5 Ultra-Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $500,000 Each – Do You Have One?

If you have an interest in collecting coins, then it will be a fun adventure for you when you can lay your hands on some scarce and valuable coins from your collection. Bicentennial Quarters are such a unique coin whose value can touch over $500,000.

These coins were struck in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of US independence. Certain of these coins have been auctioned for unprecedented amounts because of their characteristics, unique errors and special minting process. Here are five such Bicentennial quarters that have sold at astronomical prices in auction.

1. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter

Estimated value: $20 million
Key features:

  • Struck at the San Francisco Mint (S) from 40% silver.
  • Deep cameo contrast with proof quality.
  • High grading non-circulation specimens are very rare.

Why is it valuable?
This coin is very desirable to collectors because of its silver content, proof strike, and high grade.

2. 1976-D Doubled Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter

Estimated value: $10 million
Key features:

  • “Double die” error, where the design is slightly doubled.
  • Struck at the Denver Mint (D).
  • Obvious doubling of the date and lettering on the coin.

Why is it worth so much?
Double die error coins are very rare, so collectors will shell out serious cash for them.

3. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter (Experimental Planchet)

Estimated Value: $7.5 million
Key Features:

  • The coin was struck on an experimental planchet.
  • There is no mint mark, which means it was struck in the Philadelphia Mint.
  • Unusual color and weight differences have been seen on some of these coins.

Why is it valuable?

These test planchets were struck in very small quantities, and this contributes to its value.

4. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter with Off-Center Strike

Estimated Value: $2.9 million
Key Features:

  • It contains 40% silver.
  • It features an off-center strike (misalignment) error.
  • Few such coins exist in high grades.

Why is it valuable?
Silver Bicentennial quarters with off-center errors are uncommon, but coins that are in great condition are rarer.

5. 1976-D Overstruck Bicentennial Quarter

Estimated value: $1.5 million
Key features:

  • The design of this coin looks mixed since it was overstruck on another coin.
  • The coin was made at the Denver Mint.
  • Few coins of this kind are available.

Why is it valuable?
Overstucked coins are very rare and thus highly sought after by collectors.

How ​​to Identify a Bicentennial Quarter?

If you have a Bicentennial quarter and want to determine if it has value, remember the following:

1. Check the Silver Content:

  • Quarters normally consist of a copper center and a nickel exterior.
  • No copper stripe along the edge and are gray in color.

2. Search for Mint Errors:

  • Double die error: The coin’s design looks doubled.
  • Off-center strike: The coin’s design is missing part of it.
  • Overstuck error: The coin has a different design on top of it.

3. Recognize the Mint Mark:

  • No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint): Could be coins struck on odd planchets.
  • “D” (Denver Mint): Look for double die and overstruck errors.
  • “S” (San Francisco Mint): Silver coins are highly valuable.

4. Get Professional Grading:

If you suspect that your coin can be valuable, get it graded by a professional grading agency. This will establish the coin’s rarity and quality.

Conclusion

Bicentennial quarters are not ordinary coins—if they have uncommon errors or markings, they can be sold for millions of dollars. If you possess a 1976 quarter, take a close look. You could have a rare find!

FAQs

Q1. How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?

Check for silver content, mint errors (like double die or off-center strikes), and mint marks. Rare features can significantly increase its value.

Q2. Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?

No, most are common and worth face value. Only rare errors, special minting variations, and high-grade specimens hold significant value.

Q3. Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?

You can sell them through coin dealers, online marketplaces (like eBay or Heritage Auctions), and coin grading services.

Q4. How do I know if my quarter has a minting error?

Look for misaligned or doubled designs, missing mint marks, off-center strikes, or overstruck details. Professional grading can confirm authenticity.

Q5. What is the most expensive Bicentennial Quarter ever sold?

A rare 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter in pristine condition has been valued at up to $20 million.

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