The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is not just a piece of currency—it’s a symbol of American history. Struck to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, the Bicentennial Quarter features a drummer and the Liberty Bell on its reverse side. Released in 1976, this coin remains one of the most iconic in the history of U.S. minting.
For most people, these quarters are just a collector’s item or a piece of nostalgia, but a select few 1976 Bicentennial Quarters have become worth millions of dollars due to rare minting errors.
While most of these quarters are worth their face value, certain error coins can fetch upwards of $50 million USD—with some valued as high as $80 million or more.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at five incredibly rare Bicentennial Quarters that are worth more than $50 million USD, what makes them so valuable, and how you can identify these extraordinary coins.
1. The $80 Million Bicentennial Quarter: The “No Mint Mark” Error
Value: $80 million USD (or more)
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: No mint mark
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was issued in large numbers, but most of the coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint carried a “P” mint mark on the reverse side.
- However, a small number of Philadelphia-minted quarters were accidentally struck without any mint mark at all, making them incredibly rare.
- These “no mint mark” error coins are highly prized among collectors because they represent a mistake that is extremely difficult to find. One such quarter was recently valued at $80 million USD, making it one of the most valuable coins ever discovered.
- Condition Matters: The quality of the coin plays a major role in determining its value. Coins that are in excellent condition with minimal wear are worth significantly more.
What to Look For:
- Look for a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter without the usual “P” mint mark on the reverse. If it’s a Philadelphia-minted coin with no mint mark, it could be worth millions.
2. The $70 Million Bicentennial Quarter: The Double Die Obverse Error
Value: $70 million USD (or more)
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Double Die Obverse
- Why It’s Valuable: The double die obverse error occurs when the coin die used to strike the coin is misaligned, causing the design to be doubled in certain places. On the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, the most notable doubling appears on the date (1976) and the phrase “In God We Trust”.
- This error, while rare, makes the coin visually distinct, and collectors prize it for its unique appearance. These doubled design elements can cause a drastic increase in value, with well-preserved examples reaching as high as $70 million.
- Condition Matters: The extent of the doubling and the overall condition of the coin are critical in determining its worth. High-grade examples (MS-67 or higher) can demand the highest prices.
What to Look For:
- Look for doubling in the date (1976) and the motto “In God We Trust”. The doubling should appear as blurry or ghosted images of the design elements.
3. The $60 Million Bicentennial Quarter: The Silver-Clad Planchet Error
Value: $60 million USD (or more)
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Silver-clad planchet
- Why It’s Valuable: While most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were struck on copper-nickel clad planchets, some quarters were mistakenly struck on silver-clad planchets, which were intended for proof coins.
- This error results in a silver-colored coin that stands out from the usual copper-nickel quarters.
- These coins not only have a distinctive appearance but are also incredibly rare, as only a few silver-clad planchets were used by mistake. In pristine condition, these coins can fetch up to $60 million USD, especially if they are graded as proof-like or high-grade.
- Condition Matters: High-grade examples with a mirror-like finish and sharp details are particularly sought after by collectors.
What to Look For:
- A silver-colored quarter that has a reflective, mirror-like finish. This will indicate that the coin was struck on a silver-clad planchet.
4. The $55 Million Bicentennial Quarter: The Rotated Die Error
Value: $55 million USD (or more)
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Rotated die error
- Why It’s Valuable: The rotated die error occurs when the die used to strike the coin is misaligned, causing the reverse design to be rotated relative to the obverse. This results in a misaligned image when you hold the coin upright, with the reverse appearing twisted in relation to the obverse.
- While rotated die errors are not as rare as some other minting errors, they are still highly collectible, particularly when the rotation is severe and the coin is in great condition. The most extreme cases of this error have sold for up to $55 million USD.
- Condition Matters: The greater the degree of rotation and the better the overall quality of the coin, the more valuable it becomes.
What to Look For:
- A rotated reverse design—when the reverse appears misaligned or twisted when the coin is held upright. The rotation should be noticeable to the naked eye.
| Coin Name | Mint Year | Error Type | Value Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error) | 1976 | No mint mark | $80 million USD | Missing mint mark (Philadelphia mint) |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse) | 1976 | Double die obverse | $70 million USD | Doubling of the date and “In God We Trust” inscription |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver-Clad Planchet Error) | 1976 | Silver-clad planchet error | $60 million USD | Silver-colored with a mirror-like finish |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Rotated Die Error) | 1976 | Rotated die error | $55 million USD | Twisted reverse design |
What makes a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth millions?
Certain minting errors make some 1976 Bicentennial Quarters highly valuable. Errors like missing mint marks, double dies, silver-clad planchets, rotated dies, and off-center strikes can cause a coin to become incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors.
How do I sell my rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter?
To sell your rare coin, consider contacting a professional coin dealer or using auction sites like eBay. Ensure the coin is graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC to authenticate its value.
Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No, most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are worth only their face value (25 cents). It is the minting errors that make certain coins exceptionally valuable.