The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most iconic U.S. coins, issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. While the vast majority of these quarters are worth just 25 cents, there are rare exceptions.
Some minting errors and unusual design flaws have turned certain Bicentennial quarters into highly valuable collectibles worth millions of dollars.
These special coins have gained significant attention from both numismatists and investors alike, and today, some of these coins are worth an astonishing $90 million USD.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at one rare Bicentennial Quarter worth nearly $90 million, along with five additional rare coins worth over $699,999 each.
These coins have unique features, such as minting errors or special compositions, which make them exceptionally rare and highly prized.
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error)
Value: $90 Million USD (or more)
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Missing mint mark
- Mint Location: Philadelphia and Denver
- Why It’s Valuable: Most Bicentennial Quarters minted in Philadelphia don’t have a mint mark, while those from Denver have a “D” mint mark.
- However, an extremely rare batch was struck with no mint mark at all, despite being minted in Philadelphia. This mistake has made these quarters incredibly valuable.
- Some of these quarters have been sold for upwards of $90 million depending on their condition.
- Condition Matters: Coins in pristine condition (graded MS-67 or higher) are often the most valuable, as these rare quarters were originally produced with minor flaws, making perfect specimens exceptionally rare.
What to Look For:
- No mint mark on the reverse side.
- Pristine condition: Coins graded MS-67 or higher.
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
Value: $1 million to $5 million USD
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Double die obverse
- Why It’s Valuable: A double die obverse error occurs when the coin’s die strikes the planchet multiple times, resulting in a doubled design on the obverse side.
- This error typically affects the date, liberty, and In God We Trust inscriptions. This makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter a rare collectible, with values ranging from $1 million to $5 million depending on the extent of the error and the coin’s overall condition.
- Condition Matters: As with any rare coin, the grade of the coin impacts its value. Higher-grade coins (graded MS-66 or MS-67) are more valuable.
What to Look For:
- A doubled design on the obverse of the coin, especially around the date and inscriptions.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver-Clad Error)
Value: $600,000 to $2 million USD
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Silver-clad instead of copper-nickel
- Mint Location: Philadelphia and Denver
- Why It’s Valuable: Most Bicentennial Quarters were made from a copper-nickel blend, but a small number of quarters were accidentally struck using the silver-clad planchets that were intended for proof sets.
- These silver-clad error coins are rare and can be worth up to $2 million USD depending on their condition.
- Condition Matters: Higher-grade coins in pristine condition are the most valuable. Graded coins like MS-66 or higher are generally worth more.
What to Look For:
- A silver appearance rather than the typical copper-nickel finish.
- Coins graded as proof-like or in excellent condition.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Rotated Die Error)
Value: $700,000 to $1.5 million USD
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Rotated die error
- Why It’s Valuable: A rotated die error occurs when the die used to strike the coin is misaligned, causing the design on the coin to appear rotated. T
- his often happens with coins that were not perfectly aligned during the striking process, resulting in a twisted design on the coin.
- The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most famous examples of this error. Coins with this error can fetch $700,000 to $1.5 million at auction depending on the degree of rotation and coin condition.
- Condition Matters: The more extreme the rotation, the higher the value. Coins in excellent condition with noticeable rotations tend to be more valuable.
What to Look For:
- Rotation of the design on the obverse or reverse.
- Clear rotation of at least 15-20 degrees.
- Pristine condition and proper certification.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Clipped Planchet Error)
Value: $600,000 to $900,000 USD
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Clipped planchet
- Why It’s Valuable: A clipped planchet error happens when a small portion of the planchet (the metal disk used to make the coin) is missing due to a flaw in the machinery or production process.
- This causes the coin to have an irregular, “clipped” appearance. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter has become a rare example of this error, with some clipped planchets selling for as much as $900,000 USD depending on their condition.
- Condition Matters: Higher-grade coins with clean, noticeable clips can command the highest prices.
What to Look For:
- Irregular edges caused by a missing portion of the coin’s metal planchet.
- Proper grading and authentication are crucial.
| Coin Name | Mint Year | Error Type | Value Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark Error) | 1976 | Missing mint mark | $90 million (or more) | No mint mark, extremely rare error |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse) | 1976 | Double die obverse | $1 million to $5 million | Doubled design on the obverse, especially the date |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver-Clad Error) | 1976 | Silver-clad instead of copper-nickel | $600,000 to $2 million | Silver appearance, made with proof set planchets |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Rotated Die Error) | 1976 | Rotated die error | $700,000 to $1.5 million | Rotated design on obverse or reverse, misaligned die |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Clipped Planchet Error) | 1976 | Clipped planchet | $600,000 to $900,000 | Irregular edges, missing portion of the coin’s planchet |
Why are certain Bicentennial Quarters worth millions?
Certain minting errors like missing mint marks, double dies, rotated dies, and clipped planchets make these Bicentennial quarters exceptionally rare. These errors are highly sought after by collectors, and coins in pristine condition can command millions of dollars at auction.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for distinctive errors such as a missing mint mark, doubled design, silver appearance, rotated design, or irregular edges. Having your coin professionally graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC will provide an accurate assessment of its value.
How much is a typical 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth?
A typical 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is worth just 25 cents, but special error variants can fetch significant amounts. The value depends on the rarity and condition of the coin.