This Rare Bicentennial Quarter Could Be Worth $19,200: The Bicentennial quarter is one of the most recognizable U.S. coins ever minted, celebrating the 200th anniversary of American independence. While most of these quarters are common and worth only 25 cents, certain rare versions have fetched as much as $19,200 at auction. If you have some spare change lying around, you might want to take a closer look—your quarter could be worth a small fortune!
Rare Bicentennial Quarter
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin | 1976 Bicentennial Quarter |
| Mint Marks | No Mint Mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Metal Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad, 40% Silver (Special Mint Set) |
| Most Valuable Sale | $19,200 (for a high-grade 1976-S Silver Quarter) |
| Common Errors | Double die, off-center strikes, missing letters, etc. |
| Official Reference | U.S. Mint |
Bicentennial quarters are a fun and exciting coin to collect, but some rare versions are worth thousands of dollars. If you come across a high-grade, silver, or error coin, it might be worth getting professionally graded. Always check your spare change—you never know when you might find a hidden treasure worth up to $19,200!
The History of the Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial quarter was introduced in 1975 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Unlike standard quarters, these feature a special reverse design by Jack L. Ahr, depicting a drummer boy with a torch of victory and thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies. The obverse retains the classic profile of George Washington designed by John Flanagan.
Millions of these coins were minted, but only a small fraction have achieved high collectible status due to rare errors, minting variations, and pristine condition.
Why Are Some Bicentennial Quarters So Valuable?
The majority of Bicentennial quarters were mass-produced and are not particularly valuable. However, certain rare factors can make some worth thousands of dollars. Here’s why:
1. Minting Errors
Some quarters were struck incorrectly at the mint, leading to unique features such as double strikes, off-center designs, and missing mint marks. These error coins are highly sought after by collectors.
2. High-Grade Condition
Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70 by professional services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). A Bicentennial quarter in MS69 or MS70 condition (near perfect) is extremely rare and can command thousands of dollars at auction.
3. Silver Composition
Most Bicentennial quarters are clad coins made from copper and nickel, but the San Francisco Mint (S) produced a 40% silver version for special collector’s sets. These silver quarters are inherently more valuable due to their metal content.
4. Uncirculated and Proof Sets
Special proof sets and uncirculated mint sets of Bicentennial quarters were produced, and these tend to have better strikes, higher luster, and superior detail. Collectors often seek out these sets, especially if the coins remain in their original mint packaging.
How to Identify a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter
Step 1: Check the Mint Mark
- No mint mark – Philadelphia Mint (common, but errors can be valuable)
- D mint mark – Denver Mint (also common, but high grades can fetch high prices)
- S mint mark – San Francisco Mint (silver versions are worth checking!)
Step 2: Look for Errors
Some notable errors that can increase a quarter’s value include:
- Double die obverse (DDO) – Look for doubling on letters and numbers.
- Off-center strike – If the design is not centered properly, it may be valuable.
- Clipped planchet – A coin with a missing section due to a cutting mistake.
- Overstrikes and repunched mint marks – Sometimes, mint marks were stamped twice, creating an overlapping effect.
Step 3: Check the Condition
Use a magnifying glass to examine your quarter. Coins in uncirculated (UNC) or mint-state (MS) condition are far more valuable. If your quarter has no visible wear and sharp details, it may be worth grading.
Step 4: Weigh the Coin
- Clad version: 5.67 grams
- Silver version: 5.75 grams If your quarter weighs more than 5.67 grams, it could be one of the 40% silver special edition coins!
How Much Are Bicentennial Quarters Worth Today?
| Coin Type | Value (Typical) | Value (High Grade) |
| Regular Clad | $0.25 – $1.00 | Up to $1,000 (MS67+) |
| 40% Silver (S Mint) | $4 – $8 | $19,200 (MS69) |
| Error Coins | Varies | $500 – $5,000+ |
Where to Sell Your Bicentennial Quarter
If you believe you have a rare or valuable Bicentennial quarter, here’s how you can sell it:
1. Online Coin Marketplaces
- eBay – You can check recent sales to see how much similar coins are selling for.
- Heritage Auctions – One of the biggest platforms for high-value coin sales.
- Great Collections – Specializes in high-grade and rare coins.
2. Local Coin Shops
Visit a trusted coin dealer in your area. You can find reputable dealers through the American Numismatic Association (ANA) directory.
3. Professional Coin Grading Services
Before selling, consider sending your coin to PCGS or NGC for professional grading. A graded coin typically sells for more money than an ungraded one.
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FAQs About Rare Bicentennial Quarter
Q: Are all Bicentennial quarters valuable?
A: No, most Bicentennial quarters are only worth 25 cents. However, rare versions in high grade (MS67+), silver composition, or with mint errors can be worth thousands.
Q: How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
A: Check the edge of the coin—if there’s no copper showing, it’s likely silver. Weighing the coin (should be 5.75g for silver) can also confirm this.
Q: Where can I check the value of my quarter?
A: You can compare prices on PCGS Price Guide, NGC, eBay sold listings, and auction records from Heritage Auctions.
