10 Rarest Bicentennial Quarters Worth Money : The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most iconic U.S. coins ever minted, commemorating America’s 200th anniversary of independence. While millions of these quarters were produced, certain rare varieties and mint errors have made some of them extremely valuable. Some Bicentennial Quarters have been auctioned for thousands of dollars, making them a sought-after treasure among collectors.
If you have any old quarters lying around, it’s time to check your collection! Here are the 10 rarest and most valuable Bicentennial Quarters worth money.
Table of Contents
1. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter – Up to $20,000
The 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter was minted in San Francisco and struck in 40% silver as part of special proof sets. These coins were never meant for circulation, making them rare and valuable. High-grade examples, especially those with deep cameo contrast, can fetch up to $20,000 at auctions.
- Mint Mark: “S”
- Composition: 40% silver
- Value: $100 – $20,000 (depending on condition)
2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse – Worth Over $3,000
A rare error variety, the double die obverse (DDO) version of the 1976-D quarter features noticeable doubling on the lettering and date. Coins with strong doubling are highly sought after and have been sold for over $3,000 in mint state conditions.
- Mint Mark: “D” (Denver)
- Error: Double die obverse
- Value: $500 – $3,000+
3. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter (High-Grade MS67+) – Worth Over $6,000
While most Philadelphia-minted quarters aren’t rare, those in high uncirculated grades (MS67 and above) are exceptionally valuable. The best-preserved examples are hard to find and can sell for over $6,000.
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia Mint)
- Value: $500 – $6,000+
4. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo Proof) – Up to $7,000
Deep cameo (DCAM) proof quarters feature a frosted design and mirrored background, making them highly collectible. The 1976-S silver proof quarter in pristine deep cameo condition is valued at up to $7,000.
- Mint Mark: “S”
- Composition: 40% silver
- Value: $1,500 – $7,000
5. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Full Drum Lines) – Worth Over $5,000
Collectors pay a premium for quarters with fully visible drum lines on the reverse (the detail on the drummer’s drum). The sharper the strike, the more valuable the coin.
- Mint Mark: “D”
- Feature: Full drum lines
- Value: $500 – $5,000
6. 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter (Struck on Wrong Planchet) – Over $10,000
Some rare Bicentennial Quarters were mistakenly struck on foreign planchets or other coin blanks, such as dimes or nickels. These rare mint errors can command prices over $10,000.
- Mint Mark: “S”
- Error: Wrong planchet
- Value: $5,000 – $10,000+
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Clipped Planchet Error) – Worth Up to $1,000
A clipped planchet error occurs when a piece of the coin is missing due to a mistake in the minting process. While clipped planchet quarters are not extremely rare, those in high grades can sell for up to $1,000.
- Mint Mark: Various
- Error: Clipped planchet
- Value: $100 – $1,000
8. 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter (Overstruck on a Foreign Coin) – Over $12,000
Some Bicentennial Quarters were accidentally struck over existing foreign coins, creating an incredible rarity. These error coins are highly valuable, with some selling for more than $12,000.
- Mint Mark: “S”
- Error: Overstruck on foreign coin
- Value: $5,000 – $12,000+
9. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Off-Center Strike) – Worth Over $2,500
An off-center error occurs when the coin is not properly aligned during the minting process. The greater the off-center misalignment, the more valuable the coin. Some off-center Bicentennial Quarters have been sold for more than $2,500.
- Mint Mark: Various
- Error: Off-center strike
- Value: $500 – $2,500+
10. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Wrong Metal Composition) – Worth Over $15,000
Some Bicentennial Quarters were mistakenly struck on nickel or copper planchets instead of the standard copper-nickel clad or silver composition. These rare errors can fetch upwards of $15,000 in auctions.
- Mint Mark: Various
- Error: Wrong metal composition
- Value: $5,000 – $15,000+
How to Identify a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter
If you believe you have a rare Bicentennial Quarter, here’s how to check its value:
✅ Look for the mint mark – Coins with “S” (San Francisco) are often silver or proof versions.
✅ Check for errors – Double die obverses, off-center strikes, and planchet errors increase value.
✅ Grade the coin – The condition of the coin matters. Higher grades (MS67+) are the most valuable.
✅ Test for silver content – If the quarter is silver, it will weigh around 5.75 grams instead of 5.67 grams for standard clad quarters.
Conclusion
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a must-have for any coin collector, and certain rare varieties can be worth thousands of dollars. Whether it’s a proof silver quarter, an error coin, or a high-grade example, these coins are highly sought after. If you own a Bicentennial Quarter, it’s worth checking its details you might be sitting on a small fortune.
