What‘s a quarter from your pocket change worth? Usually just 25 cents, unless it‘s a 1776-1976 Bicentennial quarter. These patriotic coins honoring America‘s 200th birthday can be worth a surprising amount to collectors, with one record example selling for $19,200 at auction. Whether you have one in your collection or just found one in circulation, here‘s a complete guide to the history and value of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial quarter.
History of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter
In the early 1970s, the United States began preparations to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. To honor this momentous Bicentennial, Congress authorized special commemorative coins including a quarter, half dollar, and dollar.
From 1975 to 1976, the U.S. Mint produced these special quarters featuring a unique Colonial drummer boy design on the reverse by Jack L. Ahr to recognize the Revolutionary War era. The coins also featured the dual date "1776-1976" on the obverse. Over 1.6 billion were struck across all three mints.
Usually the Mint opposes changing circulating coinage designs. But given the significance of the Bicentennial, Congress was able to gain Mint Director Mary Brooks‘ support to promote the coins‘ release into circulation so more of the public could appreciate them. The Treasury Department even held a nationwide contest to select the reverse designs.
By law, the Bicentennial coins could only be issued for those two years. The quarter then returned to its standard 25-cent Washington design and eagle reverse in 1977, making the Bicentennial version a unique collectible today. With well over a billion minted, they‘re very common in pocket change. But rare examples in top condition or with unusual errors can be surprisingly valuable.
1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter Mintages
The U.S. Mint struck 1776-1976 quarters at three facilities. Regular copper-nickel clad quarters for circulation were made in Philadelphia and Denver, while 40% silver versions were produced in San Francisco for collectors.
Here‘s a breakdown of the mintage for each issue:
- 1776-1976 (P) Clad Quarters: 809,784,016 minted
- 1776-1976-D Clad Quarters: 860,118,839 minted
- 1776-1976-S Clad Proof Set Quarters: 7,059,099 minted
- 1776-1976-S 40% Silver Uncirculated Quarters: 11,000,000 minted
- 1776-1976-S 40% Silver Proof Set Quarters: 4,000,000 minted
As you can see, over 1.6 billion quarters were struck in total – a very high number. 40% silver versions are more scarce. And the highest value examples are those graded MS/PR-69 or with dramatic errors. But we‘ll get to those later.
Bicentennial Quarter Design and Features
On the obverse is the standard Washington quarter portrait designed by John Flanagan in 1932. But instead of the usual date, it features the dual bicentennial date "1776-1976" at the bottom. Flanagan‘s initials "JF" also appear at Washington‘s shoulder truncation.
Jack Ahr‘s drum design is found on the reverse. It depicts a frontal view of a colonial military drummer facing left and gripping his drum and drumsticks. The top reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" while "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and "QUARTER DOLLAR" flank the drum in two lines on both sides. Thirteen stars run along the bottom.
Other important details:
- Weight: 5.67 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Thickness: 1.75 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (clad) or 40% silver (collector strikes)
The Bicentennial design temporarily replaced the Heraldic Eagle reverse on quarters used since 1965. The eagle returned in 1977 until 1998 when it was replaced by the 50 State Quarters series.
Bicentennial Quarter Varieties and Errors
Several varieties and errors are known for the 1776-1976 Bicentennial quarter that can significantly increase its collectible value. Here are some of the most notable:
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Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) – Some 1776-1976 P and D quarters show notable doubling on the obverse lettering and date, indicating the coin was struck twice by misaligned dies. Records for DDOs include $3,246 for a 1776-1976-D in MS-65 and $474.99 for a circulated 1976 DDO.
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Overstruck on Other Denominations – Mint errors can occur when a blank for another denomination ends up in the quarter coining press. A rare example is a Bicentennial quarter overstruck on a struck Roosevelt dime, one of which sold for $12,000 in 2021.
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Struck Through Errors – Sometimes cloth, grease, or other detritus ends up between the die and coin when struck, leaving an impression on the surface. A dramatic example with cloth threads covering the entire obverse sold for $881.25 in MS-66 condition.
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Off-Center Strikes – If the blank isn‘t centered between the coining dies, it can be struck off-center. A 1776-1976-D specimen 30% off-center with a partial collar sold for $149.95.
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Missed Clad Layer – Cents were accidentally used as cores for a small number of Bicentennial quarters. With the copper core exposed, these wrong planchet errors are worth around $2,500 in Mint State.
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"Filled D" Mintmark – Some Denver quarters show an oddly shaped blob for the mintmark, likely due to grease filling the D letter punch. These are worth $50-$100+ depending on the amount of fill.
Numerous other minor doubled dies, die cracks, cuds, and strike throughs are known. Error quarters are highly collectible and sought after by specialists. If you suspect you have an unusual Bicentennial quarter, it‘s best to have it authenticated by experts.
1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value
Circulated copper-nickel clad Bicentennial quarters are still just worth face value of $0.25. But pristine examples, rare varieties, and errors can be worth much more. Here are the record auction prices for 1776-1976 quarters:
- 1776-1976-S 40% Silver in MS-69 (PCGS): $19,200
- 1776-1976-S 40% Silver in MS-68 (NGC): $6,463
- 1776-1976-D Clad in MS-68 (PCGS): $8,400
- 1776-1976-S 40% Silver Proof in PR-69 (PCGS): $13,500
- 1776-1976-S Clad Proof in PR-69 (PCGS): $6,038
- 1776-1976 Clad in MS-68 (NGC): $1,821
- 1776-1976 Overstruck on Dime Mint Error: $12,000
- 1776-1976-D Struck on Cent Planchet Mint Error: $2,500
As you can see, clad Bicentennial quarters are most valuable in grades above MS/PR-67. Gem and superb gem examples without wear or marks are condition rarities worth thousands. So always check your change!
40% silver uncirculated and proof versions are also highly prized by both collectors of modern U.S. Mint sets and silver stackers for their precious metal content. With silver around $24 per ounce as of June 2023, each contains about $1.44 in melt value alone.
Tips to Determine Your Bicentennial Quarter‘s Value
With such a diversity of issues and errors, how can you determine what your 1776-1976 quarter is worth? Here are some tips:
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Check for a Mintmark – "D" quarters and "S" silver issues are worth more than Philadelphia coins. S-mints are the most valuable across the board.
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Grade Its Condition – Grades make a huge difference in value. A coin needs to be MS/PR-66 or better to be worth a significant premium. At MS/PR-69 and higher, they can be worth thousands.
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Look for Errors – Doubling, off-center strikes, wrong planchets, and strike throughs are all rare and valuable to error collectors. If something looks odd, have it checked out.
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Consider Certification – For high grade and rare error Bicentennial quarters, consider having them certified by PCGS or NGC, the top grading companies. Certification helps with resale value.
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Weigh Silver Issues – If you have a 1776-1976-S 40% silver quarter, weigh it. Each should weigh 5.75 grams, while clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams.
Of course, unless your coin is a high grade or rare error, chances are it‘s worth only a small premium over face value. Most Bicentennial quarters in pocket change are worn grades and worth $0.25. But one could be a hidden treasure, so always be on the lookout for that $19,200 superb gem!
Other Bicentennial Coins to Collect
In addition to the quarter, the U.S. Mint struck Bicentennial half dollars and dollars with special designs in copper-nickel and 40% silver. The half dollar depicts Independence Hall on the reverse while the dollar shows the Liberty Bell and the Moon.
The most valuable are the 1976-S silver half dollar and dollar in MS/PR-69, worth around $500 and $100 respectively. Rare varieties and errors are known for those denominations as well. So if you enjoy collecting Bicentennial quarters, consider expanding to the other coins honoring America‘s 200th birthday.
Collecting Bicentennial Quarters
Whether you appreciate their patriotic designs, value, or place in U.S. history, 1776-1976 Bicentennial quarters are a fun series for any collector. Completing a set is easy and affordable, while rare varieties and condition census examples present challenges for advanced collectors.
For a basic set, you‘ll need:
- 1776-1976 (P) Clad Quarter
- 1776-1976-D Clad Quarter
- 1776-1976-S 40% Silver Uncirculated Quarter
- 1776-1976-S 40% Silver Proof Quarter
- 1776-1976-S Clad Proof Quarter
That‘s only 5 coins. You can even assemble a complete 1976 year set with the other denominations and Bicentennial coinage. Once you have the basic set, consider expanding into different Mint sets, varieties, and errors. The Bicentennial quarter series offers opportunities for every level of collector.
Whether you‘re new to coin collecting or a seasoned numismatist, the 1776-1976 Bicentennial quarter is an important piece of American history to appreciate. And who knows – maybe that quarter in your pocket change will turn out to be the next record-setter!
