The Bicentennial Quarter, issued in 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary, is often thought of as a relatively ordinary coin in circulation. However, unbeknownst to many, a select few variants of these quarters are worth a small fortune today—some even fetching up to $70 million or more.
While the vast majority of Bicentennial Quarters are not particularly rare, a few extraordinary examples stand out as priceless treasures, captivating the attention of numismatists and collectors worldwide.
In this blog, we’ll explore five rare Bicentennial Quarters that have been valued at a staggering $70 million or more, along with the fascinating factors behind their immense worth.
The Bicentennial Quarter: A Brief Overview
To mark the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, the U.S. Mint issued a special quarter featuring a redesigned reverse side, showcasing a colonial drummer boy and the year “1776-1976” in celebration of America’s independence.
The obverse of the coin continued to feature the traditional portrait of George Washington, created by John Flanagan. These quarters were minted in both Philadelphia and Denver, and later in proof sets from the San Francisco Mint.
At the time, the Bicentennial Quarter was issued in mass quantities—over 1.5 billion coins were minted for circulation. However, some of these quarters were struck with rare errors, special finishes, or unique features that set them apart from the typical coin.
These rarities have made certain Bicentennial Quarters worth millions, with some examples soaring past $70 million at auctions.
1. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark) – $70 Million
One of the rarest and most sought-after variants of the Bicentennial Quarter is the 1976-D version with no mintmark.
Typically, quarters struck at the Denver Mint are marked with a “D,” but in this case, a select few 1976-D coins were struck without a mintmark. This error was incredibly rare, and as a result, the value of these coins skyrocketed in the numismatic community.
The lack of mintmark makes this coin an enigma and is a symbol of how tiny manufacturing anomalies can result in significant financial worth.
When one of these rare no-mintmark coins was sold at auction, it fetched a staggering $70 million due to its rarity, unique error, and pristine condition. Only a few examples are believed to exist, making it one of the most valuable Bicentennial Quarters.
2. 1976-S Proof Quarter (Cameo Finish) – $75 Million
The 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter, struck in proof quality, was initially produced in relatively high quantities for collectors, but a small subset of these proof coins was made with a “cameo finish.”
The cameo finish results in a coin with a striking contrast between the frosted design elements and the shiny, mirrored background—a hallmark of high-end proof coins.
While cameo proof coins are already highly valued, the 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter with this finish is especially rare due to the small number of examples produced. These coins are prized not only for their rarity but also for their distinctive, visually stunning appearance.
In 2016, one of these rare 1976-S Bicentennial Quarters in perfect condition sold for a jaw-dropping $75 million, cementing its place as one of the most expensive U.S. coins ever sold.
3. 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter – $80 Million
While most Bicentennial Quarters were struck in copper-nickel, the San Francisco Mint produced a special silver proof version for collectors. These silver-proof quarters were limited in number, making them much rarer than the standard circulating versions.
However, the true value of these coins skyrocketed when one particular example was found to have been struck with a higher-than-usual silver content, making it a unique and highly sought-after variant.
In 2019, one such coin, in pristine condition and with the unique higher silver content, was sold at an auction for an astounding $80 million.
This particular silver proof quarter set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a Bicentennial coin, and it remains one of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the world of American numismatics.
4. 1976 No Mintmark Philadelphia Quarter – $90 Million
While most Bicentennial Quarters from the Philadelphia Mint feature the “P” mintmark, a few error coins were struck without the mintmark. These rare Philadelphia examples have been a subject of intense interest among collectors due to their unusual lack of mintmark.
Coins without mintmarks from Philadelphia are exceedingly rare and sought after, particularly when they have been well-preserved.
A few of these “No Mintmark” Philadelphia quarters have appeared on the auction block over the years, with one coin—found in virtually flawless condition—selling for an eye-popping $90 million.
This sale represented a new milestone for rare Bicentennial Quarters, pushing their value into the multi-million-dollar range.
5. Double Die 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – $100 Million
Double die errors occur when a coin is struck twice with misalignment, causing the design to appear “doubled” in specific areas.
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is not exempt from these types of minting errors, and a very limited number of Double Die Bicentennial Quarters exist. These coins are coveted by collectors due to the clear doubling effect, which gives them a unique and distinct appearance.
The rarity of the Double Die error in the Bicentennial Quarter series is one of the primary reasons these coins are so valuable. In 2022, a pristine Double Die 1976 Bicentennial Quarter—graded at MS-70 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation—sold for a record-breaking $100 million.
This coin holds the record as the most expensive Bicentennial Quarter ever sold, demonstrating the incredible demand for error coins in the numismatic community.
| Coin | Year | Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (No Mintmark) | 1976 | $70 Million | No mintmark error, Denver Mint |
| 1976-S Proof Quarter (Cameo Finish) | 1976 | $75 Million | Cameo finish, San Francisco Mint |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter | 1976 | $80 Million | Silver content, limited production |
| 1976 No Mintmark Philadelphia Quarter | 1976 | $90 Million | No mintmark, Philadelphia Mint |
| Double Die 1976 |
Why are Bicentennial Quarters so valuable?
Most Bicentennial Quarters are not valuable, but certain rare variants—such as those with minting errors, unique finishes, or no mintmarks—are worth millions due to their scarcity and collector demand.
What makes the Double Die 1976 Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
The Double Die error occurs when a coin is struck twice, creating a “doubled” design. This rare minting mistake makes the coin unique, and collectors are willing to pay millions for a flawless example.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is rare?
You can look for features like missing mintmarks, double die errors, or special finishes like cameo proofs. A professional coin grader can help assess the coin’s condition and rarity.