The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most iconic coins in the history of U.S. currency. Issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence, it features a unique reverse design showcasing the Liberty Bell and the 13 stars representing the original colonies.
While most of these coins are worth only 25 cents, certain rare errors and unique features make some Bicentennial Quarters worth thousands—if not tens of thousands of dollars.
In this blog, we’ll look at one rare Bicentennial Quarter that is valued at nearly $60,000 USD, along with five more that are worth over $6,000 USD each.
These rare quarters have caught the attention of collectors and numismatists alike, making them highly sought after on the coin market.
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark)
Value: $60,000 USD (or more)
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: No mint mark
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is typically minted with no mint mark in Philadelphia, while quarters from Denver have a “D” mint mark.
- However, there was a small batch of these coins struck in Philadelphia that were missing the mint mark altogether, despite being struck there.
- This minting error has made these coins incredibly rare, with some being valued at nearly $60,000. A flawless example could fetch even more, depending on its condition and grading.
- Condition Matters: Quarters in pristine condition, graded MS-67 or higher, are more valuable.
What to Look For:
- A 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with no mint mark on the reverse (no “P” or “D” mint mark).
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse)
Value: $7,500 to $15,000 USD
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Double Die Obverse
- Why It’s Valuable: A double die obverse error occurs when a coin’s die strikes the planchet multiple times, resulting in a doubled design. In the case of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, this error affects the date and the inscriptions on the obverse side.
- Collectors love these error coins because they are rare and visually striking. Depending on the severity of the doubling and the condition, this error can raise the coin’s value to between $7,500 and $15,000.
- Condition Matters: The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin. Coins with MS-65 or higher tend to sell for top dollar.
What to Look For:
- Doubled design on the obverse, especially around the date and the inscription “In God We Trust”.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver-Clad Error)
Value: $6,000 to $10,000 USD
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Silver-Clad Planchet
- Why It’s Valuable: Most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were struck using a copper-nickel clad composition, but some quarters were mistakenly struck on silver-clad planchets that were intended for proof sets.
- These silver-clad quarters are incredibly rare, and their metal composition makes them more valuable than regular copper-nickel quarters.
- Coins with this error are worth anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000, depending on their condition and rarity.
- Condition Matters: Quarters in good condition, particularly those with proof-like features, will be the most valuable.
What to Look For:
- A silver appearance on the quarter instead of the usual copper-nickel finish.
- Coins with a proof-like finish and high mirror-like surfaces.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Rotated Die Error)
Value: $6,000 to $10,000 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 coin’s design to appear rotated when viewed from the normal upright position.
- This results in a twisted appearance of the coin’s design. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with this error is extremely rare and highly desirable among collectors.
- Depending on the degree of rotation and the coin’s condition, these coins can be valued between $6,000 and $10,000.
- Condition Matters: Coins with a significant rotation and high grade are worth more.
What to Look For:
- A rotated design, where the reverse side of the coin appears tilted compared to the obverse side.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Clipped Planchet Error)
Value: $6,000 to $8,000 USD
Key Features:
- Mint Year: 1976
- Error Type: Clipped Planchet
- Why It’s Valuable: A clipped planchet error occurs when a portion of the metal planchet is missing during the coin’s production, resulting in a coin with an irregular shape.
- For the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, a clipped planchet can be a rare and highly valuable error, especially when the clip is noticeable.
- These error coins can be worth between $6,000 and $8,000, depending on the severity of the clip and the condition of the coin.
- Condition Matters: Coins with a clear, noticeable clip and high-grade surfaces are the most valuable.
What to Look For:
- Irregular edges where a portion of the coin’s planchet is missing.
| Coin Name | Mint Year | Error Type | Value Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (No Mint Mark) | 1976 | Missing mint mark | $60,000 (or more) | No mint mark on the reverse side |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse) | 1976 | Double die obverse | $7,500 to $15,000 | Doubled design on obverse, especially around the date |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver-Clad Error) | 1976 | Silver-clad planchet error | $6,000 to $10,000 | Silver-colored appearance, proof-like finish |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Rotated Die Error) | 1976 | Rotated die error | $6,000 to $10,000 | Rotated design, twisted appearance |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Clipped Planchet) | 1976 | Clipped planchet error | $6,000 to $8,000 | Irregular edge, portion of planchet missing |
Why are some Bicentennial Quarters worth so much?
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are worth significantly more than face value due to rare minting errors such as missing mint marks, double die strikes, rotated dies, silver-clad planchets, and clipped planchets. These errors are highly prized by collectors, and in excellent condition, these coins can fetch thousands of dollars.
How can I tell if my 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
To determine if your Bicentennial Quarter is valuable, look for signs of minting errors, such as the absence of a mint mark, doubled designs, a silver appearance, a rotated design, or irregular edges. Coins in pristine condition, especially those with higher grades (e.g., MS-67 or higher), will be worth more.
How can I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell rare Bicentennial Quarters through auction houses, coin dealers, or online marketplaces. It’s recommended to have your coin graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC to ensure that it is authenticated and valued properly before you attempt to sell it.