Created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence, US Bicentennial quarters were minted only in 1975 and 1976 and are among the most iconic coins in American numismatic history due to their unique reverse design.
However, not all are created equal. Some Bicentennial quarters are worth more than others, particularly those with specific mint marks and condition or those that contain silver. In this article, we will explore the factors that make certain Bicentennial quarters valuable and how to identify the ones that contain silver.
History of the Bicentennial Quarters
In the mid-1970s, the U.S. Mint celebrated the nation’s anniversary by issuing special designs for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins. For the quarter, the Mint held a public competition to choose the reverse design.
The winning design, created by Jack L. Ahr, features a colonial drummer boy with a victory torch encircled by 13 stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies. The obverse of the coin retains the familiar portrait of George Washington.
These coins were minted both in 1975 and 1976, but all bear the dual date “1776-1976” to signify the Bicentennial. No 1975 dated quarters were produced. While the brilliant uncirculated coins were released into circulation, special proof versions were also minted for collectors.
1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter Mintages
The Bicentennial quarters were produced in large quantities by the U.S. Mint at three primary locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. In addition to the standard circulation coins, there were also special proof and silver proof versions produced specifically for collectors. Below is a breakdown of the mintages from each mint location, including the special varieties.
- Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark): These coins were struck for general circulation and do not have a mint mark. These coins were produced for general circulation. While they are not particularly rare, high-grade examples can still be valuable. Mintage: Approximately 809,784,016
- Denver Mint (“D” Mint Mark): Similar to the Philadelphia Mint, these were produced for circulation and are marked with a “D” mint mark. Mintage: Approximately 860,118,839
- San Francisco Mint (“S” Mint Mark):
- Clad Proof Strikes: These proof coins were part of the standard proof sets sold to collectors. They have a mirror-like finish and were struck using a special process that produces sharper details. San Francisco Mint quarters in high grade or with silver content are among the most valuable. Mintage: Approximately 7,059,099
- 40% Silver Uncirculated Strikes: These coins were included in special silver uncirculated sets sold by the U.S. Mint. They are composed of 40% silver and were not intended for circulation. Mintage: Approximately 11,000,000
- 40% Silver Proof Strikes: These proof coins, also composed of 40% silver, were included in special three-coin Silver Proof Sets that also included the Bicentennial half dollar and dollar. Like the regular proof strikes, they have a mirror-like finish but are made of a silver alloy. Approximately 4,000,000
Bicentennial Quarter Value and Prices
While billions of 1776-1976 quarters were minted, just a fraction of them are worth more than their face value. The Bicentennial Quarter’s value depends on several factors, including condition, rarity, and whether it contains silver.
Condition (Grade)
As with any coin, the condition or grade of a Bicentennial quarter significantly impacts its value. Coins that have been circulated typically show signs of wear, which diminishes their value to collectors. Uncirculated or proof coins with high grades from a coin grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), are generally worth more.
Mint State (MS) Coins: Bicentennial quarters that are graded MS65 or higher exhibit sharp details and few, if any, imperfections. Such coins can be worth $20 to $30, depending on the exact grade and market conditions.
Proof Coins: Proofs are struck using a special process that creates a mirror-like finish. These coins are usually sold directly to collectors by the U.S. Mint and were never intended for circulation. Bicentennial proof quarters, particularly those in perfect Proof-70 (PR70) condition, can fetch prices ranging from $10 to $50 or more, depending on demand.
Notable Bicentennial Quarter Varieties
1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter Doubled Die Varieties
Doubled die coins are the result of a minting error where the die used to strike the coins has a misaligned or doubled image. Bicentennial quarters with doubled die errors are rare and can be quite valuable. The most famous doubled die variety for the Bicentennial quarter is found on the obverse, where the doubling is evident in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.” These coins can sell for $100 or more, depending on the extent of the doubling and the condition of the coin.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when a coin is not properly aligned with the die during striking, resulting in a portion of the design being missing. Bicentennial quarters with significant off-center strikes are uncommon and can be worth several hundred dollars, especially if the date and design elements are still clearly visible.
1976 D Quarter, Double Clip
A clipped planchet is a coin that was struck on a metal blank that was not fully formed. These errors result in a coin with a missing section, usually along the edge. Bicentennial quarters with clipped planchets are relatively rare and can be worth $50 to $150 or more, depending on the size and location of the clip.
Full Drum Details
Many of the coins destined for circulation contained weak strikes and the details on the drum on the reverse are a sign to look for.
How to Verify Silver Bicentennial Quarters
To determine if a Bicentennial quarter contains silver, you can use a few simple methods:
- Mint Mark: As mentioned earlier, silver Bicentennial quarters have an “S” mint mark, indicating they were struck at the San Francisco Mint.
- Weight: Silver quarters weigh more than their clad counterparts. A 40% silver Bicentennial quarter weighs approximately 5.75 grams, compared to 5.67 grams for a copper-nickel clad quarter.
- Edge Inspection: The edge of a silver Bicentennial quarter will appear uniformly silver, while a clad quarter will show a distinct copper stripe along the edge due to the copper core.
- Sound Test: Silver quarters produce a distinct, high-pitched ringing sound when dropped on a hard surface, unlike the duller sound of a clad coin.
Conclusion
The Bicentennial quarters are a beloved piece of American history, and while most are only worth their face value, some can be quite valuable. Quarters in high-grade condition, with mint errors, or those containing silver are the ones to look out for. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, keeping an eye out for these valuable coins can be both rewarding and enjoyable.
If you come across a Bicentennial quarter in your pocket change, take a closer lookâwith silver prices trending higher, you might just have a small piece of history that’s worth more than you think.
