How Much is a Bicentennial Quarter Worth? Discover the True Value!
If you’ve stumbled upon an old quarter with the dates 1776-1976, you might be holding a Bicentennial Quarter! Issued to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, these coins are as rich in history as they are intriguing. But what about their value? Let’s dive in and find out!
The Design and History of the Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter features a unique design: a revolutionary-era American drummer, often called “the drummer boy” on the reverse, and a portrait of President George Washington on the obverse. Struck between 1975 and 1976, over 1.6 billion of these quarters were minted, making them relatively common.
Basic Value of the Bicentennial Quarter
For general circulation quarters minted in Philadelphia (no mintmark) or Denver (“D” mintmark), they are usually worth only their face value, which is $0.25. However, uncirculated or proof specimens can fetch a small premium, typically between $0.30 to $0.85 for circulated versions, and potentially up to $6,000 for uncirculated, pristine pieces.
Special Mint Editions
- 1976-S Clad Proof: Worth around $3-$4, depending on the condition.
- 1976-S Silver Proof: These have 40% silver content and can be worth up to $12 or more.
Rare and Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
Exceptional versions of the Bicentennial Quarter have sold for significant amounts:
- 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter: A high-grade version sold for $19,200!
- 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike: Sold for $8,400 in 2023.
- Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime: Reached $9,200 at auction in 2020.
How to Assess Your Bicentennial Quarter
Know What to Look For
Check for mint errors like overstamp, overstruck, die cap, doubled die, and struck-through errors. These errors can significantly increase the value of your coin.
Inspect the Coin’s Condition
Coins are graded from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS). The closer to pristine condition, the more valuable the coin. Uncirculated and proof coins hold the highest values.
Check for Mint Errors and Irregularities
Look for deviations like doubling, off-center strikes, or other anomalies. Pay attention to mint marks which denote the origin of the coin.
Where to Buy and Sell Bicentennial Quarters
You can buy and sell these quarters on platforms like eBay or at coin shops. For rare versions, reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions are a good bet.
Final Thoughts
The value of a Bicentennial Quarter can range from its face value of $0.25 to thousands of dollars, depending on its condition, mint errors, and rarity. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a beginner, these quarters are a unique piece of American history worth exploring.
Mason Caldwell is a financial expert and writer who specializes in topics related to taxation, personal finance, and economic analysis. With extensive experience in the financial industry, Mason has contributed to numerous financial publications, sharing insights that help individuals and businesses make smarter financial decisions. Known for his ability to simplify complex financial topics, Mason’s articles are both informative and accessible to a wide audience. When he’s not writing, Mason enjoys hiking, reading historical novels, and exploring new technologies in finance.
