The U.S. Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, was a monumental step in the country’s coinage history.
Designed by Jack A. Lee, the Bicentennial Quarter features a unique design that commemorates the spirit of the nation’s founding, showing an image of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on the reverse.
While millions of these quarters were struck and circulated widely, some variants have become incredibly rare and are now worth a staggering $5 million each. Let’s explore why these coins are so valuable and uncover the fascinating story behind these rare treasures.
The Bicentennial Quarter: A Brief History
The U.S. Mint issued the Bicentennial Quarter as part of a larger set of coins designed to honor the American Revolution’s 200th anniversary.
The obverse of the coin features the standard portrait of George Washington, while the reverse depicts Independence Hall, a symbol of the nation’s birth.
This commemorative quarter was released in 1976, in a year that also saw the release of the Bicentennial Half Dollar and Dollar coin.
Over 800 million Bicentennial Quarters were minted, and for most people, they are a standard piece of currency that sees little more than casual use.
However, what makes certain Bicentennial Quarters so valuable today are specific features, errors in minting, and unique characteristics that make them exceptionally rare.
Rare Variants of the Bicentennial Quarter
Though the regular Bicentennial Quarter was mass-produced, some rare variants were struck in limited quantities or with errors that make them highly sought after by collectors. Here are the three rarest and most valuable Bicentennial Quarters that could fetch up to $5 million:
1. The 1976 No Mintmark Bicentennial Quarter
While most Bicentennial Quarters bear a mintmark (D or S) signifying their place of production (Denver or San Francisco), some 1976 quarters were minted without any mintmark at all. These were part of a very limited batch and have become incredibly rare.
The lack of mintmark was due to a mistake during production, and only a handful of these coins exist in pristine condition. The rarity and historical significance of this error make these coins incredibly valuable.
2. The 1976 Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Deep Cameo
The proof versions of coins are struck with special dies to produce a mirror-like finish and are primarily intended for collectors. However, some 1976 proof Bicentennial Quarters were struck with a rare deep cameo contrast between the frosted images and the mirrored background.
This high level of contrast, a feature that adds depth to the coin’s design, is a sign of extreme quality and is extremely rare. When these deep cameo proofs are found in perfect condition, they can command millions of dollars.
3. The 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter
A small number of Bicentennial Quarters were struck in 40% silver, specifically for collectors in proof sets. These silver quarters are distinct from the standard copper-nickel clad versions and have a higher intrinsic value due to the precious metal content.
However, due to production errors, some of these silver quarters were mistakenly released into circulation. Finding one of these silver quarters in mint condition today is a collector’s dream, as their rarity and historical significance elevate their worth to an incredible $5 million.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | Bicentennial Quarter (1976) |
| Mint Year | 1976 |
| Design | Obverse: George Washington; Reverse: Independence Hall |
| Common Mintmarks | D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Rare Variants | 1. No Mintmark (1976) |
| 2. Deep Cameo Proof (1976) | |
| 3. Silver Quarter (40% Silver) | |
| Value | Up to $5 million for rare variants in perfect condition |
| Factors for Value | Rarity, condition, minting errors, historical significance |
| Common Value | Regular quarters worth face value (25 cents) |
| Identification Tips | Check mintmarks, inspect for silver content, look for proof coin features (mirror finish, contrast) |
| Where to Sell | Coin dealers, professional grading services, online auctions |
How much is a regular Bicentennial Quarter worth?
A used Bicentennial Quarter is worth about 25 cents, which is what it was printed for. But if it is in unused or proof condition, it might be worth a little more, based on the grade.
What is the rarest Bicentennial Quarter?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with no mintmark is the rarest type. The 1976 Proof with Deep Cameo and the 1976 Silver Quarter are the next rarest types.
How can I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarter?
If you want to sell your rare coin, you might want to talk to a professional numismatist or coin trader who deals in them. There are also live and online auctions where you can sell important coins.
Where can I get my Bicentennial Quarter appraised?
There are a lot of places that sell coins, professional grading services, and online sellers that offer appraisal services. People believe professional grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) to be accurate.
Are Bicentennial Quarters still in circulation?
Yes, you can still use most Bicentennial Quarters today. The rare versions, on the other hand, are more difficult to find and are thought to be collectible.