3 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Poised to Become the Next Big Collectible!

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence, holds a special place in numismatic history. While over 1.6 billion of these quarters were produced, certain rare varieties have become highly sought after by collectors, with some fetching impressive sums at auctions.

Understanding the Bicentennial Quarter

The Bicentennial Quarter features a unique design distinct from regular Washington quarters. Key characteristics include:

• Obverse (Front): Depicts the familiar profile of George Washington, with the dual date “1776–1976” beneath his portrait.
• Reverse (Back): Showcases a colonial drummer boy, designed by Jack L. Ahr, with a victory torch encircled by 13 stars representing the original colonies.

These quarters were minted in three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D” mint mark), and San Francisco (“S” mint mark). The San Francisco Mint produced both clad proof and 40% silver versions, primarily for collectors.

The Top 3 Rare Bicentennial Quarters

Among the vast number of Bicentennial Quarters, three particular varieties have garnered significant attention due to their rarity and value:

1. 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Proof)
   • Composition: 40% silver.
   • Notable Sale: A 1976-S silver proof quarter graded PR69 Deep Cameo sold for $19,200 at auction.
   • Identification Tips: Look for the “S” mint mark and the coin’s silver content, which gives it a distinct appearance compared to clad versions.
2. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Mint State)
   • Mint Location: Denver.
   • Notable Sale: A 1976-D quarter graded MS68 fetched $6,462.50 at auction.
   • Identification Tips: Check for the “D” mint mark and assess the coin’s condition; higher grades significantly increase value.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
   • Error Type: Doubled Die Obverse, where elements like the inscriptions or date appear doubled due to a die error.
   • Value Range: Such error coins can command prices ranging from $1,000 to over $3,000, depending on condition and prominence of the error.
   • Identification Tips: Examine the obverse closely for doubling, especially on inscriptions like “LIBERTY” or the dual date.

Factors Influencing Value

Several factors determine the value of Bicentennial Quarters:

• Condition (Grade): Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with higher grades indicating better preservation and commanding higher prices.
• Mint Mark: Quarters from specific mints, especially those with errors or in pristine condition, can be more valuable.
• Errors and Varieties: Coins with minting errors, like the Doubled Die Obverse, are rarer and often more sought after by collectors.
• Composition: Silver versions generally hold more value due to their metal content and lower mintage numbers.

Identifying and Collecting Valuable Bicentennial Quarters

To determine if you possess one of these rare quarters:

1. Check the Mint Mark: Located to the right of Washington’s ponytail. An “S” indicates San Francisco, a “D” for Denver, and no mark for Philadelphia.
2. Assess the Coin’s Condition: Look for signs of wear. Uncirculated coins with no wear are more valuable.
3. Look for Errors: Use a magnifying glass to inspect for doubling on the obverse or other anomalies.
4. Weigh the Coin: Silver quarters weigh slightly more (approximately 6.25 grams) than clad ones (5.67 grams).

Key Bicentennial Quarter Varieties and Their Values

Coin Type	Mint Mark	Composition	Notable Sale Price
1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter	S	40% Silver	$19,200
1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (MS68)	D	Clad	$6,462.50
1976 Bicentennial Quarter with DDO	Varies	Clad	$1,000 – $3,000

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarters are more than just commemorative pieces; certain rare varieties have become valuable collectibles. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, it’s worth examining your quarters for these rare gems that could be worth a significant sum.

FAQs

What makes a Bicentennial Quarter valuable?

Factors include minting errors, mint marks, condition (grade), and composition (silver content).

How can I identify a silver Bicentennial Quarter?

Look for the “S” mint mark and weigh the coin; silver quarters weigh about 6.25 grams.

What is a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error?

It’s a minting error where the design is doubled, noticeable on inscriptions or dates.