You might feel like you’ve found a piece of history when you find a Bicentennial quarter in your change. The Bicentennial quarter was made in 1975 and 1976 to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States. It has a unique shape that makes it stand out from other quarters.
Many of these coins are only worth 25 cents, but a few have become collectibles and sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars because they are one-of-a-kind or the mint made a mistake. Learn about these quarters and how to tell if one is worth more than its face value.
A Unique Design for a Historic Celebration
The Bicentennial Quarter is easy to spot because of its unique design on the back, which includes a drummer boy and a colonial torch circled by 13 stars to represent the original 13 countries. The front (obverse) side still has George Washington on it, but it has the dates “1776–1976” instead of just one year. Three mints made these quarters:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (with a D below it)
- The San Francisco Mint has a S next to it.
There were three kinds of quarters: ones made of copper and nickel, ones made of 40% silver, and ones made of pure silver proof. These different kinds make them more desirable to collect, especially the metal ones made in San Francisco.
Why Are Bicentennial Quarters Worth Something?
Most Bicentennial coins that are used today are still only worth 25 cents. But these coins can be worth a lot more because of the following:
1. Mint Errors:
Coins with bugs are the most valuable because each bug makes the coin unique. Some common mistakes are:
- Double Strikes: The coin is struck twice, making it look blurry or twice as big.
- Off-Center Strikes: The design must be lined up right, and parts of the picture or words often must be included.
- Missing Parts: Some coins may be missing parts of the picture of the drummer or the writing on them.
Based on how common and easy the mistake is to see, these mint errors can make a Bicentennial quarter worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
2. 40% Silver Composition:
The San Francisco Mint made a special version of Bicentennial quarters made from 40% silver. These quarters could only be bought in uncirculated or test sets.
The silver in these quarters makes them worth more already. If a 40% silver quarter is in medium shape, it might be worth $5 to $10. However, if it is brand new or high-grade proof, it could be worth $100 or more.
3. State:
The coin’s state has a significant effect on its worth. People really want coins that are in Mint State (MS) or proof state, which means they don’t have any signs of wear.
Bicentennial quarters that are in great shape and don’t have any scratches or other damage can be worth much more than their face value.
Table: Types of Bicentennial Quarters and Their Value
| Type of Bicentennial Quarter | Mint Mark | Composition | Estimated Value | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Circulation Quarter | None (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) | Copper-Nickel Clad | $0.25 (face value) | Common, widely circulated |
| 40% Silver Uncirculated Quarter | “S” (San Francisco) | 40% Silver | $5 – $15 | From special mint sets |
| 40% Silver Proof Quarter | “S” (San Francisco) | 40% Silver | $50 – $100+ | High-grade proof finish |
| Double Strike Error Quarter | Varies | Copper-Nickel/Silver | $200 – $1,000+ | Visible doubling of design |
| Off-Center Strike Error Quarter | Varies | Copper-Nickel/Silver | $100 – $500 | Misaligned or incomplete design |
How to Pick Out a Good Bicentennial Quarter
Here’s how to find out if a Bicentennial quarter is worth more than its face value:
1. Find the mint mark:
The front of the coin should be checked. If it has a “S” mint mark and was part of a test or mint set, it may be a 40% silver edition.
2. Check for Mistakes:
Use a magnifying glass to closely examine the coin. Double strikes, missing features, or strikes that aren’t in the middle should all be looked for. The coin’s worth can increase significantly because of these mistakes.
3. Look at the Weight:
The copper-nickel quarters are about 5.67 grams heavier, while the 40% silver quarters are about 5.75 grams heavier. An exact scale can help you figure out if the coin is silver.
4. Check the Condition:
Coins in great shape and no signs of wear are worth more. If your quarter looks perfect, you might want to have it tested by a professional service to determine its Mint State grade.
5. Find Out How Much It’s Worth Right Now:
To find out how much your Bicentennial quarter is worth now, look at recent auction sales or talk to a reliable coin trader, especially if it has any special features.
The Bicentennial Quarter is a favorite among fans because it has historical value and a unique shape. Most of these coins are common and still worth their face value, but some rare ones have sold at sale for very high prices. You might find an essential piece of American history in your spare change if you know what to look for.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
Look for the letter ” S ” on the front of the coin. If it comes from a unique proof or uncirculated set, it’s most likely 40% silver.
2. Is every Bicentennial coin worth something?
No, most of them are only worth what they say. However, quarters made wrong at the mint or made of 40% silver can be worth a lot more.
3. In what ways do mistakes in Bicentennial quarters make them functional?
People really like coins with mistakes, such as double strikes, off-center strikes, or missing design features. These mistakes can make the coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
4. Can I sell my Bicentennial quarter on the web?
You can sell it on sale sites like eBay or on coin websites. If you want to sell the coin for a high price, make sure to have it professionally graded.
5. Should you grade a Bicentennial quarter?
If you think your quarter is high-grade proof or has a mint mistake, grading can prove its value and help you get more money when you sell it.
Consider what you might be holding when coming across a Bicentennial quarter. It could be a small but essential piece of American history.
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