The U.S. Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to mark America’s 200th anniversary, is often thought of as a common, everyday coin. After all, over 1.5 billion of these quarters were minted, making them readily available for circulation.
But while most of these coins are worth only face value, some rare variations have captured the attention of serious coin collectors and investors.
These exceptional Bicentennial Quarters can be worth far more than their original 25-cent face value—some reaching astonishing prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.
In this blog, we’ll explore four rare Bicentennial Quarters that are worth $45,000 or more. These extraordinary coins have caught the eye of numismatists for their unique features, minting errors, and historical significance.
If you’re a coin collector or simply curious about the world of numismatics, read on to learn about these hidden gems that could make you a small fortune.
Understanding the Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter was released in 1976 as part of a nationwide celebration of America’s 200th birthday.
The coin features a special reverse design by artist Jack L. Ahr, showing a colonial drummer boy surrounded by 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. The obverse retains John Flanagan’s classic portrait of George Washington.
The U.S. Mint produced over 1.5 billion of these quarters, but it’s not the design or the standard version that has made these coins valuable—it’s the rare errors and unique variants that set some apart from the rest.
A few of these “mistake” coins, when found in excellent condition, can fetch tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
1. The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark Error) – $45,000+
One of the most famous rare Bicentennial Quarters is the 1976-D variety that was minted without a “D” mintmark.
Normally, the mintmark “D” is stamped on coins produced at the Denver Mint, but for a very small number of 1976 Bicentennial Quarters, the mintmark was missing entirely. This oversight is highly unusual, making these particular coins exceedingly rare.
Only a handful of these 1976-D quarters are known to exist, and their rarity drives up their value significantly.
A coin in good condition—graded as MS-65 or higher—can fetch around $45,000 or more at auction. The absence of the mintmark makes it an error coin that collectors are eager to add to their portfolios.
2. The 1976-S Proof Quarter (Deep Cameo Finish) – $50,000+
In addition to the standard circulating quarters, the U.S. Mint produced a series of proof coins for collectors in 1976, including the 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter.
These proof coins were struck using special dies and polished to a mirror-like finish, which was intended to give the coin a higher quality and more intricate design.
However, some 1976-S proof quarters were struck with a particularly deep cameo finish, where the design elements are frosted and the background is highly reflective.
Deep cameo proof quarters are rare and highly sought after by collectors, especially those in perfect condition.
Coins with a deep cameo finish and no visible imperfections can command a price well over $50,000. The high-quality finish and the limited mintage of these coins make them a valuable addition to any collection.
3. The 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter – $55,000+
The 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter, part of the special Bicentennial coin set produced by the U.S. Mint, is another highly valuable rarity. Unlike the standard copper-nickel quarters, these coins were struck with 90% silver, giving them both intrinsic value and a premium appeal.
The silver proof quarters were sold as part of proof sets and produced in limited numbers, which makes them far rarer than the standard copper-nickel issues.
Due to their silver content and limited mintage, the 1976-S Silver Proof Quarters are sought after by collectors, especially in pristine, uncirculated condition.
Coins graded as PR-69 or higher can fetch prices upwards of $55,000, making them a highly prized collectible in the world of numismatics.
4. The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error) – $60,000+
Double die errors are one of the most coveted types of coin errors in the numismatic world, and when a 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter was struck with this error, it instantly became a sought-after treasure.
Double die errors occur when a coin is struck twice, with the second strike slightly misaligned. This causes the design to appear “doubled” in specific areas of the coin, usually on the date or inscriptions.
In the case of the 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with a double die error, the misalignment is most noticeable on the date and the inscriptions on the obverse. These coins are rare and can command incredible prices, especially in high-grade condition.
A 1976-D double die error Bicentennial Quarter can be worth $60,000 or more, depending on its condition. Given the limited number of these error coins, they are highly coveted among collectors.
| Coin | Year | Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark) | 1976 | $45,000+ | Missing mintmark, Denver Mint |
| 1976-S Proof Quarter (Deep Cameo Finish) | 1976 | $50,000+ | Deep cameo finish, San Francisco Mint |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter | 1976 | $55,000+ | 90% silver, limited production |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error) | 1976 | $60,000+ | Double die error, Denver Mint |
What makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth so much?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is valuable due to its rarity, minting errors (such as missing mintmarks or double die errors), historical significance, and special editions like silver proof coins. Coins in pristine condition and with unique characteristics can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for key features such as missing mintmarks, double die errors, or silver content. Having your coin professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC will help determine its value and condition.
Why are double die errors so valuable?
Double die errors occur when a coin is struck multiple times, causing the design to appear “doubled.” These errors are rare and highly sought after, making them valuable to collectors.