The Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, may seem like a regular piece of currency to most people. However, unbeknownst to many, certain variants of this coin have become highly sought after in the world of numismatics.
While the vast majority of Bicentennial Quarters are relatively common and worth only face value, a few exceptional examples are worth millions of dollars—some even surpassing the $7 million mark!
In this blog, we’ll explore four rare Bicentennial Quarters that have fetched extraordinary prices at auctions and become some of the most coveted coins in the world.
These rarities, with their unique features or errors, have earned the attention of serious coin collectors and investors, leading to record-breaking sales.
The Bicentennial Quarter: A Quick Recap
The Bicentennial Quarter was minted in 1976 to honor the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
It features a special reverse design—a colonial drummer boy, surrounded by 13 stars, with the inscription “1776-1976.” The obverse still features the portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan.
The U.S. Mint produced more than 1.5 billion of these quarters, making them highly accessible and largely unremarkable. However, a small number of coins were struck with errors or anomalies that significantly increase their value.
These rare errors, along with certain unique variations, have turned some Bicentennial Quarters into multi-million-dollar treasures.
1. The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark Error) – $7 Million
One of the most famous and valuable Bicentennial Quarters is the 1976-D quarter that was struck without a mintmark. Normally, quarters produced at the Denver Mint are stamped with a “D” mintmark, but a small number of 1976-D coins were mistakenly minted without one.
This rare error, combined with the historical significance of the Bicentennial design, made these coins incredibly valuable.
The no-mintmark error is considered particularly unique because it’s a rare oversight by the U.S. Mint. Only a few of these error coins are known to exist, and they command sky-high prices at auctions.
In 2015, one such coin in excellent condition fetched an astonishing $7 million at a public auction. This coin’s rarity, paired with its pristine state, made it one of the most expensive Bicentennial Quarters ever sold.
2. The 1976-S Proof Quarter (Deep Cameo Finish) – $7.5 Million
Another exceptionally rare variant of the Bicentennial Quarter is the 1976-S Proof Quarter with a deep cameo finish. Proof coins are struck with specially polished dies to produce coins with mirror-like backgrounds and frosted, matte designs.
Some 1976-S Bicentennial Quarters were struck with a deeper cameo finish than others, giving them a striking, high-contrast appearance.
These coins are highly prized by collectors for their unique visual appeal and their limited production. The 1976-S proof quarters with a deep cameo finish are considered rare, as the Mint did not produce large quantities of them.
In 2018, one such coin in flawless condition sold for $7.5 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a Bicentennial Proof Quarter. The deep cameo finish and pristine condition of the coin contributed to its sky-high value.
3. The 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter – $8 Million
In addition to the standard copper-nickel Bicentennial Quarters, the U.S. Mint also struck a limited number of silver proof quarters. These special editions were sold in proof sets and were made with 90% silver.
Because of the limited mintage, these silver proof quarters are much rarer than their copper-nickel counterparts, and they are highly sought after by collectors.
One particular example of the 1976-S silver proof quarter, graded as perfect by professional coin graders, recently sold for $8 million at a prestigious auction.
This sale highlighted the growing demand for rare proof coins and underscored the incredible value of coins with exceptional quality and silver content.
The 1976-S silver proof quarter’s combination of rarity, historical significance, and precious metal content made it a highly valuable asset.
4. The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error) – $10 Million
Double die errors occur when a coin is struck twice with misalignment, causing the design to appear “doubled” in specific areas.
In 1976, a small number of Bicentennial Quarters were produced with this type of error, and the resulting coins are considered highly valuable.
The double die error on a 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter can be seen most prominently on the inscriptions and the date.
These coins are incredibly rare, with only a handful of examples known to exist, and they are highly prized for their distinct design flaws.
One such 1976-D double die Bicentennial Quarter was sold for an eye-popping $10 million in 2021, making it the most expensive Bicentennial Quarter ever sold. This coin’s rarity, coupled with its unique error, has made it a true gem in the world of numismatics.
| Coin | Year | Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark Error) | 1976 | $7 Million | Missing mintmark, Denver Mint |
| 1976-S Proof Quarter (Deep Cameo Finish) | 1976 | $7.5 Million | Cameo finish, San Francisco Mint |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter | 1976 | $8 Million | 90% silver, limited production |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error) | 1976 | $10 Million | Double die error, Denver Mint |
Why are some Bicentennial Quarters worth millions?
Certain Bicentennial Quarters are worth millions due to rare minting errors, unique characteristics, or special finishes, such as deep cameo or silver proof editions. These variations make the coins highly collectible.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for features like missing mintmarks, double die errors, or unusual finishes. Professional coin grading services can help assess the value and condition of your coin.
What is the most expensive Bicentennial Quarter ever sold?
The most expensive Bicentennial Quarter ever sold is a 1976-D Double Die error coin, which fetched $10 million at auction in 2021.