This Bicentennial Quarter Tops $19,000, 5 More Worth Big Bucks

The U.S. Mint has created many memorable coins throughout history. Some came from production errors, and some from wartime material shortages. But some were designed for special events. In 1976, the mint produced bicentennial quarters to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. Because of their cultural and historical significance, these collectible coins can be extremely valuable, with one selling for $19,200.

The Special Quarter design for 1976

Sculptor Jack L. Ahr created the signature design for the bicentennial quarter. Image Credit: Shutterstock

There are multiple types of 1976 quarters. They are easily identifiable by the unique picture on the reverse side. Like all quarters, they feature the side profile of George Washington, but instead of the eagle on the “tails” side, they have an etching of a drumming Revolutionary soldier next to a victory torch encircled by 13 stars to represent the 13 colonies. The engraving was made by Jack L. Ahr, who won the national coin design competition for this opportunity, according to the USA Coin Book.

The USA quarter dollar coin with drummer lies in a palm close up. Illustration about American patriotism and Independence Day July 4. Macro — *During the 1970s, the U.S. Mint was phasing silver out of coin production. Image Credit: Shutterstock*

Some quarters were made with 40% silver, while others were clad, meaning they were made of copper-nickel alloy with a silver-colored surface. In the 1970s, the mint was phasing out silver in coin production, which makes these quarters represent another turning point in history. In addition to their silver content, the value of the coin changes depending on where they were manufactured and whether they have errors or other notable characteristics.

Where the Collectible Coins Were Minted

1976 S Commemorative Proof Quarter. It commemorates the bicentennial of the United States. This the obverse of the coin. — *The mint in San Francisco produces proof collector coins, but quarters from other facilities can also be high in value. Image Credit: Shutterstock*

These collectible coins were minted in San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia. Over 860 million were made in Denver, which is indicated by the small D on the Washington side of the coin. Over 809 million were made in Philadelphia and labeled with P, and 11 million were made in San Francisco (S). Because of their scarcity, the ones from San Francisco are generally deemed more valuable. That’s also where the limited edition 40% silver coins were minted. Because they also contain 60% copper, these quarters are heavier and have a more golden hue than their clad counterparts. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the clad quarters are common. So there’s a chance there’s one sulking at the bottom of your wallet. But keep in mind, the condition of the coin highly impacts its value. Here are a few examples of some of the highest-valued 1976 quarters in recent years.

1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Proof)

NGC 25c 1976-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter Dual-Date Double-Denomination PF-65 RD — Credit: PCGS. Despite its used condition, this quarter sold for over $13,500.

In 2019, one bicentennial quarter minted in San Francisco sold for $13,500. This sale broke an auction record, according to PCGS. It’s also an anomaly, with quarters of this average condition (PF65) typically selling for $9 to $13, according to Chronicle Collectibles. This coin had a dual-date double-denomination error, which made it even more valuable. Additionally, it is a proof coin, meaning it has a mirror-like surface and sharper details, and is made as a collectible. (Meanwhile, regular or business strike coins have a duller finish, and they are produced for the masses.)

1976-S Bicentennial Quarter (Regular Strike)

1976-S 25C Silver MS69 PCGS sold on June 7, 2019 — Credit: Heritage Auctions. *This bicentennial quarter, in almost mint condition, was sold for almost $20,000.*

The average value of a silver quarter minted in 1976 in San Francisco is around $95. However, this coin was graded Mint State (MS) 69, which means it is in almost perfect condition and has not been circulated. In a 2019 auction, this coin sold for a record-breaking $19,200 at the Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction. It had previously appeared in a 2007 Heritage auction, where it was purchased for $5,888, according to Coin World.

1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Regular Strike)

976-D 25C Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101, MS66 PCGS. Sold on May 7, 2023 — Credit: Heritage Auctions. *The word “LIBERTY” is especially pronounced on this coin, especially the letter “R.”*

This coin sold for $8,400 at the 2023 Heritage Auctions. Despite being a regular strike from Denver, this quarter is highly valued for its doubled die obverse. The doubling, caused by a misaligned hub, resulted in a more pronounced lettering on the “heads” side, particularly around the word “LIBERTY.” Lower grades of this coin have sold for $475 in 2018 and $3,246 in 2019.

1976-S Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Proof)

1976-(S) Washington Bicentennial Quarter. Copper-Nickel Clad--Struck Five Times--Proof-67 (NGC) — Credit: PCGS. The clad 1976 quarter may have been stamped five times, *accidentally* *creating a distinct appearance.*

In the November 2010 Baltimore Auction, a clad bicentennial quarter minted in San Francisco sold for $6,038. As a proof coin, this one is already upped in value compared to similar coins. But this one is extremely rare among proof coins because of the error. It seemed to have been stamped five times, resulting in a unique appearance. “Two nearly complete date areas are discernible on the obverse,” reads the lot description. “Major Mint errors of any kind are very rare on proof coins; such issues are usually handled with the utmost care and security by Mint personnel.”

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