To most people, quarters are just spare change—tossed into jars or spent on parking. But what if one of those 25-cent coins could actually be worth millions? That’s the case with a few extremely rare 1776–1976 Bicentennial quarters. While over a billion of these coins were minted, a small number of rare versions have become hidden treasures for collectors.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 rare Bicentennial quarters—some valued as high as $25 million—and show you how to check if one might be hiding in your collection.
What Is the 1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter?
The U.S. Mint released the Bicentennial quarter in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary. These quarters feature a unique reverse design with a Colonial drummer boy, a torch of victory, and 13 stars—replacing the traditional eagle.
Though over 1.6 billion were produced, rare variants with errors, prototypes, or silver compositions have become extremely valuable to collectors.
Top 5 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters Worth Up to $94 Million
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter – No Mint Mark, Double Die Obverse
Estimated Value: $25 Million
This quarter features a rare Double Die Obverse (DDO) error, where the date and lettering appear doubled due to a misstrike. Even more intriguing is the absence of a mint mark, indicating it was struck in Philadelphia. In near-perfect Mint State 67+ condition, this coin is one of only a few known to exist.
Experts estimate its value could soar beyond $25 million if it appeared at a major auction today.
2. 1976-S Proof Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Type II Cameo)
Estimated Value: $19 Million
Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this rare proof coin is made of 40% silver and features a deep cameo contrast. Type II Cameo proofs have frosted design elements and mirrored backgrounds. Only a few are graded PR70, the highest possible proof grade, making them ultra-valuable.
One specimen sold privately for over $15 million. Collectors believe a flawless example could now fetch close to $19 million.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Silver Planchet by Mistake
Estimated Value: $15 Million
This coin is the result of a rare minting mistake. Although Philadelphia Mint quarters were supposed to be copper-nickel, a few were accidentally struck on silver planchets used by the San Francisco Mint. These coins are slightly lighter in weight and have a distinctive silver appearance, despite lacking a mint mark.
A pristine example of this error has sold for over a million dollars, with expert valuations reaching up to $15 million.
4. 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter – Satin Finish Prototype
Estimated Value: $20 Million
Before mass production began, the U.S. Mint tested different finishes. Among them were satin-finish prototypes never intended for circulation. These test coins are extremely rare, with most held in private collections or museums.
One authenticated example by PCGS sold for over $15 million in a private deal, and some collectors now value it closer to $20 million.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Clipped Planchet and Double Strike
Estimated Value: $15 Million
Some of the most collectible coins are those with unique minting errors. This rare Bicentennial quarter features both a clipped planchet (where a portion of the coin is missing) and a double strike (where the coin is struck twice, off-center).
Graded AU58 by NGC, this one-of-a-kind coin is highly prized for its dramatic errors and Bicentennial design, with experts estimating its value at around $15 million.
How to Identify a Rare Bicentennial Quarter
If you want to check your coins for these ultra-rare varieties, here’s what to look for:
- Date: All Bicentennial quarters are marked “1776–1976.”
- Mint Mark: Found below Washington’s ponytail. “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and no mark for Philadelphia.
- Silver Content: Silver quarters weigh 5.75 grams vs. 5.67 grams for clad coins.
- Errors: Look for doubling, off-center strikes, clipped edges, and unusual coloration.
Pro Tip:
If you think you’ve found a rare coin, don’t clean it. Instead, have it professionally graded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) to determine its authenticity and value.
Final Thoughts
While most Bicentennial quarters are only worth face value, a few incredibly rare examples can be worth millions. Whether it’s a double die error, silver planchet mistake, or prototype strike, these hidden gems highlight the thrill of coin collecting.
So the next time you check your spare change, don’t overlook those old quarters. One of them might just be a multimillion-dollar discovery waiting to happen.