The Bicentennial Quarter is a significant coin in U.S. history. Released in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States, these quarters feature a special reverse design showing a colonial drummer, reflecting the patriotic theme of the time. Although millions were minted, there are a few rare Bicentennial Quarters that are worth a lot more than their face value of 25 cents.
If you happen to own one of these rare and valuable Bicentennial Quarters, you could have a coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here are the 5 most valuable Bicentennial Quarter coins that collectors are eagerly seeking:
1. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter – Error Coin (Double Die Obverse)
The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most well-known quarters in the U.S. coin series. While most of these coins are not particularly valuable, some of the 1976-D quarters contain a double die obverse (DDO) error, where the minting process causes the image on the coin to appear doubled, especially on the date and the “Liberty” inscription.
This minting mistake makes the 1976-D DDO Bicentennial Quarter a highly sought-after coin by collectors, as it’s a rare find among millions of regular-issue coins.
- Value: A high-grade 1976-D DDO quarter can fetch up to $1,000 or more, depending on its condition.
2. 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter – Proof Coins
The 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter was minted for collectors in a proof coin set, and these coins were struck with a higher level of precision compared to regular circulation coins. Proof coins often come with a shiny, mirrored surface and are usually stored in protective cases, which helps them retain their value.
Some collectors look for flawless examples of these coins, and the 1976-S proof Bicentennial quarter is especially valuable when in perfect condition. Though common in some cases, rare, high-grade examples can command impressive prices.
- Value: Depending on the condition and whether it is part of a complete proof set, these quarters can be worth $10 to $50. However, PR70 (perfect) coins can exceed $200 or more.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Over-Stamped Mint Mark (S over D)
A rare error coin from the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter series is the over-stamped mint mark, where the “S” mint mark (indicating it was minted in San Francisco) was mistakenly stamped over the “D” mint mark (which indicates Denver). This error is extremely rare, and collectors are eager to find one in good condition.
These over-stamped mint mark coins are a popular choice among numismatists who specialize in errors. Because they are not widely known or easy to find, they can be significantly more valuable than other standard Bicentennial Quarters.
- Value: A 1976 over-stamped mint mark (S over D) quarter can be worth up to $500 or more, depending on the condition.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – Clad Coins with Die Cracks
Another type of error coin that exists among the Bicentennial Quarters is the die crack variety. Die cracks occur when the die used to mint the coins becomes damaged. This causes small cracks to appear on the coins, which can be visible in areas like the edge of the quarter or near the lettering. These die cracks can increase the rarity of the coin and make it more valuable.
A die crack on a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter can be an intriguing find for collectors, especially if it’s a prominent crack visible on the coin’s surface.
- Value: Depending on the size and location of the die crack, a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with this error can be worth $100 to $500 or more.
5. 1976 Proof Set Bicentennial Quarter – Deep Cameo Coins
Within the 1976 Proof Set, some of the Bicentennial Quarters feature the Deep Cameo finish, which is a coin that has a highly reflective background with a frosted image. These coins are distinguished by their high-quality finish and their exceptional appearance. Coins that are perfectly graded as Deep Cameo by reputable grading companies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) can fetch high prices.
These coins are part of the proof coin set issued by the U.S. Mint, but only those with the Deep Cameo finish are considered rare and valuable.
- Value: A Deep Cameo 1976 Bicentennial Quarter from a proof set in PR70 (perfect grade) condition can be worth $100 to $1,000 or more.
Final Thoughts
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter series holds a special place in U.S. coin history, and while most of these coins are worth only their face value of 25 cents, there are several rare and valuable versions that collectors prize. If you have any Bicentennial Quarters lying around, it might be worth checking for these rare errors, special finishes, or minting mistakes that can turn them into highly valuable collectibles.
Coins such as the double die obverse, proof coins, or those with over-stamped mint marks and die cracks could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity. If you suspect you may have a rare one, consider having it graded by a reputable coin grading service to understand its full value.
