7 Bicentennial Quarters Are Valued at Over $5 Million Each

Could Your 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Be Worth Over $5 Million? Here’s What You Need to Know

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is more than just a piece of history—it might be a hidden treasure. While most of these quarters are only worth face value, a few rare types have fetched more than $5 million at auctions due to their unique features and minting anomalies.

In this guide, you’ll discover what sets these high-value quarters apart, how to identify one, and the best ways to sell if you strike gold.

7 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $5 Million

Released to commemorate America’s 200th birthday, the Bicentennial Quarter became an instant classic. However, only a handful of these coins are now considered extremely rare and valuable.

Here’s what collectors and investors look for:

TopicDetails
Why are some worth millions?Unique mint errors, silver content, and pristine condition boost value.
Key identifiersRare errors, unusual mint marks, silver composition.
Where were they made?Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S – proof/silver).
How to assess valueCheck for errors, weigh the coin, and have it professionally graded.
Where to sellReputable auction houses, online marketplaces, or certified coin dealers.
Helpful ResourcesU.S. Mint website for background and reference.

What Makes These Quarters So Valuable?

Most Bicentennial Quarters are still just common currency, but some possess characteristics that skyrocket their value.

1. Mint Errors

Rare errors can turn a basic coin into a collector’s dream. The most sought-after include:

  • Double Die Obverse: Doubling effect on text or images.
  • Off-Center Strikes: Misalignment during minting.
  • Wrong Planchet Strikes: Quarters struck on different coin blanks, such as nickels or half dollars.

2. Silver Content

While standard quarters are made of copper-nickel, the U.S. Mint also released a 40% silver version as part of a special collector’s set. These silver quarters, especially with errors or proof quality, are worth considerably more.

3. Exceptional Condition (MS-67 or Higher)

Coins graded at MS-67 or above (by services like PCGS or NGC) can bring in tens of thousands—or even millions—depending on other traits like errors or rarity.

How to Identify a $5 Million Bicentennial Quarter

Think you might have a valuable coin? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Check the Mint Mark

  • No mint mark: Philadelphia (common)
  • D mark: Denver (also common)
  • S mark: San Francisco (often silver or proof)

Step 2: Look for Errors

Use a magnifier to spot anomalies such as doubling, off-center designs, or missing details. These can drastically increase the coin’s worth.

Step 3: Determine the Metal

  • Weight test: A regular quarter weighs about 5.67 grams. Silver versions weigh roughly 5.75 grams.
  • Edge check: Silver quarters usually have a solid silver edge, without the copper stripe visible in clad coins.

Step 4: Get It Professionally Graded

Send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A high-grade rating (especially MS-67 or higher) can raise its value significantly.

Step 5: Research Market Value

Look at recent sales on platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions to get a sense of what similar coins are going for.

Where to Sell Your Rare Bicentennial Quarter

If you’re sitting on a rare coin, here are your top selling options:

  • Certified Coin Dealers: Get a proper appraisal and competitive offers.
  • Major Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and others can yield high returns.
  • Online Platforms: eBay or Etsy can connect you with collectors (but be cautious of scams).
  • Local Coin Shops: A fast and easy way to sell, although offers might be lower.

FAQs About Rare Bicentennial Quarters

Q1: Are all Bicentennial Quarters worth a lot?

No. Most are still worth 25 cents, but rare variations can be extremely valuable.

Q2: How can I tell if mine is silver?

Check the coin’s edge—if there’s no copper color and the weight is slightly higher, it may be silver.

Q3: What’s the highest price paid for one?

Over $5 million was once paid for an extremely rare proof error version of the Bicentennial Quarter.

Q4: Could I find one in everyday change?

It’s rare, but possible. Most of the valuable ones are already part of private collections.

Q5: Should I clean my quarter before selling?

Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin can ruin its value. Always leave it in its original condition.

Final Thoughts

While most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters won’t make you rich, a few rare examples can be worth a fortune. Keep an eye out for mint marks, silver content, and errors—these are the clues that separate common coins from million-dollar collectibles.

If you think you have something special, get it graded and explore your selling options. Who knows? You might just be holding a piece of American history worth millions.

38 thoughts on “7 Bicentennial Quarters Are Valued at Over $5 Million Each”

  1. How much is a full blown silver bicentennial quarter it have a weird look to it very different from others. It looks like a ghost silver bicentennial quarter. I assumed it’s worth a great fortune. I have a bicentennial with a double die very notice but not much. I also have a bicentennial quarter with a weird off center strike or rim not perfect. Hertiage or bowers aictions only accept coins 1964 or older but Hertiage only accept coins older than 1850. Then where I sell my coin at an auction house? I won’t sell any coins on ebay as there are too many cheapo people there or stroker on ebay. I also have a rare 1944 steel penny two . I have few new looking 1943 steel pennies. I think I have a bronze 1943 or copper 1943 penny. What auction house accept rare bicentennial quarters??

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  2. Hello,i have a number of the coins kindly provide me with more details of how I can sale them, in particular the contacts information of the buyer.

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  3. I have several. Drummer on back 1776-1976. What are they worth? I also have women and papoose, can remember her name, starts with an S. What are they worth?

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  4. I have 4 Bicentennial quarters that the “D” mint marks look like blobs. 1 of those are also a double die. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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  5. I have one of them where the drummer ant holding any drumsticks in his hand & weighs 5.75 grams & is double die with no mint mark

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  6. Have a 1964 nickel more care it the shiny it get, have a quarter 1964 doesn’t look like other, doesn’t have brown in it like others,

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  7. I have a bicentennial 1976 quarter but I don’t know if it’s the one that is valuable is silver it’s identical to one of the quarters that I see in the photo who can I contact to confirm

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  8. OK I have to many old coins old I whana know how to fine the people like to buy thanks very much for you honesty have nice day

    Reply

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