The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence, remains one of the most iconic and collectible U.S. coins in modern history. While hundreds of millions were struck for circulation, a select group of rare variants and error coins have emerged as standout collectibles—some commanding jaw-dropping prices from passionate collectors.
If you think these quarters are just pocket change, think again. Some of the rarest versions are fetching five, six, or even eight-figure prices, making them highly sought after in the numismatic market.
Top 10 Rare Bicentennial Quarters and Their Values
| No. | Type of Rare Bicentennial Quarter | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250 Million Error Quarter | $250,000,000 (rumored) |
| 2 | Double Die Obverse Quarter | $69,000,000+ |
| 3 | Off-Center Strike Quarter | $200,000+ |
| 4 | Overstruck Bicentennial Quarter | $250,000+ |
| 5 | Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter | $15,000+ |
| 6 | 1976-S Silver MS69 Quarter | $19,200 |
| 7 | 1976-D Clad MS68 Quarter | $6,462.50 |
| 8 | 1976 Clad MS67+ Quarter | $1,821 |
| 9 | 1976-S Clad PR67 Quarter | $6,038 |
| 10 | 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter (PR) | $13,500 |
In-Depth Look at the Rarest Bicentennial Quarters
1. $250 Million Error Quarter
This coin is largely unconfirmed but rumored to exist. Said to contain an extreme minting anomaly or rare composite materials, it’s considered the “holy grail” of Bicentennial quarters. If it surfaces, it could become one of the most expensive coins in history.
2. Double Die Obverse Quarter
This variety features noticeable doubling of letters and numbers, caused during the minting process. Highly graded examples can command over $69 million—though these are exceptionally rare and verified by top grading agencies.
3. Off-Center Strike Quarter
A dramatic minting error that occurs when the blank coin is misaligned. The further off-center the strike, the higher the value. Clean examples have reached $200,000 at auction.
4. Overstruck Quarter
These are quarters mistakenly struck over another coin, often a foreign currency or U.S. denomination like a dime. Their one-of-a-kind nature pushes values to $250,000+.
5. Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
These were part of special collector’s sets, composed of 40% silver and not intended for circulation. In pristine condition, these coins can sell for $15,000 or more.
High-Grade Collector Quarters Worth Thousands
6. 1976-S Silver MS69 Bicentennial Quarter
With only a few coins ever reaching the MS69 level, this San Francisco–minted coin fetched $19,200 at a Heritage Auctions event.
7. 1976-D Clad MS68 Quarter
Minted in Denver, this nearly perfect clad quarter (non-silver) sold for $6,462.50, showing the value of top-tier condition even in mass-circulated coins.
8. 1976 Clad MS67+ Regular Strike Quarter
Despite being a standard circulating coin, an MS67+ grade makes it extremely rare. One such coin was auctioned for $1,821.
Premium Proof Quarters from the San Francisco Mint
9. 1976-S Clad PR67 Quarter
Produced with high-definition detail for collectors, this proof version with a PR67 grade has sold for as much as $6,038.
10. 1976-S Silver Proof Quarter
Combining silver content and collector-grade finishing, high-quality examples of this proof coin have sold for $13,500 or more depending on the market.
Why Are Bicentennial Quarters So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to their high value:
- Commemorative Significance: Minted for the 200th anniversary of U.S. independence.
- Limited Collector Editions: Especially the silver proofs and S-mint coins.
- Minting Errors: Unusual and rare errors, such as double strikes and off-center designs, skyrocket value.
- High Grades: Coins with grades above MS67 or PR67 are extremely rare and prized.
Check Your Change—You Might Be Holding a Fortune
Bicentennial quarters were minted by the hundreds of millions, but the rare variants and errors are exceedingly difficult to find. If you have old quarters sitting in a coin jar or tucked in drawers, it’s worth checking their:
- Date: Look for 1976
- Mint Mark: “S” for San Francisco (valuable in proof or silver)
- Condition: Near-perfect condition drastically increases value
- Errors: Doubling, off-center strikes, or missing elements
Even a modest coin in MS65 or higher condition can be worth hundreds or thousands.
FAQs
Are all 1976 quarters valuable?
No. Most are worth face value, but rare versions with errors, silver content, or high grades can be extremely valuable.
How do I know if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
Look for the “S” mint mark and weigh the coin. Silver quarters are heavier and often come from collector sets.
What does MS or PR mean in coin grading?
MS = Mint State (uncirculated), PR = Proof (struck for collectors). Higher numbers (up to 70) indicate better condition.