Rare Bicentennial Quarter Valued at $20K and 7 More Coins Worth Big Money

Those people from a certain generation will remember the year-long bicentennial celebration of 1976 when the United States celebrated its 200th birthday and the country was quite literally awash in bicentennial trinkets, coins and souvenirs to spend money on. The U.S. Mint produced a series of bicentennial quarters also to mark the occasion — and many of those have now grown in worth as the country approaches its 250th birthday.

Special orders were executed on ordinances for the Mint with those coins minted from 1975 to 1976. These coins were made particularly memorable because they were the first U.S. quarters in over 50 years to feature a special reverse design.

Big Bicentennial Bucks

According to Chronicle Collectibles, the most precious of these coins, a 1976-S Bicentennial Silver Quarter, among one of the highest-grade coins, sold for $19,200 in an auction a few years ago. And it’s far from the only bicentennial quarter to see big bucks.

The Mint categorizes them as “clad,” meaning any of these coins share metal composition such as nickel, copper, and zinc layered together like a sandwich. The Chronicle Collectibles said, however, that some of the bicentennial quarters were composed of 40% silver — an important distinction because the silver coins are rarer and therefore far more valuable. The value of the coin also depends on its condition, with those in mint condition achieving the highest prices.

The three mints of the bicentennial quarters were minted at three different locations with different mintages in: Philadelphia (809,784,016 coins), Denver (860,118,839 coins), and San Francisco (11,000,000 uncirculated 40% silver coins, 7,059,099 proof clad coins, and 4 million proof 40% silver coins).

Here is a look at seven other bicentennial quarters that sold for over $1,000, according to CoinValueChecker:

• 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter: $13,500 in 2019

• Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Dime: $9,200 in 2020
• 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike: $8,400 in 2023
• 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike: $6,463 in 2017
• 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter: $6,038 in 2010
• 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter: $2,760 in 2007
• 1976 Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike: $1,821 in 2023

How to Identify Valuable Coins

If you suspect you have a rare quarter or coin, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Check the Mint Mark:
   Look for letters near the date — “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and “P” for Philadelphia. Certain mint marks are rarer than others.
2. Examine for Errors:
   Look for double strikes, off-center images, unusual designs, or missing details. These can indicate valuable mint errors.
3. Check the Metal Composition:
   Silver quarters (pre-1965) are always more valuable because they are 90% silver.
4. Inspect the Condition:
   Coins in mint state (MS) or proof condition are more valuable. A coin grading service like PCGS or NGC can professionally grade your coin and certify its value.
5. Consult a Coin Dealer:
   Reputable coin dealers or online coin marketplaces can help determine the value before you sell or auction your coin.

Tips for Collectors and Sellers

• Store Coins Properly: Keep coins in protective holders or capsules to prevent scratches and tarnish.
• Avoid Cleaning Coins: Cleaning can lower a coin’s value dramatically. Collectors prefer natural toning and original surfaces.
• Do Your Research: Check recent auction results for similar coins to get an idea of current market value.
• Join Coin Communities: Online forums and numismatic clubs are great for sharing knowledge and spotting fakes.
• Consider Professional Appraisals: If you think your coin might be worth thousands, have it professionally graded before selling.

Why Rare Coins Are So Valuable

Rare coins are not just pieces of metal — they are pieces of history. Collectors value them for their scarcity, condition, historical significance, and demand. When a coin is rare and many collectors want it, its price skyrockets.

Coins like the Bicentennial Quarter hold a special place because they commemorate an important event in American history. That emotional and historical connection makes them even more desirable.

Conclusion

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is not just a nostalgic keepsake — in some cases, it can be worth thousands of dollars. If you happen to have one in exceptional condition, or a rare error version, it might fetch close to $20,000.

But don’t stop at just checking your Bicentennial quarters — there are many other rare coins in circulation worth thousands, from early Washington quarters to error Statehood coins.

Take some time to go through your old coin jars, check your loose change, or even ask family members if they have coins from previous decades. You might be holding a small fortune without even knowing it!

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