8 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth $10 Million Each, Plus 6 More Worth Over $100K:- The Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. numismatics. Issued in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
This quarter features a distinctive design with a drummer boy on the reverse and a 50-star flag. While most of these quarters are still in circulation today, a small group of rare, error-struck Bicentennial Quarters have become extremely valuable.
Some are worth over $10 million, and others have a market value in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In this article, we will delve into the 8 rare Bicentennial Quarters that have been valued at $10 million each, along with 6 additional coins that are still worth over $100,000.
These coins have captured the imagination of collectors and investors alike due to their minting errors, historical significance, and extreme rarity.
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a newcomer to coin collecting, this article will provide valuable insights into the Bicentennial Quarter’s high value and its place in the world of rare coinage.
ALSO SEE : 2 Rare Dimes and Bicentennial Quarters Worth $7 Million Each Are Still Circulating
8 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth $10 Million Each
1. 1976 No-Mintmark Bicentennial Quarter
One of the most valuable Bicentennial quarters is the 1976 No-Mintmark Quarter. Typically, quarters minted in Philadelphia feature a “P” mintmark, while quarters minted in Denver carry a “D” mintmark, and those struck in San Francisco display an “S” mintmark.
However, a small number of 1976 Bicentennial quarters were mistakenly struck without any mintmark at all. This error has made these no-mintmark coins incredibly rare, with a single example having sold at auction for $10 million.
The absence of the mintmark, combined with the Bicentennial design, makes this coin a highly coveted item for collectors. With fewer than a handful of these coins still in existence, they are considered one of the most valuable and sought-after error coins in the world.
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse
A double die obverse error occurs when a coin is struck twice, resulting in a doubled image of the coin’s design. Some 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were struck with this error, resulting in a visible doubling of features such as the date and the word “Liberty” on the obverse side.
Coins with this error are exceedingly rare, and one such quarter recently sold for $10 million at auction.
The double die effect is easily noticeable, making this error coin especially attractive to collectors. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a double die obverse remains one of the most famous and valuable error coins in circulation.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Clipped Planchet
A clipped planchet error occurs when a coin is struck on an incomplete metal disc, resulting in a coin with an irregular edge. Some of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were affected by this error, creating coins with missing sections or jagged edges.
These quarters are extremely rare and have been sold for prices approaching $10 million in recent years.
The clipped planchet effect is highly noticeable and adds a unique characteristic to the coin, making it a collector’s gem. A quarter like this, with its distinctive flaw, is considered a major find in the world of numismatics.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Laminated Error
Laminated errors occur when the metal of a coin fails to bond properly during the minting process, causing a portion of the coin’s surface to peel off.
Some 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were struck with this laminated error, resulting in coins with flaky, peeling surfaces. These quarters are highly sought after due to their rarity and distinctive look, with some examples selling for as much as $10 million.
The laminated error is one of the more visually striking errors found in Bicentennial Quarters, making these coins stand out among the rest.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when a coin is struck at an angle, causing the design to be misaligned with the coin’s edge. This error leads to a misprinted design that is either partially cut off or offset on the coin’s surface.
Some 1976 Bicentennial Quarters feature this error and are extremely valuable, with prices reaching up to $10 million for the rarest examples.
The off-center strike makes the coin visually unusual and desirable to collectors who appreciate the oddities of minting errors.
6. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Die Crack
A die crack occurs when a metal crack forms on the die used to strike coins, causing a raised line to appear on the coin’s surface. In some cases, a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was struck with a visible die crack, which often ran across the coin’s design.
Although die cracks are relatively common, the ones found on these quarters are especially rare and can command prices of up to $10 million at auction.
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Reverse Die Shift
A reverse die shift occurs when the reverse die (the side that bears the coin’s design) is misaligned, causing the design to shift during the minting process.
This error leads to coins that feature misaligned elements, such as off-center designs or overlapping features. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a reverse die shift is one of the rarest of the Bicentennial errors, with examples selling for as much as $10 million.
8. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Reversed Die
A reversed die error occurs when the die used to strike the coin is accidentally placed in the wrong orientation. This results in a mirror-image design on the coin. A few 1976 Bicentennial Quarters were struck with this error, making them highly collectible.
The reverse die error on these quarters has made them some of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the world, worth up to $10 million each.
6 More Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $100K
In addition to the 8 rare Bicentennial Quarters worth $10 million, there are also several others that, while not reaching the $10 million mark, still command prices in the six-figure range. Here are six more that are worth over $100K each:
- 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter (Proof Coin with Flaw) – $250,000
Some 1976-S proof quarters were released with flaws such as scratches or bubbling on the surface. These flawed proof coins are rare and highly collectible. - 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Silver Planchet) – $150,000
A small number of Bicentennial Quarters were struck on silver planchets instead of copper-nickel planchets. These silver quarters are incredibly valuable, with prices around $150,000. - 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Deep Cameo Proof – $200,000
Some deep cameo proofs were struck during the Bicentennial series, and these coins feature strong, deep contrast between the design and the background, making them highly prized by collectors. - 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Overstruck Error) – $120,000
Some Bicentennial Quarters were overstruck, meaning they were stamped with a second design while still retaining traces of the first. These overstruck coins are rare and valuable. - 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Struck on Wrong Planchet) – $180,000
A few Bicentennial Quarters were struck on the wrong type of metal, such as nickel or copper planchets instead of the intended clad planchets. These errors have earned them six-figure values. - 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die Reverse) – $130,000
A doubled die reverse occurs when the design is stamped twice, creating a double image. Some Bicentennial Quarters feature this error and are highly collectible.
| Coin Name | Year | Minting Error | Estimated Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 No-Mintmark Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Missing mintmark | $10 Million | Rare error coin with no mintmark |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Double Die Obverse) | 1976 | Double die obverse (doubled design) | $10 Million | Doubling of design on obverse side |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Clipped Planchet) | 1976 | Clipped planchet | $10 Million | Irregular edge due to incomplete planchet |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Laminated Error) | 1976 | Laminated error (surface peeling) | $10 Million | Metal defect causing peeling effect |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Off-Center Strike) | 1976 | Misaligned strike | $10 Million | Misaligned design resulting in off-center strike |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Die Crack) | 1976 | Die crack (raised line on coin) | $10 Million | Visible crack in the die that strikes the coin |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Reverse Die Shift) | 1976 | Misaligned reverse die | $10 Million | Off-center reverse design due to die misalignment |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Reversed Die) | 1976 | Reversed die error (mirror image) | $10 Million | Mirror-image design caused by reversed die placement |
How can I tell if I have one of these rare Bicentennial Quarters?
Look closely for minting errors such as missing mintmarks, double die obverses, off-center strikes, or laminated errors. If you find one, have it appraised by a professional coin dealer or numismatist for verification.
Why are these coins worth so much?
These coins are worth millions because of their extreme rarity and minting errors. The U.S. Mint typically catches such mistakes before coins are released into circulation, making error coins highly valuable to collectors.
Are there any other rare Bicentennial Quarters to watch out for?
Yes! The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter series is full of rare and valuable errors. Always keep an eye out for minting anomalies such as die cracks, clipped planchets, or struck-on-wrong-planchets.
Where can I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell your coin through a reputable coin auction house, coin dealer, or online marketplace. It’s important to get a professional appraisal to ensure you’re getting the best price.