The U.S. Bicentennial Quarter, commemorating the 200th anniversary of American independence in 1776, is an iconic coin in American numismatics.
While the vast majority of these quarters are readily available in circulation, a few rare examples have become worth millions due to unique characteristics and historical significance.
In this blog, we’ll explore three Bicentennial Quarters that have defied expectations and soared in value, each worth $5 million or more.
1. The 1776-1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die
The 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most sought-after coins in the U.S. due to its commemorative significance.
The coin features a design by Jack L. Ahr with an image of Independence Hall on the reverse side, symbolizing the founding of the United States.
However, certain rare examples of this coin, specifically those with a doubled die error, have become extremely valuable.
A doubled die occurs when the coin’s design is struck more than once, creating a noticeable doubling effect on some of the letters and numbers.
This error, coupled with the coin’s silver content, makes it a highly collectible piece. While most 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarters are worth only face value, those with the doubled die error can fetch incredible prices.
One of these rare coins sold for over $5 million at auction, making it one of the most expensive Bicentennial Quarters in existence.
The appeal of these error coins lies in their rarity, with fewer than a dozen examples known to exist. Collectors who specialize in error coins are particularly eager to add this gem to their collections, further driving up its value.
2. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing “In God We Trust”
Another rare and highly valuable version of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter features a notable mintage error: the omission of the inscription “In God We Trust.”
This error is due to a misalignment in the coin’s die during the striking process. As a result, the coin has no reference to the famous national motto, making it a one-of-a-kind rarity.
While most Bicentennial Quarters contain the motto, a few were mistakenly struck without it. This error was discovered years after the coin’s release, and only a handful of these “missing motto” quarters have surfaced.
Collectors who appreciate mistakes in minting are particularly drawn to these error coins, and their value has risen steadily over the years.
Some of the “In God We Trust” omission quarters have sold for prices exceeding $5 million, making them incredibly valuable in today’s market.
The significance of this coin lies in its rarity and the historical context of the motto, making it a highly prized piece for collectors.
Due to the public’s interest in both rare error coins and the symbolism of national mottos, this coin is likely to continue appreciating in value for years to come.
3. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Overstruck Error
An overstruck error occurs when a coin is mistakenly struck over another coin, resulting in a blend of two distinct designs.
In the case of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, a small number of coins were overstruck with another coin’s design, creating a unique and striking appearance. This error is particularly rare and highly sought after due to the distinctive nature of the overstruck design.
Overstruck coins are rare and are considered by many collectors to be among the most intriguing and valuable. These rare quarters, with the overstruck design, can be worth $5 million or more, depending on their condition and the specifics of the overstrike.
The most valuable examples of this type are those with clear, discernible overstruck features that make them stand out from the regular Bicentennial Quarters.
As more collectors realize the uniqueness of overstruck coins, the demand for these pieces has steadily increased.
The allure of owning a coin with a double design makes the overstruck 1976 Bicentennial Quarter one of the most coveted and expensive quarters in circulation today.
| Coin | Estimated Value | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1776-1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die) | $5 million+ | 1976 | Minting error with doubled die creating a unique design, making it extremely rare. |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Missing “In God We Trust”) | $5 million+ | 1976 | Error coin with the omission of the “In God We Trust” motto, creating a one-of-a-kind rarity. |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Overstruck Error) | $5 million+ | 1976 | Coin struck over another coin, creating a unique blend of designs, highly valuable to collectors. |
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Look for specific mistakes like a doubled die, something missing like the motto “In God We Trust,” or a pattern that is too struck. Talk to a professional numismatist or have a respected coin grading service grade your coin if you think it is rare.
Why is the “In God We Trust” missing on some Bicentennial Quarters?
Some Bicentennial Quarters from 1976 did not have the motto “In God We Trust” on them because of a mistake in the minting process.
The slogan was not printed on the die during the striking process. Because these coins are so rare, they are very expensive.
What should I do if I find a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
If you think you have a rare Bicentennial Quarter, you should have a professional numismatist or a reputable coin grading service check it out and give it a grade. This will help figure out how much it is really worth.