The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1975 and 1976, holds a special place in American coin history. Designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States, these quarters feature the dual date “1776–1976” and a unique colonial drummer design. While most of these coins are worth just 25 cents, rare Bicentennial Quarter errors have caught the attention of collectors and can be worth thousands of dollars.
What Makes the Bicentennial Quarter Special?
The U.S. Mint produced Bicentennial Quarters in huge numbers as part of the 1976 American Bicentennial celebration. All coins from both 1975 and 1976 carry the same dual date “1776–1976.” These quarters feature:
- Obverse: George Washington’s portrait
- Reverse: A colonial drummer with a victory torch surrounded by 13 stars (symbolizing the original colonies)
They were struck at three mints:
| Mint | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|
| Denver (D) | Over 860 million |
| Philadelphia (P) | Over 809 million |
| San Francisco (S) | Around 11 million |
Despite the high production, rare Bicentennial Quarter error coins and silver editions are highly sought after by collectors.
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Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Error Coins & Special Editions
While most Bicentennial Quarters are copper-nickel clad, some were made with 40% silver and released in collector sets from the San Francisco Mint. Coin errors, silver content, and condition can greatly increase a quarter’s value.
Here are some of the most valuable varieties:
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Regular) | $19,200 |
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Proof) | $13,500 |
| 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Regular) | $6,462 |
| 1976-S Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Proof) | $6,038 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Clad, Regular) | $1,119 |
Top Bicentennial Quarter Errors to Look For
If you’re hoping to spot a valuable coin in your change, here are the most well-known Bicentennial Quarter error types:
1. Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- What to Look For: Doubling on words like “LIBERTY” or the date “1776–1976”
- Value: Up to several hundred dollars depending on clarity
2. Off-Center Strike
- What to Look For: Part of the design is missing or off-centered
- Value: $100–$500 depending on how off-center it is
3. Clipped Planchet
- What to Look For: Part of the coin appears cut off or irregular
- Value: $50–$150
4. Struck on the Wrong Planchet
- What to Look For: A quarter design struck on a nickel, dime, or foreign planchet
- Value: Often $1,000+ if authenticated
5. Three-Drumstick Error (Myth)
- What to Know: Some people believe the drummer has a third drumstick, but this is not a true mint error—it’s usually wear or damage
- Value: $0, not recognized by experts
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How to Identify a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter
Here’s a simple checklist to help you determine if your coin might be rare or valuable:
Check the Mint Mark
- “S” for San Francisco (often proof or silver)
- “D” for Denver
- No mark = Philadelphia
Look for Errors: Use a magnifying glass or coin loupe to inspect details like doubling or misalignment.
Weigh the Coin
- Clad coin: ~5.67 grams
- Silver coin: ~5.75 grams
Examine the Edges
- Silver coins have a gray edge with no copper strip.
- Clad coins have a visible copper ring along the edge.
Assess Condition
- Coins in mint state (MS) or proof condition are more valuable.
- Scratches, discoloration, or worn designs reduce value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I know if my Bicentennial Quarter is silver?
Check the edge of the coin. If there is no visible copper ring and the coin weighs around 5.75 grams, it’s likely a 40% silver quarter.
Q2: What does it mean if my quarter has no mint mark?
A coin without a mint mark was struck in Philadelphia. While not rare, these coins can still be valuable if they feature mint errors.
Q3: Are all 1776–1976 quarters worth money?
Most of these coins are only worth face value unless they are silver, in mint condition, or have rare mint errors.
Q4: Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell your coin at reputable auction houses, on eBay, or through coin dealer websites. For maximum value, have the coin professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC.
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Final Thoughts
The Bicentennial Quarter Error list provide New look into how a small difference can make a big impact in coin value. While most 1776–1976 quarters are common, some are worth hundreds or even thousands due to minting mistakes or special compositions like silver. The most Bicentennial Quarters are worth just 25 cents, certain error coins and special editions can fetch Higher Value.