Introduction
One of the most commemorative coins in U.S. history is the Bicentennial quarter, struck between 1975 and 1976. A special edition quarter was struck to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, with dual dates “1776–1976” and a novel design of a Colonial drummer on the reverse by Jack L. Ahr.
While millions of these coins were minted, some rare errors and varieties have skyrocketed in value, making them worth thousands—enough to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle! Let’s explore eight of the most valuable Bicentennial quarters and what makes them so special.
Silver Proof PF70 Ultra Cameo: Flawless Beauty
The San Francisco Mint produced the 40% silver proof Bicentennial quarter with extremely sharp details and a mirror-like finish. Coins that grade as PF70 Ultra Cameo—meaning they are in perfect condition—are a holy grail for collectors.
- Value: $7,000–$10,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: The quality and appearance are flawless, so these coins are a must-have for serious collectors.
Denver Mint MS68: Almost Perfect Condition
Most of the Bicentennial quarters minted at the Denver Mint were produced for circulation. It is extremely rare to find one graded MS68, near perfect. Brilliant luster and no detectable flaws characterize these coins.
- Value: $6,000–$8,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Examples of higher grade, like MS69, are nearly impossible to find and can command much higher prices.
Double Die Obverse Error: A Striking Mistake
This occurs when the design of the coin gets double printed during the minting process. The features such as “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear twice on the coin.
- Value: $2,000–$10,000
- Why It’s Valuable: This is an error that is highly collectible due to its striking visual effect and rarity.
Silver Business Strike MS69: A Rare Find
Silver Bicentennial quarters were also issued in a business strike variety, meaning they were minted for circulation. Coins graded MS69, or near perfect, are extremely rare.
- Value: $7,500+
- Why It Is Worth: The rarity of this kind of high-grade business strike silver makes them special and valuable.
Off-Center Strike: A Unique Mishap
Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank is not aligned correctly during the minting process, thus missing part of the design.
- Value: $1,000–$5,000
- Why It’s Valuable: These minting errors are rare and visually interesting, so they are in demand among collectors.
Struck on the Wrong Planchet: A Minting Jackpot
Sometimes, Bicentennial quarters were improperly struck upon a planchet intended for some other denomination or even some foreign coin. Weight and material content are varied as well.
- Value: $5,000–$15,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Errors of this type, especially with this composition, and their rarity make them the most valuable and exciting findings.
Clipped Planchet: A Crescent-Shaped Error
A clipped planchet error occurs when part of the metal blank is missing before the coin is struck, leaving a crescent-shaped “clip.”
- Value: $500–$3,000
- Why It’s Valuable: These errors are very rare and thus add a certain mystique to any set.
Struck on Silver Planchet: A Collector’s Dream
One of the least common errors is a Bicentennial quarter that was actually struck on a silver planchet meant for a completely different coin series. These are extremely rare.
- Value: $10,000-$20,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The rarity combined with its unique composition makes these coins highly sought after by collectors.
Conclusion
These rare Bicentennial quarters demonstrate that even the most mundane coin can hold incredible value if it possesses the right characteristics. Whether a minting error or perfect grade, these coins have transformed a commemorative piece into a numismatic treasure. So keep an eye on your change or dig through old collections-you might just uncover a quarter worth enough to buy your dream motorcycle!
FAQ’s
What do you look for in a bicentennial quarter?
Look for deviations from the standard bicentennial quarter, such as doubles, hitting off center or other anomalies.
What is bicentennial quarter?
The 1975 and 1976 Bicentennial coins were designed by the Mint as special editions. They were distinctly U.S. the first quarter in more than 50 years to use contrasting specialty products.
What is the value of D for the third quarter of the bicentennial from 1776 to 1976?
Between $0.30 and $0.85.