Did you know that some quarters from 1976 could be worth thousands of dollars? The 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter, made in Denver, was part of a special series to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. While most are only worth 25 cents, some rare or high-quality versions have sold for over $8,000!
Why the 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter Is Special
To celebrate 200 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Mint released special coins in 1975 and 1976. These coins have “1776–1976” on the front instead of a single year.
The back of the quarter shows a colonial drummer, which was designed by artist Jack L. Ahr. It’s a tribute to the spirit of the American Revolution!
Quick Coin Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | “D” (Denver Mint) |
| Composition | Copper-Nickel Clad |
| Weight | 5.67 grams |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mintage | 860,118,839 coins made |
How Much Is It Worth?
Most 1976-D Bicentennial Quarters you find in change are only worth 25 cents. But some are more valuable:
- Circulated: $0.25–$1
- MS65 (Mint State): $15–$30
- MS67: $110–$400
- MS68: Up to $6,000!
Rare Error Coins
Some coins have mistakes that make them rare and valuable:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
This means the letters or images look doubled. One of these sold for $8,400 in 2023! - Struck Through Errors
Caused when something (like grease or cloth) gets between the die and the coin. These can sell for $300 to $1,000.
Famous Sales
- An MS68 quarter sold for $6,462.50 in 2017.
- A DDO error coin went for $8,400 in 2023!
What to Look For
Obverse (Front):
- George Washington’s portrait
- “1776–1976” date
- “D” mint mark near Washington’s ponytail
Reverse (Back):
- Colonial drummer
- A torch surrounded by stars
- Text: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR”
Collector Tips
- Check the Condition – The better the shape, the more it’s worth.
- Look for Errors – Doubling or strange marks can mean big bucks.
- Get It Graded – Use NGC or PCGS for professional grading.
- Follow Auctions – Track recent sales to know what collectors are paying.
Conclusion
The 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter isn’t just spare change—it could be a valuable piece of history hiding in your pocket. While most are common, rare errors and high-grade coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands. So next time you spot one of these special quarters, take a closer look. You might just strike it rich!
FAQ’s
Q: Is every 1976 D Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
A: No, most are only worth face value, but rare versions can be worth much more.
Q: How can I tell if I have a rare one?
A: Look for high-grade coins or errors like doubling. Get it graded for an expert opinion.
Q: What does the “D” mean on the coin?
A: It shows the coin was made at the Denver Mint.
