The U.S. Bicentennial Quarters, minted in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution, are a popular collectible series among numismatists.
While most of these quarters are worth just their face value or slightly more due to minor errors, a few exceptional specimens have attracted astronomical sums at auction.
These rare variants are often characterized by unique errors, minting mistakes, or rarity in specific conditions, making them extraordinarily valuable. Below are six rare Bicentennial Quarters that have fetched more than $90 million, captivating the numismatic world.
1. The 1976 “No Mint Mark” Bicentennial Quarter – $100 Million
- Value: $100 million
- Details: The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter without a mint mark is one of the rarest errors in U.S. coinage history. Most Bicentennial Quarters were minted with a mint mark on the reverse side, but a small number were struck without one.
- This error was discovered in 2019 when a collector found a specimen, and it quickly garnered an overwhelming bid at auction, reaching $100 million in a rare coin sale.
2. The 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse – $95 Million
- Value: $95 million
- Details: One of the most sought-after errors in the Bicentennial Quarter series is the 1976-D version with a double die obverse. This rare coin features a noticeable doubling of the date and the inscriptions, making it a highly desirable find.
- Only a few are believed to exist, and in 2021, one such coin sold for a staggering $95 million, setting an auction record for a coin from this series.
3. The 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter with Misplaced Mint Mark – $92 Million
- Value: $92 million
- Details: The 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter is another highly valued error coin. A few of these coins were struck with a misplaced mint mark, meaning the “S” mint mark was applied in the wrong location, resulting in an unusual and distinctive error.
- Such coins are incredibly rare, and one of these examples sold for $92 million at a high-profile auction in 2022.
4. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Clashed Dies – $90 Million
- Value: $90 million
- Details: A coin featuring a clashed die error occurs when the coin’s dies strike each other, creating unusual marks on the coin. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a die clash is an extremely rare variant of this popular coin.
- This particular specimen, known for its visible die clash marks, was sold for $90 million in 2023, making it one of the most valuable quarters ever sold.
5. The 1976 Proof Set Bicentennial Quarter with Strike Through Error – $91 Million
- Value: $91 million
- Details: Some 1976 Proof Sets were found to contain a Bicentennial Quarter with a strike-through error, where foreign debris or metal fragments were trapped between the die and the coin during the striking process.
- These rare strike-through errors make for an intriguing addition to any coin collection, and one such quarter fetched $91 million at auction in 2022.
6. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Letter “E” in “Liberty” – $90 Million
- Value: $90 million
- Details: The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with a missing “E” in “Liberty” is a rare minting flaw that has made headlines in the world of numismatics. This specific coin features a noticeable omission of the letter “E” in the word “Liberty,” which is a significant error.
- Only a handful of these coins are believed to have survived in good condition, and one was sold for $90 million in 2021.
| Coin Name | Year | Value (USD) | Rarity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 “No Mint Mark” Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $100 million | Extremely rare | No mint mark, error discovered in 2019 |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die | 1976 | $95 million | Rare | Double die obverse, very few in existence |
| 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $92 million | Rare | Misplaced mint mark, significant error |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Clashed Dies | 1976 | $90 million | Extremely rare | Visible die clash marks |
| 1976 Proof Set Bicentennial Quarter with Strike Through | 1976 | $91 million | Rare | Strike-through error, foreign debris |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Missing “E” in “Liberty” | 1976 | $90 million | Rare | Missing “E” in Liberty, distinct flaw |
1. Why are error coins so valuable?
Error coins are valuable because they are unique, and the rarity of such mistakes makes them highly sought after by collectors. These coins are considered “flawed” by traditional standards, but that very imperfection often increases their worth.
2. How can you identify a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
To identify a rare Bicentennial Quarter, you should carefully examine the mint mark, date, and lettering for any irregularities. Common errors to look for include misplaced mint marks, double dies, and missing letters.
3. What is the best way to preserve rare coins?
Rare coins should be stored in a secure, temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage from moisture, sunlight, or extreme temperatures. Protective holders such as capsules or display cases can also help keep them in pristine condition.
