These 3 Bicentennial Quarters Are Worth $500,000: The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most iconic U.S. coins, minted to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. While most quarters from this period are only worth face value, some rare Bicentennial Quarters have sold for up to $500,000! If you have one of these coins, you might be holding a small fortune in your pocket change.

But what makes certain Bicentennial Quarters so valuable? Let’s break it down with key insights, practical tips, and expert guidance on identifying these rare treasures. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a beginner, this guide will help you understand what to look for and how to maximize the value of your coins.
3 Bicentennial Quarters
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Rare Bicentennial Quarters | Some 1976 quarters with errors or high grades are extremely valuable. |
Value Range | Common quarters: $0.25–$5; rare quarters: $10,000–$500,000 |
Mint Marks to Watch | “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), and “No Mint Mark” (Philadelphia) |
Errors & Special Features | Doubled die, off-center strikes, silver composition |
Where to Get Coins Graded? | Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) |
Most Valuable Sale | A high-grade silver Bicentennial Quarter sold for $19,200 in 2019. |
While most Bicentennial Quarters are worth just 25 cents, some rare ones can be worth thousands—or even $500,000 in theory. If you have a silver quarter, a high-grade specimen, or a rare error coin, you could be holding a valuable collectible.
Check your coins today! If you find anything unusual, consider professional grading and appraisal to determine its real market value.
Understanding the Bicentennial Quarter’s History
The Bicentennial Quarter was released in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary of independence. Unlike most quarters, it features a unique reverse design depicting a Colonial drummer and a dual-date inscription (1776-1976). This special edition was produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.
The U.S. Mint struck these quarters in two compositions:
- Clad Copper-Nickel (Common) – Regular circulation coins.
- 40% Silver (Special Collector’s Editions) – Found in proof and uncirculated sets.
While millions of these quarters exist, only a select few possess characteristics that make them highly valuable.
What Makes a Bicentennial Quarter Valuable?
1. Silver Composition and Special Minting
Most Bicentennial Quarters were made of a copper-nickel clad composition, but some were struck in 40% silver. These silver quarters were exclusively released in collector’s sets and remain far more valuable than their clad counterparts.
- How to Identify a Silver Quarter: Look for an “S” mint mark, indicating it was struck in San Francisco.
- Weight Check: A silver Bicentennial Quarter weighs 5.75g, whereas a clad quarter weighs 5.67g.
- Value: Uncirculated silver quarters can range from $10 to over $20,000 based on their condition and grade.
2. Rare Minting Errors
Certain 1976 quarters have production errors that significantly boost their value. Here are the most notable ones:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Causes doubling in words like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- Off-Center Strikes: Some coins were struck off-center, making parts of the design misaligned.
- Wrong Planchet Errors: A quarter accidentally struck on a dime, nickel, or foreign planchet could be worth thousands.
Tip: If you suspect you have an error quarter, consult a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
3. High-Grade Coins (MS67 and Above)
The condition of your Bicentennial Quarter is crucial in determining its value. Coins graded MS67 or higher (mint-state condition) command the highest prices.
- MS67+ Silver Quarter Sold for $19,200 in 2019
- MS68+ Clad Quarter Valued at Over $10,000
- MS69+ Silver Quarter Could Be Worth $500,000! (if ever found)
4. The Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters Ever Sold
Here are some record-breaking sales:
- 1976-S Silver MS69 – Sold for $19,200
- 1976-D MS68 Clad – Sold for $6,463
- Error Coins – Sold for $10,000+
How to Check If You Have a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter
Step 1: Inspect the Mint Mark
- “D” (Denver) and “No Mint Mark” (Philadelphia) are common.
- “S” (San Francisco) is rarer, especially in silver.
Step 2: Check the Composition
- A silver quarter has a distinct white-silver edge, while a copper-clad quarter has a reddish-copper edge.
Step 3: Look for Errors
- Use a magnifying glass to check for doubling in letters or an off-center strike.
Step 4: Weigh the Coin
- Silver quarters weigh 5.75g, while clad versions weigh 5.67g.
Step 5: Get It Graded
- Submit it to PCGS or NGC for professional evaluation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Bicentennial Quarters
Q1: How much is a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth today?
- Most are worth face value, but high-grade or silver versions can be worth $1,000–$20,000+.
Q2: How do I know if my Bicentennial Quarter is silver?
- Look for an “S” mint mark and check the coin’s edge—silver versions do not have a copper stripe.
Q3: What is the rarest Bicentennial Quarter?
- The MS69 silver version, with only a handful known, is one of the rarest.
Q4: Should I clean my Bicentennial Quarter before selling?
- No! Cleaning a coin reduces its value significantly.
Q5: Where can I sell my Bicentennial Quarter?
- Online auction sites (eBay, Heritage Auctions), coin dealers, and collector forums.