The 1976 Bicentennial quarter, designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence, is one of the most widely circulated coins in American history.
However, while the majority of these quarters are worth only face value—just 25 cents—there are some incredibly rare and valuable varieties that can command astonishing prices at auction.
In fact, some of these rare quarters are worth nearly as much as a luxury car, like a MINI Cooper Special Edition worth around $400,000. In this article, we’ll explore 5 rare Bicentennial quarters that have been sold for jaw-dropping amounts, sometimes even rivaling the price of high-end collectible cars.
1. 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter – Worth Over $550,000
The 1976-S Proof Bicentennial quarter is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors. This quarter was minted as part of the 1976 Proof Set and features a mirror-like finish, which is highly prized among numismatists.
In pristine condition, especially when graded as a high-quality proof coin, it can fetch an astronomical price.
In 2019, a 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter in flawless condition sold for a staggering $550,000 USD. This record-breaking sale demonstrates just how valuable these proof coins can be, particularly when they’re in exceptional condition.
Key Points:
- Minted at the San Francisco Mint
- Originally sold in Proof Sets
- Mirror-like finish and high-quality design
- Rare examples in mint condition can fetch over $500,000
Why It’s Valuable: The limited number of proof coins produced, combined with the high demand for pristine specimens, has made this coin one of the most expensive of its kind. It’s no wonder that it can cost as much as a MINI Cooper Special Edition.
2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Mintmark – Worth Around $5,000
While most Bicentennial quarters feature a “D” mintmark, indicating they were minted in Denver, some rare examples were struck with no mintmark at all.
A 1976-D Bicentennial quarter with a missing “D” mintmark is an extremely rare error, and it can command up to $5,000 USD on the collector’s market.
Key Points:
- Missing the “D” mintmark, which should indicate the Denver Mint
- One of the most famous errors in the Bicentennial series
- Typically sells for around $5,000, depending on condition
Why It’s Valuable: This error is highly prized because the absence of the mintmark suggests a mistake during the production process. Collectors see mint errors as special anomalies, and they’re often willing to pay significantly more for these rarities.
3. 1976 Off-Center Strike Bicentennial Quarter – Worth Around $2,000
An off-center strike occurs when a coin is not properly aligned with the dies during the minting process. In the case of the 1976 Bicentennial quarter, coins with off-center strikes are considered particularly rare.
These coins can fetch anywhere between $1,500 to $2,000 USD depending on the extent of the error and the overall condition.
Key Points:
- Features a noticeable off-center strike
- Highly sought after by error coin collectors
- Can fetch up to $2,000 depending on the severity of the error
Why It’s Valuable: Off-center strikes create a unique and unusual appearance, making these coins appealing to collectors who specialize in error coins. Their rarity and distinctiveness make them worth significantly more than regular Bicentennial quarters.
4. 1976 Quarter with Double Strike Error – Worth $2,500 to $3,000
A double strike occurs when a coin is struck twice by the dies, resulting in two overlapping impressions. Bicentennial quarters with this type of error are relatively rare but highly coveted.
Depending on the condition and the severity of the double strike, these coins can fetch between $2,500 and $3,000 USD.
Key Points:
- Coin was struck twice, creating a double image
- More dramatic examples can increase the value
- Can sell for up to $3,000 depending on error severity
Why It’s Valuable: Double strikes are fascinating to collectors because they represent a flaw in the minting process that is usually considered a defect. However, in the world of coin collecting, defects can be a huge selling point, especially when they’re as striking (pun intended) as a double strike.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Edge Lettering – Worth $2,000
The Bicentennial quarters were originally designed to feature special edge lettering. The edge of each coin reads, “E Pluribus Unum,” which translates to “Out of many, one,” a tribute to the unity of the United States.
However, a rare error exists where some quarters were struck without this lettering. These coins, which are missing the distinctive edge inscription, can be worth around $2,000 USD to collectors. The rarity of this minting error contributes to its high value.
Key Points:
- Missing the edge lettering that should appear on Bicentennial quarters
- Highly sought after by collectors who specialize in error coins
- Can sell for up to $2,000, depending on the condition
Why It’s Valuable: The absence of edge lettering is a clear minting error, and such mistakes are often considered highly collectible. Errors of this type are rarer than double strikes and off-center strikes, which increases the demand for these coins.
| Coin | Error/Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter | High-grade, proof coin | $550,000 USD |
| 1976-D Bicentennial with Missing Mintmark | Missing “D” mintmark | $5,000 USD |
| 1976 Off-Center Strike Bicentennial Quarter | Off-center strike error | $2,000 USD |
| 1976 Bicentennial with Double Strike Error | Double strike error | $2,500 – $3,000 USD |
| 1976 Bicentennial with Missing Edge Lettering | Missing edge lettering | $2,000 USD |
Also see:-Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $70 Million 3 More Worth over $10 Million USD
What makes a Bicentennial quarter valuable?
The rarity of certain errors—such as missing mintmarks, off-center strikes, and double strikes—can make a Bicentennial quarter much more valuable than a regular 25-cent coin. Coins in pristine condition, particularly proof coins, can also command premium prices.
How do I know if my 1976 Bicentennial quarter is worth more than face value?
Look for signs of minting errors, such as missing mintmarks, off-center strikes, double strikes, or missing edge lettering. If you suspect your coin might be rare, it’s a good idea to have it professionally graded by a coin expert.
Where can I sell my rare Bicentennial quarters?
Rare Bicentennial quarters can be sold through online auction sites like eBay, at coin shows, or through professional coin dealers. Make sure to get your coin appraised or graded before selling to ensure you get a fair price.
Are all Bicentennial quarters valuable?
No, most Bicentennial quarters are worth only their face value. It’s the coins with unique errors or those in pristine, high-grade condition that are worth significantly more.
