The Bicentennial Quarters, made in 1975 and 1976, were created to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. Most of them are common, but a few rare versions are worth a lot of money—some even millions! Let’s explore five ultra-rare Bicentennial Quarters that collectors would love to own.
1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter
Value: Up to $5.1 million in perfect condition
- What makes it special? This shiny quarter was made at the San Francisco Mint and has a mirror-like proof finish.
- Why it’s rare: Only a small number exist in perfect shape. That’s what makes this coin super valuable.
1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (MS69)
Value: Sold for $19,200 at auction
- What makes it special? It’s made of 40% silver, not the usual copper-nickel mix.
- Why it’s rare: It’s tough to find one in MS69 (nearly perfect) condition. Serious collectors are willing to pay big money for it.
1976-D Quarter with Double Die Obverse
Value: Worth thousands, depending on condition
- What makes it special? Look closely—you’ll see doubled letters on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Why it’s rare: This double die error makes it a must-have for error coin fans.
1976-P Quarter with Clashed Die
Value: A few hundred dollars, depending on the clash
- What makes it special? Some design parts from other coins are pressed into this one by mistake.
- Why it’s rare: These die clash errors are unusual and make each coin unique.
1976 Quarter Struck on a Dime Planchet (Proof-67)
Value: Sold for $12,000 at Heritage Auctions
- What makes it special? This quarter was accidentally made on a dime blank—it’s smaller than normal!
- Why it’s rare: These double denomination errors are super rare and eye-catching.
Ultra-Rare Bicentennial Quarters
| Quarter Type | Value Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $5.1 million | Highly reflective proof finish |
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (MS69) | $19,200 | 40% silver content |
| 1976-D Quarter with Double Die Obverse | Thousands of dollars | Doubling on inscriptions |
| 1976-P Quarter with Clashed Die | Hundreds of dollars | Visible die clash impressions |
| 1976 Quarter on a 10C Dime (Proof-67) | $12,000 | Double denomination error |
Conclusion
These ultra-rare Bicentennial Quarters are more than just pocket change—they’re valuable pieces of history. Whether it’s a shiny proof coin or a rare minting mistake, finding one could mean a huge payday for collectors. Keep an eye out—you never know what treasures you might have in your old change jar!
FAQ’s
1. What makes a Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Rare features like proof finishes, silver content, or minting errors can make some Bicentennial Quarters extremely valuable to collectors.
2. How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is rare?
Check for mint marks (like “S” for San Francisco), doubling on letters, silver content, or unusual shapes. Having your coin graded by NGC or PCGS can also help.
3. Are all Bicentennial Quarters worth money?
No, most are common and worth face value. Only specific rare varieties in excellent condition can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even more.
