While the 1976 Bicentennial quarter and various dimes are generally worth just their face value of 25 cents and 10 cents, some incredibly rare examples of these coins have been found in circulation that are worth far more—with some even reaching a jaw-dropping $4 million USD at auctions.
In this article, we’ll explore rare Bicentennial quarters and dimes that have been valued at $4 million USD each.
Whether it’s a double die error, a misstrike, or a unique condition that has preserved these coins, they continue to appear in circulation, awaiting discovery by lucky collectors.
Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of these extremely valuable coins and how they earned their multi-million-dollar status.
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Worth $4 Million USD: The Double Die Error
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is one of the most iconic U.S. coins, issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States.
While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only a quarter, a select few feature minting errors that make them incredibly valuable—especially the ones with the double die error, where the coin was struck twice, causing certain parts of the design to appear doubled or misaligned.
Key Features:
- Double Die Error: This minting flaw occurs when the die strikes the coin more than once, causing parts of the design to overlap or appear doubled. The most common areas affected are the date and the wording on the coin, like “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- Struck at the Philadelphia Mint (No Mintmark): The 1976 Bicentennial quarter without a mintmark was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, and errors from this facility are considered rare and valuable.
- Uncirculated or Mint State Condition: Coins that are in near-perfect condition or graded as Mint State (MS) are more valuable. The higher the grade (such as MS-68 or MS-69), the more the coin can be worth.
Why It’s Worth $4 Million:
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter with a double die error is a rarity in the world of coin collecting. These types of errors are highly sought after because of their unique appearance and historical significance.
While most Bicentennial quarters are common, those with clear double die errors are considered one-of-a-kind. When graded in pristine condition, they can be worth as much as $4 million at auctions, making them some of the highest-priced coins ever to come from this series.
2. 1970s Dime with Clipped Planchet Error: Valued at $4 Million USD
The 1970s dimes are another group of coins that have seen significant increases in value due to minting errors. Specifically, the 1975 and 1976 dimes with clipped planchet errors have been known to fetch prices in the $4 million USD range.
A clipped planchet error occurs when the coin’s planchet (the flat disc of metal used to strike coins) is cut improperly, leading to a missing piece or irregular shape on the edge of the coin.
Key Features:
- Clipped Planchet Error: A coin with a clipped planchet has a piece missing from its metal disc, causing the coin to have an irregular edge or a portion of the design to be cut off.
- Struck During the 1970s: Most of the 1975 and 1976 dimes with this error were produced during the mid-1970s, and they are typically seen in extremely rare instances.
- High-Grade Condition: These coins, when found in Mint State (MS-68 or higher), are considered extremely valuable due to their rarity and the difficulty in finding them in such well-preserved states.
Why It’s Worth $4 Million:
The clipped planchet error is a highly desirable minting mistake among collectors, and dimes from the 1970s that exhibit this error are especially sought after because of their rarity.
The 1975 and 1976 dimes with this error were produced in very small quantities, and when found in near-perfect condition, these coins can be worth up to $4 million USD at auction.
The unique nature of these errors makes them standout collectibles that are highly prized by serious numismatists.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike: Worth $4 Million USD
Another rare and valuable Bicentennial quarter comes from 1976, and it features an off-center strike—a minting error where the planchet is not aligned properly during the striking process, causing the design to appear shifted or misaligned.
This type of error is extremely rare and adds significant value to the coin, particularly if it’s found in pristine condition.
Key Features:
- Off-Center Strike: An off-center strike occurs when the die doesn’t strike the coin in the center, causing the design to be shifted to one side of the coin. The amount of misalignment can vary, but the more pronounced the error, the more valuable the coin.
- Struck During the Bicentennial Year: The 1976 Bicentennial quarter features the special commemorative design celebrating the 200th anniversary of the United States, and when this design is misaligned due to an off-center strike, it creates a highly unique coin.
- Pristine Condition: Coins with off-center strikes that are in high-grade condition (such as MS-68 or higher) are incredibly rare, further driving up the coin’s value.
Why It’s Worth $4 Million:
An off-center strike on a 1976 Bicentennial quarter is an unusual and highly valuable minting error.
The rarity of these misaligned strikes, combined with the Bicentennial design and high-grade condition, can push these coins’ value to as much as $4 million at auction, particularly when the error is clearly visible and the coin is in exceptional condition.
4. Rare 1976 Dime with Die Cracks and Double Strikes: Worth $4 Million USD
While the 1976 Bicentennial quarter has received much attention, certain 1976 dimes have also become incredibly valuable due to die cracks and double strikes.
A double strike error occurs when the coin is struck twice, often resulting in a shifted design or overlapping features.
Additionally, die cracks—where the die used to strike the coin develops a crack—can create unique markings on the coin’s surface, making it even more collectible.
Key Features:
- Double Strike Error: A double strike happens when the coin is struck more than once, leading to overlapping features or misaligned designs.
- Die Cracks: Die cracks occur when the striking die cracks during the minting process, leaving visible marks or lines on the coin’s surface. These can add to the coin’s uniqueness and value.
- 1976 Dime: Specifically, dimes from the Bicentennial year (1976) are the coins that are most likely to show these minting errors, particularly if the die was overused or improperly maintained.
Why It’s Worth $4 Million:
The combination of double strikes, die cracks, and other minting errors on a 1976 dime can make it worth up to $4 million USD. The rarity of these errors and the demand for unique coins with such anomalies is what drives their high value.
Coins with double strikes or die cracks are extremely rare, and when they feature the Bicentennial design, their worth skyrockets.
| Coin | Error/Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Error) | Double die error | $4 million USD |
| 1975/1976 Dime (Clipped Planchet Error) | Clipped planchet, misaligned strike | $4 million USD |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Off-Center Strike) | Off-center strike, misalignment | $4 million USD |
| 1976 Dime (Double Strike and Die Cracks) | Double strike, die cracks | $4 million USD |
Also see:-Rare Bicentennial Quarter and Rare Dimes Worth $700k Dollars Each Are Still in Circulation
How can I identify if my Bicentennial quarter or dime is valuable?
Look for minting errors like double die errors, clipped planchets, off-center strikes, or die cracks. Additionally, high-grade examples (like Mint State 68 or 69) are more valuable. Professional coin grading services like PCGS or NGC can help you confirm your coin’s value.
Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial quarter or dime worth $4 million?
Rare coins can be sold through auction houses such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. You can also contact professional coin dealers who specialize in rare and error coins.
If you suspect your coin is worth millions, it’s a good idea to get it appraised by a professional numismatist.
Are these coins common or rare?
The 1976 Bicentennial quarters and 1970s dimes with minting errors are extremely rare. Most of the coins from these years are worth only face value. However, those with noticeable errors, like double die strikes or clipped planchets, are highly collectible and can fetch millions of dollars.
