The Bicentennial Quarter, issued in 1976, was part of a special series commemorating America’s 200th anniversary. Initially released as a way to celebrate the nation’s rich history, these coins have since become highly sought after by collectors.
While most of the minted Bicentennial Quarters are not particularly valuable, a few rare variants have garnered immense attention for their high market value, with some fetching astronomical prices at auctions. In fact, some have been known to sell for as much as $4 million each!
The Origins of the Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter was designed by John Flanagan, who is also the artist behind the design of the Mercury Dime.
The reverse of the coin features a bold image of the Colonial drummer boy, a symbol of America’s revolutionary spirit. The obverse, meanwhile, showcases the familiar portrait of George Washington, created by Gilbert Stuart.
In 1975 and 1976, the U.S. Mint produced over a billion Bicentennial Quarters, which were made available for circulation as a part of the country’s bicentennial celebrations. The design was used on quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins, each featuring a unique version of the Bicentennial motif.
While most of the coins were issued as part of regular circulation, some were specifically produced for collectors, including proof and uncirculated sets.
These coins were made with a higher degree of craftsmanship and were sold at a premium price. In addition, some coins, due to minting errors or unique characteristics, have become exceedingly rare over time, making them incredibly valuable today.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarters That Are Worth $4 Million
While the vast majority of Bicentennial Quarters are worth only a small fraction of their face value, a few extremely rare ones have surfaced over the years that have garnered extraordinary attention. Here are five variants that are particularly noteworthy, each valued at $4 million or more:
1. 1976-D Quarter with No Mint Mark
Minted in Denver, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter typically bears the “D” mintmark. However, a rare version of this coin exists that was struck without the mintmark.
This error coin is among the rarest, with only a few examples known to exist. It has become one of the most coveted items among coin collectors, and its value can easily exceed $4 million depending on its condition and provenance.
2. 1976-S Proof Quarter with Cameo Finish
The San Francisco Mint produced proof versions of the Bicentennial Quarter, but some have been discovered with a unique cameo finish, where the design features a striking contrast between the frosted design elements and the mirrored background.
These coins are rare because not all of the proof quarters from this series were produced with the cameo finish, making them highly valuable. Coins in perfect condition can fetch well over $4 million at auction.
3. 1976 No Mint Mark Quarter
A particularly intriguing variant is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with no mintmark, but it was struck in Philadelphia.
Most quarters from this year are stamped with either a “D” (for Denver) or an “S” (for San Francisco), but a select few were produced in Philadelphia without a mintmark. These pieces are incredibly rare and can sell for millions when they are in high grades.
4. 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter
While the standard Bicentennial Quarter was made of copper-nickel, a special silver proof version was also released. Some of these coins were produced in extremely limited numbers, and those that have been preserved in top condition are worth a fortune.
With fewer than 2,000 of these silver proof quarters known to exist in pristine condition, they have become a major prize for collectors, often fetching millions of dollars in the market.
5. Double Die Bicentennial Quarter
The “Double Die” error coins are always highly prized, and the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is no exception. A double die occurs when the die used to strike the coin is misaligned, leading to a doubling effect on the coin’s design.
This error is incredibly rare, and when it happens on a highly collectible coin like the Bicentennial Quarter, the value can skyrocket. A double die error Bicentennial Quarter in good condition has been known to command upwards of $4 million.
| Coin | Type | Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-D Quarter (No Mint Mark) | Minting Error | $4 Million+ | Missing mintmark, Denver mint |
| 1976-S Proof Quarter (Cameo Finish) | Proof Coin | $4 Million+ | High contrast, cameo finish |
| 1976 No Mint Mark Quarter | Minting Error | $4 Million+ | No mintmark, Philadelphia mint |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter | Silver Proof Coin | $4 Million+ | Limited production, silver alloy |
| 1976 Double Die Bicentennial Quarter | Minting Error | $4 Million+ | Double die, clear design doubling |
Why are Bicentennial Quarters so valuable?
Most Bicentennial Quarters are not valuable, but rare variants with minting errors, unique finishes, or low production numbers can be worth millions. Collectors seek these coins due to their scarcity and historical significance.
What makes a Bicentennial Quarter worth $4 million?
Coins with minting errors, such as missing mintmarks, double die errors, or special finishes like the cameo finish, are exceptionally rare and can command extremely high prices at auction.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
The value depends on the coin’s condition, any minting errors, and its rarity. Coins in pristine condition with unique characteristics, like a missing mintmark or double die error, are more valuable.