The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter holds a special place in American numismatic history, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence.
While most of these quarters are common, certain rare varieties and errors have made specific coins highly sought after by collectors, with some fetching impressive sums at auctions.
This article explores nine such Bicentennial Quarters that could be worth up to $45,000 each.
1. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Business Strike)
The San Francisco Mint produced special silver-clad Bicentennial Quarters intended for collectors. These coins contain 40% silver and were not released into general circulation. A pristine, uncirculated example graded MS69 fetched $19,200 at auction.
2. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Proof Strike)
Proof coins are specially made for collectors, featuring sharp details and a mirror-like finish. A 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter graded PR70 Deep Cameo sold for $19,200, highlighting the value of perfect-grade specimens.
3. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse
A doubled die obverse (DDO) error occurs when the coin’s design is struck twice, slightly offset, resulting in a noticeable doubling effect. A 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with a prominent DDO, graded MS68, realized $8,400 at auction.
4. 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo)
Clad proof coins from the San Francisco Mint, though lacking silver content, can be valuable in perfect condition. A 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter graded PR70 Deep Cameo achieved a sale price of $6,462.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a 10c Planchet
Mint errors where a quarter is mistakenly struck on a dime planchet (10-cent coin) are exceptionally rare. Such an error results in a smaller-sized quarter with incomplete design details. One such error coin sold for $17,625.
6. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike
Off-center strikes occur when the coin is not properly aligned during minting, leading to a portion of the design missing. The value depends on the degree of the off-center strike and coin condition. Some have sold for up to $3,500.
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Clad Layer
A missing clad layer error results in a coin displaying a copper core on one side, giving it a distinct appearance. Such errors are uncommon and can fetch prices around $2,500.
8. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Uncirculated Set)
Uncirculated sets containing 40% silver Bicentennial Quarters were sold to collectors. Coins from these sets, especially those graded MS70, can be highly valuable. One such coin sold for $6,000.
9. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Die Clash Error
A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet in between, imprinting part of the opposite design onto the coin. Bicentennial Quarters with noticeable die clash errors have sold for up to $1,500.
Summary Table of Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
| Coin Type | Error/Variety | Grade | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Business Strike) | None | MS69 | $19,200 |
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Proof Strike) | None | PR70 DCAM | $19,200 |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter | Doubled Die Obverse | MS68 | $8,400 |
| 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter | None | PR70 DCAM | $6,462 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Struck on 10c Planchet | N/A | $17,625 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Off-Center Strike | N/A | $3,500 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Missing Clad Layer | N/A | $2,500 |
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Uncirculated Set) | None | MS70 | $6,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Die Clash Error | N/A | $1,500 |
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on market demand and coin condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for silver composition, mint errors, and high-grade conditions. Checking mint marks and using a precise scale can help determine if you have a rarer variety.
2. Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No. Most are worth face value unless they feature errors, are made of silver, or are in exceptional condition (MS67 or higher).
3. Where can I sell a valuable Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell through:
- Coin dealers
- Auction houses (e.g., Heritage Auctions)
- Online marketplaces like eBay (for certified coins)
4. Should I clean my Bicentennial Quarter to increase its value?
No. Cleaning can damage the surface and significantly decrease the coin’s value.
5. What is the highest price a Bicentennial Quarter has sold for?
Rare error coins and perfect-grade silver proofs have sold for over $45,000, depending on condition and rarity.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is more than just a piece of change—it’s a potential treasure trove for collectors. With rare varieties like the 1976-S Silver Proof and coins featuring mint errors fetching up to $45,000, it’s worth examining the quarters in your pocket or coin jar.