Coin enthusiasts and everyday people alike are always on the lookout for rare coins, and one of the biggest undiscovered fortunes might be sitting in your back pocket right now. While the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted in large numbers, some outstanding and high-dollar variations were found—ones worth millions of dollars! Indeed, five of these remarkable quarters have been valued collectively at an astonishing $101 million. Are you holding one? Let’s discover!
Why Some Bicentennial Quarters Are So Worthwhile
All but the rarest Bicentennial Quarters are merely face value, but those featuring minting flaws, special content, or distinct characteristics have brought huge prices at auction. Such things as these can make a Bicentennial Quarter sell for thousands, even millions:
- Strikes on silver planchets
- Double die mistakes
- Off-center strikes and misstrikes
- High-grade examples (MS-67 or better)
Let’s discuss five of the most valuable Bicentennial Quarters ever found.
1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter
This coin was minted in San Francisco with 40% silver instead of the usual copper-nickel blend. These quarters were never put into circulation and were available in proof sets. But a few did manage to get loose.
- Mint Mark: S
- Composition: 40% Silver
- Condition Required: Deep cameo, high-grade proof
- Estimated Value: Up to $19,200
1976 No S Proof Quarter
The rarest of the institution, this sector was struck on the San Francisco Mint but lacks the “S” mint mark since it was a placing errors. Few had been placed into circulate, and they’re practically impossible to find in circulate.
- Mint Mark: None
- Error Type: Missing Mint Mark
- Condition Required: Proof condition
- Estimated Value: Up to $50,000
1976 Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet
In very rare cases, a Bicentennial Quarter was mistakenly struck on a dime-sized planchet. This results in the coin being undersized and with pieces of the design missing.
- Mint Mark: Varies
- Error Type: Wrong Planchet
- Appearance: Smaller size, partial design
- Estimated Value: Up to $9,200
1976-S Silver Uncirculated Quarter
While proof quarters were produced in silver, these Bicentennial quarters in silver were released in uncirculated sets. They can sell well for their face value in mint state—especially when graded MS-68 or higher.
- Mint Mark: S
- Composition: 40% Silver
- Condition Required: Brilliant Uncirculated
- Estimated Worth: Up to $1,000
1976-D Doubled Die Obverse Quarter
This quarter was struck in Denver and features strong doubling of the date and words on the obverse. Doubling occurs when the die is shifted while striking, creating a second impression. This type of mint error is rare and is very desirable.
- Mint Mark: D
- Error Type: Doubled Die Obverse
- Condition Required: Uncirculated or close to mint
- Estimated Value: Up to $1,000
Final Thought
If you find a 1976 quarter, check closely for errors, unmarked mint marks, or silver sparks. With some coins worth tens of thousands—and the total potential value of these five coins at $101 million—rummaging through your change might just be worth it. So the next time you’re flipping through coins or digging through a old coin jar, don’t overlook the 1976 quarters. That seemingly ordinary coin may be one of the rarest coins in circulation.
FAQ’s
What is a Doubled Die Obverse?
It’s a mint error in which the front of the coin (obverse) appears doubled, especially in the text or date. They are rare and very collectible.
Are all Bicentennial quarters valuable?
No