Collectors value Bicentennial quarters for both historical interest and collectible rarity. The 1776–1976 design appears on billions of quarters, but a handful of types and errors are worth real money.
Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Worth Money — Top 13
Below are the 13 Bicentennial quarter types and errors most often sought by collectors. Each entry explains what to look for and realistic value guidance.
1. 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter Silver Proof
San Francisco struck special proof quarters in 40% silver for collectors. These coins have a satin finish and sharper details than circulation pieces.
Typical values: modest in low grades, rising into the hundreds for high certified grades. Exceptional examples can go higher at auction.
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Doubled Die (Obverse or Reverse)
Doubled die errors show clear doubling on inscriptions, dates, or design elements. They are eye-catching and collectible.
Typical values: dozens to hundreds of dollars for visible doubling; rare strong doubling can reach thousands.
3. 1976 Off-Center Bicentennial Quarter
Off-center strikes occur when a coin is not properly positioned during striking. The missing rim and partial design increase collector interest.
Typical values: small off-centers collect modest premiums; large off-centers can be worth several hundred to thousands depending on degree.
4. 1976 Broadstrike Bicentennial Quarter
Broadstrikes lack the normal rim because the collar was not present or failed. These have a widened appearance and are popular error coins.
Typical values: generally hundreds of dollars for notable broadstrikes, depending on eye appeal.
5. 1976 Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Bicentennial Quarter
Look at the mint mark closely; a shadowed or doubled mint mark indicates repunching. RPMs are subtle but collectible when documented.
Typical values: modest to several hundred dollars for clear, well-documented examples.
6. 1976-D or 1976-P Bicentennial Quarter High Mint State (MS65+)
Most circulating Bicentennial quarters are common, but perfectly preserved uncirculated pieces are desirable to grade-sensitive collectors.
Typical values: MS65–MS67 coins earn a premium; the higher the grade, the higher the value, sometimes into the hundreds.
7. 1976 Proof Clad Bicentennial Quarter with Die Variety
Some proof coins were struck on clad planchets rather than silver for specific sets. Unusual die varieties or finishes in proof format command attention.
Typical values: collectable and usually priced according to grade and scarcity of the variety.
8. 1976 Cud or Die Crack Bicentennial Quarter
Die cracks and cuds leave raised lines or lumps on the coin surface. Some collectors favor these irregularities for their uniqueness.
Typical values: generally modest unless a dramatic or rare die break is present.
9. 1976-1976 Overdate or Misdated Bicentennial Quarter (Rare)
Overdates and misdates are extremely rare on modern U.S. coins but have occurred elsewhere. Any verified misdate would be highly collectible.
Typical values: potentially very high if authenticity is confirmed by a major grading service.
10. 1976 Prooflike or Deep Mirror Prooflike Bicentennial Quarter
Some business strikes show near-mirror reflectivity. Prooflike or deep mirror prooflike (DMPL) coins are attractive to type collectors.
Typical values: small premiums for mild PL; significant premiums for DMPL and strong mirrors.
11. 1976-Bicentennial Quarter with Planchet Flaw
Planchet flaws like laminations or clipped planchets can create unique pieces. These are error coins that depend heavily on appearance.
Typical values: vary widely based on severity and aesthetics.
12. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Struck-Through Foreign Material
When foreign material is on the planchet during striking, it leaves an unusual surface mark. Some collectors prize dramatic struck-through errors.
Typical values: modest to several hundred dollars depending on visibility and desirability.
13. Major Auction or Museum-Grade Bicentennial Quarter
Occasionally a Bicentennial quarter shows exceptional eye appeal, perfect strike, and rare surface quality. These are the showstoppers in collections.
Typical values: top-certified examples can sell for significantly more than common pieces, depending on buyer demand.
How to Evaluate a Bicentennial Quarter Worth Money
Identifying value starts with inspection, documentation, and proper grading. Use a magnifier and compare with reference photos from trusted sources.
- Check for doubling, off-center strikes, broadstrikes, and mint mark anomalies.
- Look for prooflike surfaces or silver content in San Francisco proofs.
- Note wear, contact marks, and toning which affect value.
Authentication and Grading
Submit suspected valuable pieces to an established grading service like PCGS or NGC. Certification proves authenticity and secures value in the marketplace.
Grading can also reveal varieties that are not obvious to the casual viewer.
Most Bicentennial quarters were struck in clad composition, but special 40% silver proof coins were produced in San Francisco for collectors. Those silver proofs are often the most consistent high-value Bicentennial pieces.
Real-World Example
Case study: A collector found a 1976-S Bicentennial quarter in proof condition and submitted it to a major grading service. The coin received a high proof grade and the certificate confirmed it was a 40% silver San Francisco proof.
Result: The certified coin sold at a specialist auction for a multiple of the raw-coin estimate, showing how grading and provenance improve sale price.
Practical Tips Before You Sell or Buy
- Use a loupe (10x) and good light to inspect coins closely.
- Compare suspected errors with reputable error coin guides or auction archives.
- Get a second opinion from a dealer or online community before paying or listing a high price.
- Have high-value coins slabbed by PCGS or NGC to maximize buyer confidence.
Understanding which Bicentennial quarters are worth money requires both careful inspection and market knowledge. Start by identifying the type of coin, verify any error or variety, and consider professional grading for high-value pieces.