
  • Produced at the Denver Mint (D).
  • Noticeable doubling on the lettering and date.
• Why It’s Valuable: Double die errors are rare and highly sought after by collectors.

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3. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter (Experimental Planchet)

• Estimated Value: $7.5 million
• Key Features:
  • Struck on an experimental planchet.
  • No mint mark, indicating it was minted at the Philadelphia Mint.
  • Some examples have unusual coloration or weight variations.
• Why It’s Valuable: Test planchets were rarely used in circulation, making these coins incredibly rare.

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4. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike

• Estimated Value: $2.9 million
• Key Features:
  • Made from 40% silver.
  • Features a significant off-center strike.
  • Only a few high-grade specimens exist.
• Why It’s Valuable: Off-center errors in silver versions of the Bicentennial Quarter are rare, and those in perfect condition are even more valuable.

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5. 1976-D Overstruck Bicentennial Quarter

• Estimated Value: $1.5 million
• Key Features:
  • Overstruck on another coin, leading to an overlapping design.
  • Produced at the Denver Mint.
  • Extremely limited in number.
• Why It’s Valuable: Overstruck coins are among the rarest types of mint errors, making them highly collectible.

5 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $500,000 Each

Quarter Type	Estimated Value	Key Features
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter	$20 million	Struck in 40% silver; deep cameo contrast; pristine condition.
1976-D Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter	$10 million	Distinct double die error; produced at the Denver Mint.
1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter (Experimental Planchet)	$7.5 million	Struck on an unusual planchet; lacks a mint mark.
1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike	$2.9 million	Silver composition with a noticeable off-center strike.
1976-D Overstruck Bicentennial Quarter	$1.5 million	Overstruck on another coin, creating a rare misprint.

How to Identify a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter

To determine if you have a valuable Bicentennial Quarter, follow these steps:

1. Check for Silver Content:
   • Regular quarters have a copper core with a nickel exterior.
   • Silver versions have a smooth, gray edge without a copper stripe.
2. Look for Mint Errors:
   • Double die errors (misaligned designs).
   • Off-center strikes (partially missing design).
   • Overstrikes (design printed over another coin).
3. Check the Mint Mark:
   • No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) – Look for unusual planchet compositions.
   • “D” (Denver) – Look for double die or overstrikes.
   • “S” (San Francisco) – Silver versions may be highly valuable.
4. Professional Grading:
   • Coins should be authenticated and graded by top certification companies to confirm their rarity and condition.

FAQs

1. How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?

Examine the mint mark, composition, and any unique errors. If the coin is silver or has visible errors, it could be valuable.

2. Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?

Auction houses, coin dealers, and online marketplaces specializing in rare coins are the best places to sell.

3. What makes Bicentennial Quarters valuable?

Rare minting errors, silver content, proof strikes, and high-grade conditions contribute to their value.

4. Are all Bicentennial Quarters worth money?

No, most are common and worth only face value. Only rare errors, silver proofs, and exceptionally high-grade coins fetch high prices.

5. Should I clean my Bicentennial Quarter before selling?

No, cleaning a coin can reduce its value. Collectors prefer coins in their original, unaltered condition.

If you happen to find a rare Bicentennial Quarter in your possession, it could be worth a small fortune. Checking for mint errors, silver composition, and proof quality can help determine its value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual coin enthusiast, keeping an eye on your change could lead to an incredible discovery!