The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was created to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. While most of these quarters are only worth 25 cents, a few rare ones have sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
Some of these valuable quarters have unique minting errors, silver compositions, or are in pristine condition, making them highly sought after by collectors.
One rumored Bicentennial Quarter could be worth nearly $90,000, while five others have fetched impressive sums. Let’s explore what makes these coins so valuable and how to spot them.
What Makes the $90,000 Bicentennial Quarter Special?
One of the rarest Bicentennial Quarters is believed to be worth close to $90,000, though it has not yet been confirmed at auction.
This coin is rumored to have unique minting errors, such as a double die impression or a misprint, setting it apart from standard quarters.
How to Identify It
- Double die errors create a noticeable doubling effect on the coin’s lettering or date.
- Extremely high condition (MS68 or higher) increases its value significantly.
- If this coin is ever officially verified, it could become one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins.
5 More Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth a Fortune
1. Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- A double die obverse happens when the coin’s design is struck twice, creating a doubled image.
- This error is often seen in the date “1776–1976” or the word “LIBERTY.”
- High-quality examples can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, especially in uncirculated condition.
What to Look For
- Use a magnifying glass to check for slight overlapping in the design.
- Quarters with clear and strong doubling effects are worth the most.
2. Silver Composition Bicentennial Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- Most Bicentennial Quarters were made from copper-nickel, but a limited number were struck in 40% silver for collector sets.
- These silver quarters are much rarer and can sell for over $10,000, with top-condition examples exceeding $20,000.
What to Look For
- Check the coin’s edge—silver quarters have a solid silver edge, while standard ones show a copper stripe.
- Weigh the coin—silver quarters are slightly heavier than copper-nickel ones.
3. Proof Error Bicentennial Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- Proof coins are specially made for collectors with highly polished surfaces and sharp details.
- Occasionally, a proof quarter has a minting error, like a double strike or die crack, making it even more valuable.
- Some proof error quarters have sold for $10,000 to $15,000 at auction.
What to Look For
- Look for unusual defects in the design, such as extra markings or misaligned details.
- These coins are usually found in collector’s sets, so check old sets carefully.
4. Off-Center Strike Bicentennial Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- This happens when the coin blank is not properly aligned in the minting machine, causing the design to be shifted or partially missing.
- Bicentennial Quarters with major off-center strikes (10% or more) can sell for up to $5,000.
What to Look For
- Look for a design that is clearly misaligned, with parts of the image missing.
- The more off-center the strike, the more valuable the coin tends to be.
5. Wrong Planchet Bicentennial Quarter
Why It’s Valuable
- Some Bicentennial Quarters were mistakenly struck on planchets meant for other coins, such as dimes.
- This makes them smaller or lighter than a standard quarter, creating a rare and collectible mistake.
- These error quarters can sell for $5,000 to $10,000.
What to Look For
- If a Bicentennial Quarter looks too small or too light, it may have been struck on the wrong planchet.
- Weigh the coin to compare it to a normal quarter—if it’s significantly different, it could be valuable.
Why These Quarters Are Worth So Much
Collectors love these rare Bicentennial Quarters because they tell a unique story. Whether it’s a minting error, silver composition, or a high-grade condition, these factors make certain quarters worth thousands of dollars.
If you find one with unusual characteristics, it could be a hidden treasure worth way more than 25 cents!
