The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976, was part of a special series to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States. These coins, which feature a unique design, were issued in large numbers, but certain rarities and mint errors have made some of them highly valuable. Some Bicentennial Quarters can fetch as much as $45,000 or more in today’s market.
If you have one of these quarters in your collection or happen to find one in circulation, you might be sitting on a valuable treasure. In this article, we will dive into the 7 Bicentennial Quarters that could make you thousands of dollars richer.
1. 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter is a highly sought-after coin because of its proof-like quality. These coins were specially minted for collectors and were struck with polished dies, giving them a mirror-like finish.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Proof Quality: The shiny, mirror-like finish and sharp details make these coins highly attractive to collectors.
- Limited Availability: These coins were produced in limited quantities, increasing their rarity and demand.
Approximate Value:
Up to $45,000, depending on the coin’s condition and the specific market.
2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with D Mint Mark Error
The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter is another valuable error coin. Some of these quarters were mistakenly struck with a misplaced mint mark. This error, where the D mint mark was applied incorrectly, makes the coin particularly rare.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Mint Mark Error: The misplacement of the mint mark makes this coin a rarity and a favorite among collectors of error coins.
- Collectible Demand: Error coins tend to be highly valuable due to their uniqueness.
Approximate Value:
Up to $8,000 or more, depending on the condition.
3. 1976-S Type 1 Proof Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976-S Type 1 Proof Bicentennial Quarter is one of the more valuable varieties of the Bicentennial Quarter. The Type 1 variant features a distinctive design with a smaller date and more intricate details.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Design Variation: The Type 1 version features a subtle design difference from the Type 2 version, making it highly collectible.
- Proof Quality: The proof finish and precise details make it more desirable to collectors.
Approximate Value:
Up to $10,000, with high-grade coins potentially fetching more.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Clipped Planchet Error
A clipped planchet error occurs when a coin is struck on a piece of metal that wasn’t fully punched out, leaving part of the coin missing. Some 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were minted with this error, making them extremely rare.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Clipped Planchet: The error makes the coin visually unique, and collectors of error coins find them especially desirable.
- Rarity: These error coins are hard to find and are worth much more than standard quarters.
Approximate Value:
Up to $20,000, with some examples reaching even higher prices depending on their severity and condition.
5. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse
The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with a double die obverse is a rare minting error where the design on the front of the coin appears doubled. This doubling is most noticeable on the wording and the date.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Double Die Error: The doubling effect on the obverse is a clear error that makes the coin rare and highly collectible.
- Higher Demand: Error coins with such noticeable features are in high demand among collectors.
Approximate Value:
Up to $25,000, depending on the coin’s condition and the clarity of the doubling.
6. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Prooflike Finish
A few 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were accidentally struck with a prooflike finish rather than the usual business strike finish. These coins have a mirror-like surface and are visually striking, making them highly sought after.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Prooflike Finish: These coins are rare because they were not intended to have a proof finish, making them more valuable than standard circulating coins.
- Desirable to Collectors: Prooflike coins are always in demand due to their unique finish.
Approximate Value:
Up to $12,000, depending on the condition and rarity of the coin.
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Wide Rim Error
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a wide rim error has a rim that is larger than usual, which occurred when the die used to strike the coin was misaligned. This error is rare and highly collectible.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Wide Rim Error: The misalignment of the die during minting creates a visibly unique coin, making it desirable to error coin collectors.
- Rarity: Wide rim errors are not common, and this coin’s unique feature increases its value.
Approximate Value:
Up to $10,000, depending on the severity of the error and condition.
7 Rare Bicentennial Quarters and Their Value
| Coin | Error/Feature | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Proof-like finish | Up to $45,000 |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with D Mint Mark Error | Misplaced mint mark error | Up to $8,000 |
| 1976-S Type 1 Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Design variation (smaller date) | Up to $10,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Clipped Planchet | Clipped planchet error | Up to $20,000 |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse | Double die obverse | Up to $25,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Prooflike Finish | Prooflike finish | Up to $12,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Wide Rim Error | Wide rim error | Up to $10,000 |
FAQs
Q1: What makes a Bicentennial Quarter worth $45,000?
A1: A Bicentennial Quarter can be worth $45,000 or more due to its rarity, unique minting errors, or proof-like finish. Errors such as misaligned mint marks, double dies, or clipped planchets contribute to its high value.
Q2: How do I know if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
A2: To determine if your Bicentennial Quarter is valuable, check for minting errors such as double strikes, misplaced mint marks, or proof-like finishes. You can also have it graded by a professional to assess its condition and value.
Q3: Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
A3: No, not all Bicentennial Quarters are valuable. Most of these coins were minted in large numbers and have little value beyond their face value. However, those with errors or unique features can be worth significantly more.
Q4: How can I sell my valuable Bicentennial Quarter?
A4: You can sell your valuable Bicentennial Quarter through coin dealers, online auctions, or at numismatic conventions. It’s a good idea to have your coin graded and authenticated to ensure you get the best price.
Q5: Why are error coins so valuable?
A5: Error coins are valuable because they are rare and unique. Mistakes during the minting process create distinctive characteristics that make these coins highly desirable to collectors.
If you have a Bicentennial Quarter, there’s a chance that it could be worth far more than its face value. From prooflike finishes to minting errors, certain Bicentennial Quarters are highly valuable and can fetch up to $45,000 or more.
I’m sitting on about 5 or 5 if not more 2 1776 Bicentennial Quaters S Proof Coins lookto auction off or sell
I have fifteen bicentennial quarters, eight of them have a D on them , and seven of them don’t have a D on them.
I have them too
The best way to find out if your license anymore has any errors double dies off center strikes etc. What you do is you Google a picture of a 1976 bicentennial quarter. Once the picture appears on your phone you compare it to yours and see if you have any different errors. However you’re looking to see where the mint mark is at so just Google a picture of a bicentennial 1976 quarter and compare it to yours.
I have same coin
I have 1quater 1half doller and a silver Dollar in a sealed Päckage with the S mint mark.willing to let go of .where can I go to have them looked at or who to call?
Hello, isn’t coin collecting awesome. To me it is. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I’m a year round collector. To answer your question. You can find a local coin dealer near you. Don’t go on the 1st offer. Check a few different places. To get the most out of your coin it’s highly recommended to get it graded by A PROFESSIONAL. ZERO GRADE BEING THE LOWEST GRADE AND 70 ( USUALLY UNCIRCULATED). AS IT COST TO GET YOUR COIN GRADED MAKE SURE YOU SEND THEM A COIN WORTH grading. PCGS is my personal favorite. Good luck to my coin collecting brothers and sisters.
What it doesn’t have mint make
This is my question too. I have a few with no M Mark.
If your phone has no mint mark it’s normally produced in Philadelphia. However even though a lot of coins minted in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark some do have a mint mark and are supposed to have a mint mark. Google is a very good instrument to use to compare your coin to how the phone is really supposed to look like.
Normally if your coin doesn’t have a mint mark it’s from Philadelphia as they produce the most coins than “S” & “D”(San Francisco and Denver). A west point is the most sought out coins due to the low montage.However, some Billy coins are supposed to have a mint mark and do not have one. And that is a sought out coin. And that’s where homework comes in do you find out which coins are supposed to have a mint mark p and do not have one. On the top of my head I believe the 2017 nickel should have a mint mark if it doesn’t it’s an error. But don’t quote me I’m not looking at my notes. But I’ve been doing this for like six seven years almost and I still got a lot more to learn. Good luck on your coin hunting.
I have 6 Bicentennial Quarters
To get a magnifying glass preferably a digital one so you don’t miss any errors. And as the article said which is true my knowledge. Check for mint mark why grams any errors that you can see double dies. I’ll give you the magnifier is the best.
Hi have 1976 quarter for sale send email thank you
Yes I have Bicentennial Quarter and i want to sell it. its 1776 -1976
I have 33 bicentennial quarters for sale as well. It doesn’t work like that. I don’t think anybody from here is going to reach out to you to buy it when it seems like everybody here is trying to sell. Get your point graded and that’s when you will see the value of it even has any value. Well if you would like a free evaluation send me a picture of it at [email protected] and I’ll be more than happy to give you my personal opinion on the coins conditioning value.
I have 9 Bicentennial quarters
I have a few bicentennial quarters with no mint marks. Nothing is said about these. Also where is the “D” mint mark placed if it’s an error?
The few that you have that do not have a mint mark or normally from Philadelphia as they produce mass quantities of points they don’t permit marks on other coins. However some coins not the bicentennial that were minted in Philly are supposed to have the mint mark and they don’t which makes it an error and I believe that’s the 2017 nickel. But don’t quote me because I do not have my notes in front of me but I believe that’s it. Remember Google is your best friend guys and ladies.
I have the coins many here in Nigeria i got them from cars shipped to Nigeria.please how can I sell them even for lesser amount
What kind of coins? Reach out to me at [email protected].
Are they worth anything
I have one coin 1972
how to sell those coin that were lust in e post n e post say e coin could reach 45000. How to sell its…
I have 18 of these quarters 12 with D n 3 have doubling on obverse n 5 have doubling on reverse. 5 are proof like. Everyone if these quarters have a error
Hi
I have same with 1979 year and “Liberty” on top of head, normally “United States of America”. I am open to sell it for $25K by mail.
Email: [email protected]
i have Bicentennial Quarte 1776-9176 where can i sell it?