The Bicentennial quarter from 1976, made to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States’ freedom, is one of the most famous coins in American history. This coin is popular with fans because it has a unique design, a colonial drummer on the back, and a date different from the other coins (1776–1976).
Most Bicentennial quarters aren’t worth much more than their face value, but some rare types have become so valuable that they’re worth close to $20,000.
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (40% Silver Proof)
One type of bicentennial quarter that people want is the 40% silverproof type. The U.S. Mint made a few of these silver Bicentennial quarters for fans instead of the normal copper-nickel ones. These silver-proof quarters can be worth close to $20,000, especially if they are in perfect shape (graded PR69 or better).
The fact that these coins are rare and contain silver makes them expensive, even more so than their weight in precious metal.
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Mistake with Two Die)
Some of the rarest and most expensive coins for fans are mint mistakes like the double die error. When the image on the coin is struck a little off, text like “Liberty” or “In God We Trust” shows up twice. This is called a double-die mistake. Bicentennial quarters with apparent double-die mistakes can sell for a lot of money—nearly $20,000 for high-grade, well-preserved samples.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter in Mint State (MS68 or Higher)
It is rare to find a Bicentennial quarter-rated MS68 or better and almost perfect shape. At least an MS68 grade, coins have a sharp, shiny finish and almost no wear that can be seen.
In this state, a very good Bicentennial quarter can be worth more than $10,000, and a great one could be close to $20,000.
4. 1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington quarter, made in Denver and one of the first Washington quarters, is very expensive because only 436,800 were made.
This rare first-year issue can fetch over $20,000 for high-grade copies (MS65 or higher), making it an important part of many major collections.
5. The Washington Quarter in 1932-S
Only 408,000 of the 1932-S Washington quarter were made in San Francisco, the same number as the 1932-D. Because of its historical rarity and importance, high-quality samples in MS65 or higher are worth between $15,000 and $20,000.
6. 1950-D/S Washington Quarter (Overmint Mark Error)
The government mark mistake on the 1950-D/S quarter is one of a kind: a “D” mint mark was stamped over an “S.”
When they are in very good condition, these coins sell for over $10,000 and sometimes even close to $20,000. This very rare and noticeable mistake is highly valuable for being unique.
7. 1964 Washington Quarter with Double Difficulty
The last 90% silver quarter was the 1964 Washington quarter. The 1964 quarter stands out because of many mistakes, especially in the writing. Collectors look for these coin mistakes. The best examples are worth between $10,000 and $20,000.
| Coin | Key Feature | Estimated Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial 40% Silver | Silver Composition | Up to $20,000 | Limited minting for collectors |
| 1976 Bicentennial Double Die | Double die error | Up to $20,000 | Rare error type |
| 1976 Bicentennial MS68+ | Mint state condition | Up to $20,000 | Near-perfect quality |
| 1932-D Washington | First-year, low mintage | Over $20,000 | Only 436,800 minted |
| 1950-D/S Washington Overmint | Visible overmint mark | Up to $20,000 | Distinct minting error |
The unique attributes, minting errors, and pristine grades in these quarters add to their value. Whether a silver proof Bicentennial or a rare overmint error quarter, these coins are worth far more than their face value and even their weight in precious metal. Collectors should handle them carefully and consider professional grading to preserve and enhance their value.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the point of Bicentennial quarters?
There are many different kinds of Bicentennial quarters. Some are rare and hard to find, like the 40% silver proofs, and the ones with mint mistakes, like double die hits. Also, high-grade coins (MS68 or better) are very expensive.
Q2: How can I tell if my quarter is a silver Bicentennial quarter?
Silver Bicentennial quarters don’t have the copper heart you can see in standard quarters. If you got one in a special set, it might be 40% silver. A professional rating service can check the structure.
Q3: What is a double-die mistake?
A double die mistake happens when the image on a coin is struck twice, giving some parts, like text or numbers, twice the effect they had the first time. This kind of mistake is rare and makes the coin more valuable.
Q4: How can I get a skilled score on my quarter?
Post your quarter to a service that grades coins, like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Their service includes a recognized grade and safety for your coin.
Q5: Can you still find good quarters in circulation?
It’s not often that expensive quarters like the silver Bicentennial or 1932-D quarters are still in circulation. But sometimes you might find a modern quarter minted wrong, though this doesn’t happen often.
READ MORE: Six More Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $600,000 Are Valued at About $50 Million USD