What if the loose coins in your pocket, car, or coin jar hid a vast amount of money? Bicentennial quarters are among the most interesting coins in the United States. In 1976, these one-of-a-kind coins were made to mark the 200th anniversary of the United States’ freedom.
They are easy to spot because they have the date “1776-1976” printed on both sides and the famous Drummer Boy design on the back. A few rare types and mistakes on Bicentennial quarters can make them worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Let’s learn more about these exciting coins and why some of them are so valuable.
Key Bicentennial Quarters to Look For
1. Bicentennial Quarter with Mint Errors
Mint mistakes happen when coins are made, so each one is different. Some of these mistakes are hits that aren’t in the middle, duplicated dies, and missing design elements.
Mint mistakes make coins unique, which is why buyers want them. Bicentennial quarters with mint mistakes can sell for anywhere from $500 to $10,000, depending on the type of error and how bad it is.
2. Silver Proof Quarters for the Bicentennial
Some Bicentennial quarters are made of copper-nickel metal, but one was made of 40% silver for collectors.
Only a few of these silver-proof quarters exist, and they are more expensive than the copper-nickel ones that came with them. Near-perfect coins can sell for $40 to $100, and rare or high-quality ones have gone for over $1,000.
3. Very Good Bicentennial Quarters
Nearly perfect coins (marked MS-65 or better) are hard to find, especially ones that have been used. People who collect coins want nice Bicentennial quarters, and they can fetch up to $6,000 at sales.
How to Pick Out a Good Bicentennial Quarter
Even though not every Bicentennial quarter is essential, if you know what to look for, you can find ones that are. Here is a quick guide:
| Feature | What to Check | Why It’s Important | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Errors | Off-center strikes, doubled dies | Unique mistakes that collectors treasure | $500–$10,000 |
| Silver Composition | Solid silver edge (no copper) | Indicates a 40% silver proof coin | $40–$1,000+ |
| Mintmark | Look for “S” for proof coins | San Francisco mintmarks often mean rarity | $1–$1,000+ |
| Condition (Grade) | Minimal wear (MS-65 or higher) | Pristine coins are rare and desirable | $6,000+ |
| Dual Dates & Design | “1776-1976” and Drummer Boy | Standard features but still collectible | Face value–$100+ |
Why Are These Dime Coins So Worth It?
There are a few things that make Bicentennial quarters valuable:
- Rarity: Mint mistakes and silver samples were only made in small numbers, so they are rare and sought after.
- Significance in History: Bicentennial quarters mark a critical time in U.S. history as memorial coins.
- Condition: Coin buyers want coins that are in great shape. Used coins wear down over time, making mint-condition coins even harder to find.
- Material: Silver-proof coins are valuable because they are made of rare metals.
How to Keep Your Coins Safe and Sell Them
If you think you’ve found an expensive Bicentennial quarter, do these things to keep it safe and maybe even sell it:
- Carefully Check: Use a magnifying glass to check for mistakes, mintmarks, or changes in the silver content.
- How to Store Right: To keep your coins from getting scratched or wet, put them in cases or books that don’t let air in. Use the sides to hold them so you don’t leave fingerprints.
- Ask for an Evaluation: Contact a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC for verification and grading.
- Plan how you’ll sell: The best places to buy and sell rare coins are usually reliable coin sellers, auctions, and websites like eBay.
These bicentennial quarters are more than just money; they’re also pieces of history that could be worth a lot of money. There are many exciting things about these coins, like whether they are silver-proof, high-grade examples, or ones with a unique mint mistake.
Don’t miss these unique quarters when you next look through your extra change. Who knows? There’s a chance you’ll find a prize chest full of money.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
Look at the coin’s edge. If the coin is pure silver, it is a 40% silver-proof quarter. If it has a copper stripe, it is a regular copper-nickel coin.
2. What marks on the coins should I look for?
Philadelphia (with no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) all made bicentennial quarters. Proof coins, some of which are silver, have a “S” mintmark on them.
3. Are standard Bicentennial pieces worth anything?
Most standard Bicentennial quarters are worth what they say they are. But coins that are in perfect shape (marked MS-65 or better) or have mistakes from the mint can be worth much more.
4. Where can I sell a scarce Bicentennial quarter?
You can sell valuable coins to coin sellers at auctions like Heritage Auctions, on eBay, or on another safe online site.
5. What is the best way to store my Bicentennial quarters?
Use cases or books that don’t let air in to keep coins from getting scratched or wet. Keep them in a cool, dry place, and do not touch the surfaces. Instead, hold them by the edges.
