A one-of-a-kind and rare coin, the Bicentennial Quarter was struck in 1975-1976 to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the first anniversary of American freedom.
There are a few unusual variants and errors that can be quite expensive, with some reportedly costing up to $5 million under exceptional circumstances.
The majority of Bicentennial Quarters are common, but there are a handful that are extremely rare. Listed below are three extremely uncommon Bicentennial quarters that you ought to be aware of:
1. 1976 “No Mint Mark” Bicentennial Quarter (Philadelphia Mint)
- The value ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 (in flawless MS70 condition).
- The Philadelphia Mint was responsible for the production of these quarters, which were struck without a mint mark.
- Because of their scarcity and the high demand among collectors, coins that are in perfect mint state (MS70) can fetch considerable amounts, despite the fact that the majority of them are worth their face value.
2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Errors
Value: $1,000–$20,000 (depending on the error and condition)
- Minted in Denver, these coins may feature errors such as:
- Double Die: Doubling on the inscriptions or the drummer’s design.
- Off-Center Strikes: A partial design visible on the coin.
- Clipped Planchet: A small piece of the coin’s edge is missing.
- Error coins are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
3. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
Value: Up to $15,000 (in PR70 condition)
- These coins were part of a special 40% silver proof set produced at the San Francisco Mint.
- High-grade examples in PR70 (perfect proof) condition can be worth thousands of dollars.
- These quarters are distinguishable by their smoother, shinier surfaces and lack of circulation wear.
| Coin Type | Value (Top Grades) | Mint Mark | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 “No Mint Mark” Bicentennial Quarter | $5,000–$10,000 | None | Produced at Philadelphia; perfect MS70 condition coins are rare and valuable. |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Errors | $1,000–$20,000 | D (Denver) | Features errors like double die, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets. |
| 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $15,000 | S (San Francisco) | 40% silver proof coin with a polished finish; PR70 specimens are extremely valuable. |
The $5 Million Claim
The “$5 Million Bicentennial Quarter” is often a sensationalized or hypothetical scenario. While no Bicentennial Quarter has officially sold for this amount, it is possible that a unique, error-laden specimen or a coin with exceptional provenance could achieve a record-breaking price at auction.
What makes a Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Condition: High-grade coins (MS70 or PR70) are the most valuable. Errors: Coins with minting mistakes, such as double dies or off-center strikes, can be worth thousands. Silver Content: Silver proof quarters have intrinsic value and collector appeal.
How can I identify a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Look for mint errors such as doubling, misstrikes, or clipped planchets. Check for the “S” mint mark indicating a silver proof coin. Have your coin graded and authenticated by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. Online platforms, including eBay (ensure proper authentication). Certified coin dealers specializing in rare coins.
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