Jump to: Collecting US Bicentennial Quarters | Bicentennial Quarter Mintage | Historical Background | Design | Bicentennial Quarter Price Guide | Valuable Mint Errors | FAQs
In 1976, the United States commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This event marked a significant stride toward shaping the influential and resilient America we recognize today. Through such an adamant act, the Founding Fathers' pride and honor were directed toward creating the basis for a country to prosper and build upon.
Thereafter, the newly formed United States Congress was quick to attend to some important measures such as creating a strong currency for the country. With the Coinage Act of 1792, the U.S. Dollar became the country's official unit of currency. It also ensured the creation of a national mint in Philadelphia, paving the way for the respectful history of the US Mint we know today.
Key Takeaways
- The Bicentennial Quarters were designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. They feature the dual date 1776-1976 on the reverse, symbolizing both the end of the Revolutionary War and the anniversary.
- These coins were massively produced, so their prices are mainly influenced by their condition or error variety for copper issues and by their precious metal content for the silver issues.
- The Denver Mint's regular business strikes were struck with better quality, allowing the coins to resist time in better condition. Their prices range from $3,220 to $6,463 in Uncirculated condition.
- A 1976 Quarter Silver version from the San Francisco Mint, graded MS69, can be worth up to $19,200.
- The most notable error variety from the series is the 1976 Quarter struck on a 10C dime. In 2021, a proof-graded 67 was sold at Heritage Auctions for $12,000.
Collecting US Bicentennial Quarters
Quarters are among the most popular denominations within the coin collecting community. These coins offer historical significance, variety, accessibility and educational value in America’s rich and powerful history.
Bicentennial Quarters, in particular, speak to the United States struggle in the Revolutionary War and the development of the US Mint itself. Hence, these special quarters are highly collectible coins that can be worth significantly more than their face value.
Whether you're looking to make some bucks on a well-conditioned coin or start a collection, don't hinder the desire to look through your change for these coins.
This article will show examples of bicentennial quarters worth money. Jointly, we will show what gives them value, their history of production, as well as how much they can sell for.
If you enjoy collecting silver quarters, make sure to read our article on what quarters are worth money.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter Mintage
Over 1 billion bicentenary quarters were minted throughout the U.S. Mint's facilities. Interestingly, production of these special coins commenced a year before their introduction to the market in 1975, primarily to discourage hoarding.
There was a widespread belief that these unique quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coins would accrue value over time. Consequently, the national mint made it a priority to ensure an ample supply of these special coins for the general populace. Additionally, proof sets and uncirculated sets were struck specifically for collectors.
Production took place at the U.S. Mint's Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities, with the following mintages:
- Philadelphia: 809,784,016 coins
- Denver: 860,118,839 coins
- San Francisco: 6,995,180 cupronickel clad proof coins, 3,998,621 silver proofs, and 4,908,319 silver uncirculated coins.
Bicentennial Quarter, Half Dollar, and Dollar Historical Background
The 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1876 saw no major change to the U.S. coinage. At the time, the U.S. Mint struck commemorative medals for the Centennial Exposition that happened in Philadelphia.
However, things were different one century later. As the year 1976 approached, it was a general agreement that the date was a special occasion deserving of attention.
The commemorative coin program had been halted since 1954. Yet, bills proposing the 1776-1976 bicentennial pieces were introduced in Congress in 1971.
The legislation eventually passed, requiring a temporary redesign of the reverse of the quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coin and the addition of the 1776 1976 bicentennial date on their obverse.
Production began a year prior, in 1975. The bicentennial quarter dollar, half dollar, and dollar were struck in large quantities for circulation. Such was done as a means to avoid hoarding from collectors. Over one billion quarters were struck in both Philadelphia and Denver branches of the United States Mint. There were also about 9 million examples issued with part-silver composition - as opposed to the traditional copper-nickel - destined towards collectors.
The designs for each of the three coins' reverses were chosen from a nationwide competition.
Bicentennial Coins Design
Obverse and Reverse Side of a Washington Bicentennial Quarter
The quarter's reverse features Jack L. Ahr's depiction of a colonial revolutionary playing drums. To the soldier's left, a torch is circled by thirteen stars, representing the Original States. Beneath the victory torch is engraved the national motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” (The expression pluribus unum means "one out of many.") Arching around the head of the drummer boy, the inscription reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
On the lower half of the reverse, it reads “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The designer's initials, “JLA,” are also present beneath the American Revolution soldier's left arm. Because of its design, this coin is usually referred to as the Drummer Boy Quarter.
Ahr's colonial drummer design replaced, during the bicentennial quarter's run, sculptor John Flanagan's bald eagle reverse design.
The bicentennial obverse design maintained the famous George Washington design by Flanagan. It depicts the First President's left profile with the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” to its left. The word “LIBERTY” arches along the top half of the obverse. The mint mark is present to the right of the profile. Unlike all the obverses of previous quarters, the dual date reads “1776-1976,” representing the 200th anniversary of the signing.
On October 23, 1973, the Treasury Department and the U.S. Mint's director, Mary Brooks, announced a national contest to choose the new designs of quarters, half dollars, and dollar commemorative coins. A panel of five judges appointed by the National Sculpture Society administered the competition. Any U.S. citizen, with the exception of panel members and government sculptors, was eligible to participate.
With a prize of $5000 for each of the three winners, the Mint officials received 15,000 inquiries and 884 entries. Treasury Secretary George P. Schultz chose the winners on March 6, 1974.
Bicentennial Quarter Value and Price Guide
In view of the large number of the quarter dollar struck by each mint, some varieties stand out as more valuable than others. Prices may vary from the coin's face value and melt value up to thousands of dollars in some cases.
With this in mind, let's take a look at some bicentennial quarters varieties worth money. All prices and auction values are according to professional coin grading services, such as PCGS and NGC.
Philadelphia Quarters
The Philadelphia Mint struck all of its 1976 bicentennial quarters in cupronickel-clad composition. Demand and anticipation for the commemorative coins minted issue was high, so quantity was prioritized over quality.
Learn more about Silver Nickels
In circulated conditions, old quarters are worth face value. However, many coins, quarters, half dollars, and dollars were pulled from circulation while still new. You can still find preserved examples worth money nowadays.
MS65 Regular Strike Washington Quarter
MS65 1976 25C Clad Quarter
1976 Washington quarters in Mint State 65 condition are more common for preserved bicentenary quarters. Generally, coins of this grade may be found on pocket change. These quarters are worth over their face value, with auction prices starting from $6 up to $10.
MS66 / MS67 Regular Strike Washington Quarter
MS67 1976 Quarter
Most Philadelphia bicentennial quarters in MS66 and MS67 conditions were pulled out of circulation after being introduced. Although not too rare, the coin values range from $15 to $40 for MS66, $35 to $70, and up to $127 for MS67 conditions.
MS67+ / MS68 Regular Strike Washington Quarter
MS67+ 1976 25C Clad
An MS67+ example has gone to auction for $1,821. But according to the PCGS price guide, they can fetch $2,350.
Denver Quarters
The U.S. Mint's Denver branch also struck all of its quarters using cupronickel clad. All Denver quarter dollars bear a “D” mintmark on their obverse, located to the right of Washington's profile.
Furthermore, Denver's bicentennial quarters were struck in slightly better conditions. For this reason, you can find examples in MS68 conditions.
MS68 Regular Strike Washington Quarter
MS68 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
A Denver Washington bicentennial quarter in MS68 status is the best-known grade for this variety. Therefore, they can be a valued piece among collectors. Their price goes from $3220 up to $6463.
San Francisco Quarters
The U.S. Mint designated the San Francisco branch to strike-proof bicentennial quarters to avoid hoarders and appease collectors. The facility struck not only quarters but also half dollars and dollar coins. Washington quarters produced in their facility bear an S mint mark similar to Denver's.
The proof quarters were not intended for circulation. They have a shiny, mirror-like finish. There exist three main varieties:
Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter
PR70 1976-S 25C Clad, DCAM (Proof)
About 7 million examples of the cladproof dual date quarter were produced.
In recent auctions, pieces of the proof Washington Bicentennial quarter in deep cameo finish were sold for $7 up to $50 in PR69 grade and $79 up to $154 in PR70 grade.
Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
PR70 1976-S 25C Silver, DCAM (Proof)
The San Francisco Mint struck close to 4 million proof silver coins. Their metal blanks are comprised of 40% silver and 60% copper.
Deep cameo PR69 examples of the commemorative coin can reach from $15 to $40 in auctions, while in PR70, uncirculated conditions may affect up to $288.
Silver Uncirculated Bicentennial Quarter
MS69 1976 Quarter, Silver version from San Francisco Mint.
In spite of Philadelphia and Denver's production of the regular quarter, the Bay area also produced a business strike of the quarter dollar. However, instead of the usual clad quarter composition, this was a silver quarter. Close to 5 million were issued. Due to their metal composition, the silver-content coins are scarcer and more valuable than the clad coins.
A silver 1976 bicentennial quarter-graded MS68 is valued from $23 to $144. Albeit, an MS69 example ranges from $5060 up to $19200. There are only six known coins of this grade.
Valuable Mint Errors
Their nature as a commemorative issue can be enough to make the 1976 quarter stand out from other quarters. Yet, unique varieties featuring coin errors can make the bicentennial quarter worth a lot more than they normally would.
Doubled Die Quarter
1976-S DDO FS-101 25C
When a coin is struck by a coin die that is not properly made, its reverse and obverse inscriptions may double.
Collectors have discovered a few doubled-die bicentenary quarters. These valuable coins have an auction record of 2023, when an MS 66 was sold for $8,400 at Heritage Auctions.
Overstruck Bicentennial Quarters
1976 Quarter Struck on 10C Dime
Every so often, a special coin can be struck. Overstruck coins happen when an already fully struck coin or a different planchet is pressed by a coin die. To illustrate, bicentennial quarters are struck on other coins and planchets, such as on a dime.
Check our article on What are Dimes Made Of?
Due to their personalized content, these rare quarters can represent top uniqueness and give character to a coin collection. They are very valuable. The aforementioned example sold in a recent auction for $12000.
Struck Through Quarters
1976 25C Struck Through Cloth
If something, such as cloth, finds its way into the coin-striking chambers, a different variety of coin errors can happen. There are known Bicentennial quarters that were obstructed by a piece of cloth when being produced. The obverse of the coin features a weaving pattern, making it unique and very valuable.
An example in MS66 conditions was sold for $881.25 in an auction.
Final Thoughts
The United States of America has a rich history in coinage. Our coins can be used to celebrate our society, milestones, victories, and anniversaries. Bicentennial quarters are an excellent example of that, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
These intricate coins have been around for over 45 years. Becoming part of this time of many people's lives, coin collectors or not. We hope this article contributed to understanding their value.
Whatever the case may be, why not take a look through your pocket change? After all, even a circulated coin may be a good surprise and reward you with some money.
FAQs
How Many Bicentennial Quarters Were Made?
More than 1.6 billion quarters were minted for the 1976 bicentennial, spanning three U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Philadelphia and Denver branches handled the production of regular business strike quarters. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Mint crafted proof and uncirculated versions, available in sets for coin collectors, crafted from both silver and copper-nickel clad materials.
Are There Any 1975 Quarters?
Quarters dated 1975 do not exist. The U.S. Mint was tasked with creating new designs for the quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coins to commemorate America's bicentenary. As bicentennial coins required time for production, there was insufficient time to strike enough 1975 pieces, leading to a shortage. President Gerald Ford signed a bill allowing the continued production of 1974 coins until the bicentennial coin production commenced.
How Rare Are Bicentennial Quarters?
The scarcest bicentennial quarter varieties encompass 1976 MS67+ quarters, 1976-D MS68 quarters, and 1976-S MS69 Silver quarters. Error coins, such as doubled die, overstruck, and struck-through quarters, can also command hundreds in value. A handful of 1976-S Silver Proof quarters, lacking the “S” mintmark, were reportedly struck for President Gerald Ford and his appointment secretary during an American Numismatic Association convention. The current existence of these pieces remains uncertain.
How much is a bicentennial quarter worth now?
The value of a Washington bicentennial quarter depends on its condition, rarity, and other factors. While most bicentennial quarters are still worth their face value of 25 cents, those in excellent condition or with rare errors can be worth more to collectors. Uncirculated bicentennial quarters in their original packaging could sell for a few dollars, while those with errors could be worth hundreds or even thousands. It's best to have a valuable quarter appraised by a professional to determine its exact worth.
What is the error on the bicentennial quarter?
The bicentennial quarter has several types of errors that can increase its value to collectors. Some common errors include doubled die, off-center strike, and missing letters or numbers. A doubled die error occurs when the design is stamped onto the coin twice, causing a doubling effect. An off-center strike happens when the design is not struck in the center of the coin. Missing letters or numbers occur when part of the design, such as the date or lettering, is incomplete.
Are 1776 to 1976 quarters worth anything?
As of April 2024, the NGC Price Guide indicates that circulated coins 1776-1976 hold a value between $0.30 and $0.85. Conversely, 1776-1976 D Quarters in pristine, uncirculated condition can fetch prices as high as $6000 on the open market.
Which bicentennial quarters are valuable?
Valuable bicentennial quarters are usually worth more than their face value. The 1976-P Clad Bicentennial Quarter can fetch $4,500 in pristine condition. The 1976-S Washington Silver Quarter will be worth even more than the clad coin: in MS69 condition, it can be purchased for $9.250. It's exceedingly rare, with only a few known examples and none registered in higher condition.
Bicentennial quarters no mint mark
Philadelphia Mint was the first operating facility of the United States Mint. Since there was no need to track the origin of coins to maintain quality control at the time, Philadelphia coins remained without any mint marks.
