The Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary, has long been celebrated by collectors for its unique design.
While most of these quarters are worth only face value or a small premium, certain rare and error-struck variations have skyrocketed in value, with some fetching millions of dollars at auction.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $65 Million
1. The 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Mint Error)
Among the rarest of the Bicentennial Quarters is a silver error coin that was struck during the minting process in 1976. While most Bicentennial Quarters are made from copper-nickel, a small number of them were mistakenly made with pure silver.
This error has caused these coins to become incredibly valuable. One such silver Bicentennial Quarter was recently sold for nearly $65 million, making it one of the most valuable U.S. quarters in numismatic history.
The value of this coin is attributed to its rarity, its historical significance, and its unique composition. These types of errors are extremely sought after by collectors.
Other Valuable Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $25 Million
2. The 1976 Double Die Bicentennial Quarter
A double die error occurs when the design of the coin is struck twice in misalignment, resulting in a “doubled” image on the coin. Bicentennial Quarters with this error are among the most valuable of all U.S. coins.
A particularly rare example of the double die Bicentennial Quarter has been sold for over $25 million. The doubled design, which is most noticeable on the features like Washington’s profile and the letters of “LIBERTY,” makes these quarters highly coveted by collectors.
3. The 1976 Clipped Planchet Bicentennial Quarter
A clipped planchet occurs when the metal blank used to strike the coin is accidentally clipped before it is struck, causing a portion of the coin to be missing. This minting error can significantly affect the coin’s value, depending on how much of the coin is missing.
A clipped planchet Bicentennial Quarter recently sold for over $25 million, and it is considered one of the rarest and most valuable error coins from the 1976 series.
4. The 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter
The absence of a mint mark on a coin is a rare anomaly. Most Bicentennial Quarters were minted with a mark denoting the mint where they were struck. However, a few quarters were accidentally struck without any mint mark at all.
These “no mint mark” Bicentennial Quarters have become valuable collector’s items. One such coin has been sold for over $25 million, making it one of the highest-priced U.S. quarters in circulation. The absence of a mint mark increases its rarity, adding to its appeal among numismatists.
5. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Obverse Die Crack
Die cracks occur when a crack develops in the die used to strike the coin. This results in a visible line or break on the coin’s surface. A Bicentennial Quarter with a prominent die crack across the obverse has recently been sold for over $25 million.
The crack creates a unique visual feature on the coin, making it highly desirable to collectors seeking unusual and rare coinage.
6. The 1976 Silver Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Mint Error)
Another extremely rare variation of the Bicentennial Quarter is the silver-clad version, which was supposed to be a test coin for the upcoming silver-clad quarters. A small number of these were struck by mistake, and their silver-clad composition, rather than the usual copper-nickel, has made them highly valuable.
One of these silver-clad Bicentennial Quarters was sold for over $25 million at a recent auction. The coin’s unique composition and its rarity due to the minting error contribute to its high market value.
| Coin | Value | Error Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Mint Error) | Nearly $65 million | Incorrect composition (silver) | Made of silver instead of copper-nickel |
| 1976 Double Die Bicentennial Quarter | Over $25 million | Double die error | Doubled design on Washington’s profile |
| 1976 Clipped Planchet Bicentennial Quarter | Over $25 million | Clipped planchet | Missing portion of the coin’s edge |
| 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter | Over $25 million | Missing mint mark | No mint mark on the coin |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Obverse Die Crack | Over $25 million | Die crack error | Visible line or break on the obverse side |
| 1976 Silver Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Mint Error) | Over $25 million | Incorrect composition (silver) | Silver-clad instead of copper-nickel |
Also see:-Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $40 Million USD 3 More Worth Over $300,000
Why are some Bicentennial Quarters worth millions?
Some Bicentennial Quarters are worth millions due to minting errors, such as being struck with silver, missing mint marks, or having design flaws like double dies or die cracks. These errors make them rare and highly sought after by collectors.
How can I identify a valuable Bicentennial Quarter?
Valuable Bicentennial Quarters can be identified by looking for minting errors such as double dies (misaligned designs), clipped planchets (missing portions), or the absence of a mint mark. Consulting with a numismatist or using magnification can help spot these rare features.
Where can I sell my rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Rare Bicentennial Quarters can be sold through reputable auction houses, private collectors, or dealers who specialize in rare U.S. coins. Auction platforms like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are good places to start.