The Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to celebrate 200 years of American independence, is typically worth face value. However, a rare subset of these quarters can command staggering prices—some exceeding $260,000. We’ve created a complete breakdown of what makes these coins so valuable, how to identify them, and how to profit from one if you own it.
What Is a Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial Quarter was minted in 1975 and 1976 and features a unique reverse design by Jack L. Ahr. Instead of the traditional eagle, it displays a colonial drummer boy and a torch of victory with 13 stars. The obverse still features George Washington, but with the dual date “1776–1976.”
There were three main mint varieties:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (D)
- San Francisco Mint (S)
The San Francisco Mint struck both proof and silver-clad versions.
Why Some Bicentennial Quarters Are Worth $260K or More
Only a few Bicentennial Quarters reach values in the hundreds of thousands, and this happens under very specific circumstances.
Key Rarity Factors:
- Struck on the wrong planchet (e.g., silver dime or foreign coin blanks)
- Double die obverse or reverse
- Off-center strikes
- High-grade examples (MS-67 and above)
- Proof errors
- Uncirculated silver-clad coins in pristine condition
The $260K Quarter:
- This rare quarter was a mint error, struck on a silver planchet, graded MS-68 by PCGS.
- Only one or two known to exist in this grade with these error types.
- Sold at auction due to demand from top-tier collectors and investment funds.
How to Identify a High-Value Bicentennial Quarter
Before you assume you just have loose change, take the time to evaluate your coin using the following methods.
Step-by-Step Identification:
- Check the Date and Design
Must say 1776–1976 and feature the drummer boy reverse. - Look for Mint Mark
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco
The “S” mint is important for silver and proof coins.
- Check the Edge
- Copper-nickel clad coins will show a copper-colored edge.
- Silver-clad coins (only from San Francisco) have a uniform silver edge.
- Use a Magnifier
Check for double die errors, especially on “IN GOD WE TRUST” or “LIBERTY”. - Weigh the Coin
- Copper-nickel clad: ~5.67 grams
- Silver-clad: ~5.75 grams
- Anything significantly different could be a wrong planchet strike
- Get It Graded
If it looks uncirculated or you detect an error, have it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
Diagram: Coin Evaluation Workflow
graph TD
A[Find Bicentennial Quarter] --> B[Inspect Design and Date]
B --> C[Check Mint Mark]
C --> D[Examine Coin Edge]
D --> E[Use Magnification for Errors]
E --> F[Weigh the Coin]
F --> G[Determine Metal Composition]
G --> H[Send to PCGS or NGC for Grading]
H --> I[Assess Market Value]
Where to Sell High-Value Bicentennial Quarters
If you confirm you have a rare variety, don’t sell to just any buyer. Use vetted marketplaces that specialize in rare coins.
Recommended Selling Platforms:
- Heritage Auctions – Ideal for premium, graded coins
- GreatCollections – Professional platform for graded errors
- eBay – Large audience but requires careful listing and reputation
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries – Auction house trusted by elite collectors
- PCGS Set Registry Marketplace – Attracts top buyers in the grading community
Tips to Maximize Returns:
- Have professional photographs taken
- Include full certification details in your listing
- Avoid local pawn shops or cash-for-gold businesses
- Set a reserve price in auctions to protect value
Value Tiers of Bicentennial Quarters
| Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Common Circulated Clad | Worn | $0.25–$1 |
| Uncirculated Clad | Mint State (MS-60+) | $5–$50 |
| Silver-Clad Proof | PR-65+ | $8–$15 |
| Double Die or Error Coin | Varies | $100–$10,000 |
| Off-metal or Rare Strike Error | MS-67+ | $25,000–$260,000+ |
Other Bicentennial Coins Worth Looking For
While the quarter is the most iconic, don’t overlook the rest of the Bicentennial series:
- Bicentennial Half Dollar (1776–1976) – Independence Hall reverse
- Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar (1776–1976) – Liberty Bell over the Moon
These can also carry value, particularly in silver-proof or error varieties.
Final Thoughts
The $260K Bicentennial Quarter represents the pinnacle of modern coin collecting. While most are only worth face value, a rare few command life-changing sums due to condition, rarity, or minting errors. Evaluate carefully, grade professionally, and sell strategically to take full advantage of your coin’s potential.