Rare Bicentennial Quarter Has Nearly $20K Value — Plus 7 More Worth Big Money
According to Go Banking Rates, People of a certain generation fondly remember the year-long bicentennial celebration of 1976, when the United States marked its 200th birthday. The nation was awash in bicentennial trinkets, collectibles, souvenirs, and various items designed to commemorate this significant milestone.
The U.S. Mint’s Special Edition Coins
To honor the occasion, the U.S. Mint produced a series of bicentennial quarters between 1975 and 1976. These coins were notable for being the first U.S. quarters in over 50 years to feature a special reverse design.
Among the most valuable of these coins is the 1976-S Bicentennial Silver Quarter, which fetched an impressive $19,200 at auction a few years ago, according to the Chronicle Collectibles website. However, this isn’t the only bicentennial quarter commanding high prices; many others have also proven to be quite valuable.
Understanding the Composition
Most of the bicentennial quarters were “clad,” meaning they were composed of multiple metals such as nickel, copper, and zinc layered together like a sandwich, as explained by the U.S. Mint. However, as noted by Chronicle Collectibles, some of these quarters were made of 40% silver. This distinction is crucial, as the silver coins are rarer and therefore much more sought after by collectors.
The Importance of Condition
The condition of the coin significantly impacts its value, with those in pristine condition commanding the highest prices in the market.
Mintages and Locations
The bicentennial quarters were minted at three different locations, resulting in varying mintages:
- Philadelphia: 809,784,016 coins
- Denver: 860,118,839 coins
- San Francisco: 11,000,000 uncirculated 40% silver coins, 7,059,099 proof clad coins, and 4 million proof 40% silver coins.
Notable Sales of Bicentennial Quarters
Here’s a look at seven other bicentennial quarters that have sold for over $1,000, according to the CoinValueChecker website:
- 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter: Sold for $13,500 in 2019.
- Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime: Sold for $9,200 in 2020.
- 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike: Sold for $8,400 in 2023.
- 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike: Sold for $6,463 in 2017.
- 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter: Sold for $6,038 in 2010.
- 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter: Sold for $2,760 in 2007.
- 1976 Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike: Sold for $1,821 in 2023.
As the country approaches its 250th birthday, the legacy of the bicentennial coins continues to resonate with collectors and history enthusiasts alike.