Bicentennial collectors are said to have a lot of enthusiasm about the 1976-minted Bicentennial Quarter. Rumor has it that these coins are worth as high as $250,000 in some really rare cases.
The Bicentennial Quarter has a History
The production of special coins by the US Mint was inevitable given the tremendous celebration that was going to happen across the country on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of independence. The highly stylized eagle design upon the rim was replaced by a colonial drummer done by Jack L. Ahr, one of the best designers in America. This type of indication inspired setting off yet another chapter in American history.
The coin, however, is going to be inscribed with the years “1776-1976,” therefore commemorating the bicentennial of America. Intriguingly, production for this coin began in 1975 and continued into 1976.
Today, this quarter has remained quite popular among collectors; some rare or special editions have risen into millions. So if you have a Bicentennial quarter, you might want to check how much it costs!
Bicentennial Quarter Overview
| Authority | U.S. Mint |
| Name of Coin | Bicentennial Quarter |
| Minting Year | 1976 |
| Value | Typically 25 cents; up to $250,000 for rare error coins |
| Types | Silver Proof, Silver Uncirculated, Clad |
| Myth | $250,000 value is a myth |
| Beneficiaries | Coin collectors, history enthusiasts |
| Category | Rare Bicentennial |
| Official Website | https://www.usmint.gov/ |
The kinds of quarters crafted as bicentennials
The mints of Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco minted more than 1.7 billion coins of this bicentennial quarter.
It consists of only three types.
- Proof Quarters: 40% Silver (San Francisco Mint) – These particular coins were offered for collectors only and hold a greater silver content.
- Uncirculated Quarters: 40% Silver (San Francisco Mint) – These coins too were made from silver, yet were not regularly circulated.
- Copper-Nickel Clad Quarters: Philadelphia and Denver Mint-these coins were the most circulated and minted for the public.
Could They Actually Be Worth $250,000?
Most bicentennial quarters are commonly worth just 25 cents (being their “real” worth). Even if these coins go “uncirculated”, they are typically worth between $1 to $2. The $250,000 Bicentennial quarter is simply a rumor floating around after a misunderstanding and some misleading headlines. Some of the high prices of rare error coins at various auction sites have also fueled this myth.
Most Valuable Error Coins
The most prestigious of these quarters are those with some errors during minting. Some important Mint Errors are as follows:
- Double Die Error – In this, some parts of the design appear double.
- Off-Center Strike – The coin is slightly tilted or embossed incorrectly instead of being minted properly.
- Wrong Planchet Error – If the coin is accidentally minted on a blank plate of another metal, it can be very valuable.
A 1976 Proof Bicentennial quarter without the “S” mint mark was sold in auction for between $15,000 to $35,000.
Coin condition is the most important determining factor of value. If a coin has a grade of MS-68 or higher, it may be worth hundreds or even thousands. Coins that are grade-perfect are actually some of the most valuable because they are so rare.
The Legend of the $250,000 Bicentennial Quarter
The $250,000 Bicentennial Quarter is actually a creation of misinformation and misunderstanding about other rare coins. While some rare error coins may sell for thousands, possibly millions, of dollars, a normal Bicentennial Quarter probably won’t ever be able to demand such a price.
FAQS:
Are all Bicentennial quarters of value?
No, most Bicentennial quarters are just worth 25 cents. The only ones that have any value are those that have an error in minting or those with an almost perfect grade of MS-68 or higher.
Can a Bicentennial Quarter Really Sell for $250,000?
No, that is a myth. This misconception came from seeing other rare error coins go for such prices at auction, and from sensationalist headlines.
How do I know if my Bicentennial Quarter is worth anything?
You can submit your coin to a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC. Coins graded MS-68 or higher, coins with any rare minting error, would have a value.