The Bicentennial Quarter is a special edition coin that was made by the U.S. Mint in 1976 to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States. It has become popular for both its historical value and the fact that some very rare versions have sold for very high prices on the rare coin market.
Most Bicentennial Quarters are only worth their face value or a small premium. However, the value of a few rare and error-filled examples has risen to huge amounts. Here is a closer look at the strangest Bicentennial Quarters and the amazing prices they brought at auction.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $28 Million
1. The 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Mint Error)
A rare variation of the Bicentennial Quarter made with pure silver instead of the usual copper-nickel alloy has recently been valued at nearly $28 million.
This silver variant was struck by mistake, and while a few silver quarters were intentionally produced for collectors, this particular error coin had the wrong composition, leading to its immense value. The combination of the silver content and its rarity has made it a highly sought-after piece in the numismatic community.
Other Valuable Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $750,000
2. The 1976 Double Die Bicentennial Quarter
The double die error is one of the most famous minting flaws, where the design of the coin appears to be “doubled” due to a misalignment during the minting process.
A rare instance of this error in the Bicentennial Quarter has been sold for over $750,000. This particular coin features a doubled impression of the design elements, making it stand out among other quarters and significantly increasing its value.
3. The 1976 Clipped Planchet Bicentennial Quarter
The clipped planchet error occurs when the metal blank used to strike the coin is accidentally clipped during production, resulting in a portion of the coin being missing. While these errors are relatively rare, they have been known to fetch high prices.
A few Bicentennial Quarters with this error have sold for prices above $750,000, depending on the extent of the clip and the coin’s condition.
4. The 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter
A variation of the Bicentennial Quarter with no mint mark is another valuable find. Most quarters produced in 1976 had a mint mark indicating the location where the coin was struck, but a small number were produced without it.
This error has made certain quarters extremely valuable, with one example selling for over $750,000. The lack of a mint mark makes these coins particularly sought after by collectors who specialize in rare U.S. coinage.
5. The 1976 Washington Bicentennial Quarter with Reverse Die Crack
A reverse die crack mistake happens when there is a crack in the die that hits the coin, leaving a line on the back of the coin that can be seen. It doesn’t matter how big or small this flaw is; it makes the coin more valuable and rare.
One of these quarters with a big die crack sold for over $750,000, showing that people are interested in these rare flaws in the way the coins were made.
| Coin | Value | Error Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Mint Error) | Nearly $28 million | Incorrect composition (silver) | Made of silver instead of copper-nickel |
| 1976 Double Die Bicentennial Quarter | Over $750,000 | Double die error | Doubled impression of the design |
| 1976 Clipped Planchet Bicentennial Quarter | Over $750,000 | Clipped planchet | Missing portion of the coin’s edge |
| 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter | Over $750,000 | Missing mint mark | No mint mark on the coin |
| 1976 Washington Bicentennial Quarter with Reverse Die Crack | Over $750,000 | Reverse die crack error | Visible line on the reverse side |
Also see:-Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $90 Million: 2 More Worth over $30+ Million USD
Why are Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
Bicentennial Quarters with minting errors, unique compositions, or rare characteristics such as missing mint marks or die cracks are highly valuable because of their scarcity and the demand among collectors.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is worth a lot?
Look for key errors such as double die, clipped planchet, missing mint marks, or unusual die cracks. The coin’s condition also plays a critical role in determining its value.
Where can I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarters?
Rare Bicentennial Quarters can be sold through auction houses, private collectors, or numismatic dealers who specialize in rare coin sales.
