The United States has a rich history of coinage, and some coins are much more valuable than their face value. One such coin is the Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution.
While most of these quarters are worth no more than their nominal value, certain rare versions of the Bicentennial Quarter have been known to fetch millions at auction.
In this blog, we’ll explore six of the best Bicentennial Quarters that have reached $10 million in value, and six other rare Bicentennial Quarters that are worth over $100K.
1. The Rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Misstruck Edge
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a Misstruck Edge is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the series. This error occurred when a batch of quarters was struck with an incomplete or distorted edge, making the coins appear irregular.
Although only a handful of these misstruck quarters exist, their rarity has made them immensely valuable, with some even reaching the $10 million mark at auctions. This coin is a prime example of how a minor mistake in the minting process can lead to a windfall for collectors.
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse
Another highly sought-after variation of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is the Double Die Obverse. In this case, the coin has a striking error where the obverse (front) design was imprinted twice, creating a noticeable doubling effect in the inscriptions and image of the drummer boy on the reverse side.
Coins with this error are extremely rare and have been sold for up to $10 million in the past. Collectors cherish these errors, and finding one in good condition can result in a huge payout.
3. 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Overton Die Variety
The 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter is another variant that can fetch millions, particularly those with the Overton Die Variety. These coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint and are primarily intended for collectors.
A specific variety of this coin, with an error in the design, was released and became a collector’s dream. Coins in this category can go for as high as $10 million if they are in excellent condition and have been verified by expert numismatists.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike
An Off-Center Strike occurs when the coin is not properly aligned on the die during the minting process, resulting in a portion of the design being cut off.
A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with this error can be particularly rare and valuable, especially when the off-center strike is significant enough to distort the coin’s overall appearance.
Such quarters can be worth upwards of $10 million, depending on the severity of the error and the coin’s condition.
5. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Rotated Die
The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Rotated Die is another rare variant where the die used to strike the coin was slightly rotated, causing the design to be off-center.
This rotation often results in a very noticeable misalignment between the front and back of the coin, making it an instant collector’s item. This particular error has been known to sell for over $10 million, depending on the specific conditions and market demand.
6. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Clad Layer
Perhaps the rarest of the Bicentennial Quarters is the 1976 quarter with a missing clad layer. These coins, which were part of a batch that didn’t have the copper-nickel clad properly bonded to the core, have been considered as mistakes by the U.S. Mint.
Coins with this error can command enormous prices due to their uniqueness, and some have sold for as much as $10 million in private auctions or coin shows.
| Coin Name | Year | Potential Value (USD) | Key Feature/Error |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Misstruck Edge | 1976 | Up to $10 million | Misstruck edge |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse | 1976 | Up to $10 million | Double die obverse |
| 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Overton Die Variety | 1976 | Up to $10 million | Overton die variety |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike | 1976 | Up to $10 million | Off-center strike |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Rotated Die | 1976 | Up to $10 million | Rotated die |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Clad Layer | 1976 | Up to $10 million | Missing clad layer |
| 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Clashed Die |
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is worth a lot?
Look for specific errors, such as doubled mintmarks, misaligned designs, off-center strikes, or any noticeable differences from a typical quarter. Professional grading services can help determine the exact value.
Are all 1976 Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No, most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are worth only face value. The rare and valuable ones are those with minting errors or unique characteristics.
How do I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell rare coins through professional numismatic dealers, auctions, or online platforms. It’s advisable to have the coin graded and authenticated first.