1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value Guide: What Your Coin Is Worth Today

If you’ve come across a quarter with dual dates “1776-1976” and a colonial drummer on the back, you might wonder if you’ve found a valuable treasure. While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value, certain varieties and error coins can be worth substantially more. This comprehensive guide will help you determine what your Bicentennial quarter is truly worth.

Understanding Mint Marks and Their Impact on Value

Bicentennial quarters were produced at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mint mark location is on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below Washington’s portrait.

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2023, a Washington Quarter from 1776-1976 in circulated condition is typically worth between $0.30 and $0.85, while high-grade uncirculated examples can fetch more.

The silver content alone gives these quarters inherent value above face value. These special silver quarters all carry the “S” mint mark, but not all “S” mint mark Bicentennial quarters are silver—the Mint also produced clad proof versions.

How to Identify Silver Bicentennial Quarters

Silver Bicentennial quarters have a slightly different appearance than their clad counterparts:

Major Bicentennial Quarter Error Types

According to CoinValueChecker, certain error varieties are highly prized by collectors and can sell for substantial premiums. For example, a 1976-D Bicentennial quarter with a significant double die obverse error could be worth up to $25,000 in top condition.

Double Die Errors

Double die errors occur during the manufacturing process when the die used to strike the coin receives multiple impressions at slightly different angles. On Bicentennial quarters, look for doubling in:

• The date (1776-1976)
• Lettering on “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• Details in Washington’s portrait
• The drummer boy image or lettering on the reverse

The U.S. Treasury Department launches a competition for reverse designs for the Bicentennial quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins.

Jack L. Ahr's colonial drummer boy design is chosen for the quarter by Treasury Secretary William E. Simon.

The U.S. Mint begins producing Bicentennial quarters, all dated 1776-1976 regardless of actual production year.

Over 1.7 billion Bicentennial quarters are produced across all three mints.

The U.S. Mint returns to the standard Washington quarter reverse design.

Mint Mark

• No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): Most common variety, typically worth face value unless in pristine condition
• D Mint Mark (Denver): Similar values to Philadelphia coins in most grades
• S Mint Mark (San Francisco): Could be either a clad proof or 40% silver version with higher value

Composition

• Clad (Copper-Nickel): Standard composition, worth face value to modest premium in high grades
• 40% Silver: Always carries an S mint mark, has inherent silver value plus collector premium

Condition

Coin condition follows the standard numismatic grading scale:

• Circulated (G-4 to AU-58): Shows wear from circulation, minimal premium value
• Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear from circulation, with MS-70 being perfect condition
• Proof (PR-60 to PR-70): Special collector versions with mirror-like fields

Errors & Varieties

As discussed previously, error coins can command substantial premiums depending on the type and severity of the error.

Basic Examination Steps

1. Check the Mint Mark: Look under Washington’s portrait for P (or no mark), D, or S
2. Identify Composition: Examine the edge for the copper stripe of clad coins
3. Assess Condition: Use a magnifying glass to check for wear, scratches, and other imperfections
4. Look for Errors: Carefully examine for doubling, off-center strikes, or other anomalies
5. Weigh the Coin: Silver versions weigh slightly more than clad (5.75g vs. 5.67g)

Professional Grading Services

For potentially valuable specimens, consider professional grading through services like:

• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
• NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)

Professional grading provides authenticated certification of a coin’s condition and authenticity, which can significantly impact its market value.

Official NGC price guide with detailed information on Bicentennial quarter values by grade.

Comprehensive guide on Bicentennial quarter values, including error varieties and mint marks.

Detailed value chart and mintage information for Bicentennial quarters across different conditions.

Official US Mint information about commemorative coin programs, including historical context.

Detailed guide with identification tips and current market values for Bicentennial quarters.

Current listings and recent sales of Bicentennial quarters, showing real-time market prices.

Current Market Overview

The market for standard circulation Bicentennial quarters remains stable, with most pieces commanding only modest premiums above face value. However, interest in high-grade specimens and error varieties continues to grow among numismatists.

The 40% silver versions maintain steady appreciation due to both their precious metal content and collector interest. As with most numismatic items, condition is paramount in determining value.

Investment Potential

While most Bicentennial quarters are not significant investment vehicles, certain specimens may offer appreciation potential:

• MS-67 and above examples: These highest-grade specimens are scarce and command substantial premiums
• Major error varieties: Double dies and other significant errors continue to appreciate
• Complete sets: Full sets of all varieties in high grades are becoming increasingly difficult to assemble

As with any collectible, rarity, condition, and collector demand ultimately drive value and potential appreciation.

Myth: All Bicentennial Quarters Are Valuable

Reality: The vast majority of Bicentennial quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents. With over 1.7 billion produced, they are quite common.

Myth: Bicentennial Quarters Without Mint Marks Are Rare Errors

Reality: Quarters produced at the Philadelphia Mint were intentionally made without mint marks, as was standard practice before 1980.

Myth: All “S” Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarters Are Silver

Reality: The San Francisco Mint produced both clad proof quarters and 40% silver quarters. Not all “S” quarters are silver.

Myth: Discolored Bicentennial Quarters Are Valuable Errors

Reality: Discoloration is typically the result of environmental damage or chemical exposure and generally reduces a coin’s value rather than enhancing it.

Most 1776-1976 Bicentennial quarters found in circulation are worth their face value of 25 cents. However, uncirculated specimens can be worth $1-$10, and those in pristine mint state (MS66-MS67) can be worth $30-$100. The 40% silver versions carry premiums of $5-$25, and rare error varieties can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

A 1776-1976 quarter with no mint mark (produced at the Philadelphia Mint) is typically worth face value (25 cents) in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples might fetch $1-$10, while high-grade specimens (MS66-MS67) can sell for $20-$100. Error varieties without mint marks can be worth considerably more.

The most valuable Bicentennial quarters are those with significant and rare errors. For example, a 1976 Bicentennial quarter with a major clipped planchet error could be worth up to $20,000, while a 1976-D with a prominent double die obverse error might fetch up to $25,000 in top condition. These extremely valuable errors are very rare.

To identify a silver Bicentennial quarter:
1. Check for an "S" mint mark below Washington's portrait
2. Look at the coin's edge - silver versions won't show a copper stripe
3. Weigh the coin - silver versions weigh about 5.75g (vs. 5.67g for clad)
4. Note that all silver Bicentennial quarters were sold in special mint sets or proof sets, not released for circulation

Examine your coin carefully using a magnifying glass. Look for:
- Doubling on lettering or design elements (double die error)
- Off-center strikes where the design isn't centered
- Missing design elements or strange shapes (clipped planchet)
- Unusual finishes or mirror-like surfaces on regular strikes

For potentially valuable errors, consider having the coin evaluated by a professional numismatist or grading service.

The drummer boy design by Jack L. Ahr represents America's colonial heritage and the Revolutionary War. Drummer boys were an integral part of military units during the American Revolution, using various drum patterns to signal commands and coordinate troop movements on the battlefield. The design was chosen to commemorate America's bicentennial celebration.

The dual date "1776-1976" commemorates the 200th anniversary (bicentennial) of American independence. The first date (1776) represents the year the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the birth of the United States, while the second date (1976) marks the 200th anniversary year when the coin was issued.

No, Bicentennial quarters were only produced in 1975 and 1976. In January 1977, the U.S. Mint returned to the standard Washington quarter design with the eagle reverse. All Bicentennial quarters bear the dual date "1776-1976" regardless of whether they were made in 1975 or 1976.

For collectors, assembling a complete set of Bicentennial quarters—including the clad and silver varieties from all mints—can be an affordable and enjoyable project. For investors, focusing on high-grade specimens and error varieties offers the best potential for appreciation.

Whether your Bicentennial quarter is worth 25 cents or potentially thousands of dollars, it serves as a tangible reminder of America’s 200th birthday celebration and the rich history of U.S. coinage. If you suspect you have a valuable example, consider having it professionally evaluated to determine its true worth.

Remember that values fluctuate based on market conditions, collector demand, and precious metal prices. The information provided in this guide represents current market values as of the publication date and should serve as a general reference rather than a definitive pricing tool.