| Type (Mint Mark) |
Circulated |
Uncirculated (MS63) |
Gem Uncirculated (MS65+) |
| Philadelphia (No mint mark) |
$0.25 (Face value) |
$1-$3 |
$5-$20 |
| Denver (D) |
$0.25 (Face value) |
$1-$3 |
$5-$20 |
| San Francisco (S) - Clad Proof |
$3-$5 |
$5-$10 |
$15-$30 |
| San Francisco (S) - 40% Silver |
$5-$10 |
$15-$30 |
$50-$200 |
| San Francisco (S) - Silver Proof |
$10-$15 |
$20-$40 |
$60-$300+ |
| Error Varieties |
$50-$200+ |
$200-$1,000+ |
$1,000-$19,000+ |
</tbody>
</table>
Regular Clad Issues
The vast majority of Bicentennial quarters found in circulation are what collectors call “clad” coins—composed of copper-nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core. These were minted in enormous quantities:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark): 809,784,016 coins
- Denver Mint (D mint mark): 860,118,839 coins
In circulated condition, these regular clad quarters are typically worth only their face value of 25 cents. Even in uncirculated condition (MS63), they typically sell for just $1-$3, though gem uncirculated specimens (MS65 or better) can fetch $5-$20.
Silver Varieties
The San Francisco Mint produced special 40% silver versions for collectors:
- Uncirculated Silver: 4,908,319 coins
- Proof Silver: 4,149,730 coins
These silver versions were not released into circulation but were sold directly to collectors in special Mint sets. Today, the 40% silver Bicentennial quarters have a value of:
- $5-$10 in circulated condition
- $15-$30 in average uncirculated condition
- $50-$300+ for high-grade specimens (MS69 or PR69)
A 1976-S silver proof Bicentennial quarter in perfect MS70 or PR70 condition can sell for $1,000 or more to the right collector.
Double Die Errors
One of the most valuable Bicentennial quarter errors is the double die variety, where parts of the design appear doubled due to multiple impressions from the die during minting. The most prominent double die errors can be seen in:
- The lettering around the edge
- Washington’s profile
- The drummer boy figure
- The stars on the reverse
Double die Bicentennial quarters in uncirculated condition can sell for $100-$300, with exceptional specimens reaching $1,000 or more.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank is not properly centered during the striking process. Depending on the severity:
- 5-10% off-center: $25-$50
- 20-30% off-center: $100-$200
- 50% or more off-center (with date still visible): $300-$800+
Missing Clad Layer
Some Bicentennial quarters were struck with a missing outer layer, exposing the copper core. These “missing clad layer” errors can be worth $100-$300 depending on the extent and condition of the error.
Wrong Planchet Errors
In rare cases, Bicentennial quarters were struck on planchets (coin blanks) intended for other denominations:
- Struck on dime planchet: $300-$500
- Struck on nickel planchet: $400-$800
- Struck on penny planchet: $500-$1,000
The $19,000+ Bicentennial Quarter
The most valuable Bicentennial quarter error reported was a coin struck on a silver planchet intended for a Canadian quarter. This extremely rare error coin sold for over $19,000 at auction, demonstrating how dramatically errors can increase a coin’s value.
How to Identify Valuable Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Check for these characteristics that might indicate your Bicentennial quarter is worth more than face value:
The most reliable ways to identify a silver Bicentennial quarter include:
-
Check the mint mark: All silver Bicentennial quarters have an “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint. However, not all S-mint quarters are silver, as San Francisco also produced clad proof quarters.
-
Look at the edge: Silver Bicentennial quarters won’t show the copper core visible on the edge of clad quarters. The edge of a silver quarter will have a solid silver-white appearance.
-
Weigh the coin: Silver Bicentennial quarters weigh approximately 5.75 grams, slightly more than the 5.67 grams of standard clad quarters.
-
Check the packaging: Most silver Bicentennial quarters were sold in special packaging as part of mint or proof sets. Finding one in original government packaging is a good indicator of its silver content.
-
Use a magnet: Neither silver nor clad quarters will stick to a magnet, but this test can help eliminate counterfeit coins made of steel or other magnetic metals.
1. Condition (Grade)
Coin condition is perhaps the most significant value factor for standard (non-error) Bicentennial quarters:
- Circulated: Shows wear from being used in commerce. Most circulated Bicentennial quarters are worth face value.
- Uncirculated (MS60-MS64): No wear but may have contact marks, bag marks, or less-than-perfect luster.
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65-MS69): Exceptional specimens with excellent luster and minimal imperfections.
- Perfect (MS70): Theoretically flawless under 5x magnification. Extremely rare for Bicentennial quarters.
For proof coins, similar grades apply but are designated with “PR” or “PF” rather than “MS” (e.g., PR70 instead of MS70).
2. Mint Mark
As discussed earlier, the mint mark plays a crucial role in determining value:
- No mint mark (Philadelphia): Lowest premium
- D (Denver): Similar value to Philadelphia coins
- S (San Francisco): Highest premium, especially for silver versions
3. Composition
- Clad (copper-nickel): Standard composition, lowest value
- 40% Silver: Higher intrinsic metal value plus collector premium
4. Special Varieties and Errors
Errors and varieties dramatically increase value, with some rare Bicentennial quarter errors worth thousands of times face value.
5. Original Packaging
Bicentennial quarters still in original government packaging (mint sets, proof sets, or special commemorative packaging) often command higher prices than loose coins of the same grade.
Professional Grading Services
For potentially valuable Bicentennial quarters, especially errors or high-grade specimens, professional grading is often worthwhile:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): www.pcgs.com
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation): www.ngccoin.com
These services authenticate, grade, and encapsulate your coin in a tamper-evident holder, often increasing its marketability and value.
Selling Options
Once your valuable Bicentennial quarter has been authenticated and/or graded:
-
Coin Dealers: Local coin shops can offer immediate payment, though usually at wholesale prices.
-
Coin Shows: Larger coin shows attract numerous dealers, potentially resulting in competitive offers.
-
Online Marketplaces:
- eBay
- Heritage Auctions (ha.com)
- Great Collections (greatcollections.com)
-
Collector Forums: Sites like CoinTalk or the PCGS and NGC forums allow direct sales to collectors.
-
Auction Houses: For extremely valuable errors (like the $19,000 specimen), major auction houses may be appropriate.
Basic Collection
A starter collection of Bicentennial quarters might include:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark) business strike
- Denver (D) business strike
- San Francisco (S) clad proof
This basic set can be assembled for under $10 and is a great entry point for new collectors.
An intermediate collector might expand to include:
- Philadelphia and Denver in uncirculated condition
- San Francisco clad proof
- San Francisco 40% silver uncirculated
- San Francisco 40% silver proof
This expanded set could cost $50-$100 depending on the grades.
Advanced Collection
Serious collectors might pursue:
- High-grade examples (MS67+ or PR69+) of all varieties
- Original government packaging
- Notable error varieties
- Complete “year sets” with all denominations (quarter, half dollar, and dollar)
Such advanced collections can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the grades and rarities included.
Common Questions About Bicentennial Quarter Values
How do I know if my Bicentennial quarter is rare?
To determine if your Bicentennial quarter might be rare and valuable:
- Check for the "S" mint mark below Washington’s hair tie, which indicates a San Francisco Mint coin that could be silver.
- Examine the edge – a solid silver appearance (no copper showing) suggests a silver version.
- Look for errors like double dies, off-center strikes, or wrong planchets using a magnifying glass.
- Weigh the coin – silver versions weigh slightly more (5.75g) than standard clad quarters (5.67g).
- Assess the condition – uncirculated coins with no wear or marks are more valuable.
Remember that most Bicentennial quarters in circulation are worth only face value unless they have one of these distinguishing characteristics.
How much is a 1776 to 1976 D quarter worth today?
A 1776-1976 D quarter (minted in Denver) in typical circulated condition is generally worth only its face value of 25 cents. In uncirculated condition (MS63), it might be worth $1-$3, while gem uncirculated specimens (MS65+) can fetch $5-$20.
The "D" mint mark indicates the coin was made at the Denver Mint, which produced over 860 million Bicentennial quarters – making them quite common. However, if your Denver quarter has an error or is in exceptionally high grade (MS67 or better), it could be worth significantly more to collectors.
How much is a Bicentennial quarter with no mint mark worth?
A Bicentennial quarter with no mint mark (minted in Philadelphia) is typically worth only face value (25 cents) in circulated condition. In uncirculated condition, these quarters might sell for $1-$3, with premium examples in grades MS65 or higher bringing $5-$20.
The absence of a mint mark indicates the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced over 809 million Bicentennial quarters. Like all Bicentennial quarters, however, error coins or those in exceptional condition can be worth substantially more to collectors.
Where is the mint mark on a Bicentennial quarter?
The mint mark on a Bicentennial quarter can be found on the obverse (front) side of the coin, just below Washington's hair tie or ponytail. You'll need to look carefully as the mint mark is small:
- No mint mark indicates the coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint
- "D" indicates the Denver Mint
- "S" indicates the San Francisco Mint
San Francisco ("S") Bicentennial quarters are the most potentially valuable, particularly if they are 40% silver versions made specially for collectors.
How much is a 1776 to 1976 drummer boy quarter worth?
All Bicentennial quarters feature the drummer boy design on the reverse (back), so this question refers to standard Bicentennial quarters. Their value depends on mint mark, composition, and condition:
- Regular clad quarters (no mint mark or D) in circulated condition: Face value (25¢)
- Uncirculated regular quarters: $1-$20 depending on grade
- San Francisco (S) clad proofs: $3-$30 depending on grade
- San Francisco (S) 40% silver versions: $5-$300+ depending on grade and type
- Error varieties: $25 to $19,000+ depending on the error and condition
The most valuable "drummer boy quarters" are those with significant minting errors or the highest possible grades (MS69/PR69 or better).
Can Bicentennial quarters be worth millions?
Despite some online claims, there are no confirmed cases of Bicentennial quarters worth millions of dollars. The most valuable authenticated Bicentennial quarter error ever sold went for approximately $19,200 at auction – a coin struck on a silver planchet intended for a Canadian quarter.
While this is an impressive premium over face value, it falls far short of "millions." Be skeptical of extreme value claims online, which are often clickbait or misinformation. The vast majority of Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value, with even most errors selling in the $50-$1,000 range.
What Bicentennial quarter errors should I look for?
The most valuable Bicentennial quarter errors to look for include:
- Double die errors: Look for doubling in the lettering, Washington’s profile, or the drummer boy design
- Off-center strikes: Where the design is not centered on the coin
- Missing clad layer: Exposing the copper core partially or completely
- Wrong planchet errors: Struck on blanks intended for other denominations (will have incorrect size/weight)
- Die cracks and cuds: Raised lines or bumps caused by damaged dies
- Broadstrikes: Coins struck without collar, appearing larger and thinner than normal
Use a magnifying glass for examination, and consider weighing suspicious coins, as many errors affect the standard weight of 5.67 grams.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
To determine if your Bicentennial quarter is silver:
-
Check for the "S" mint mark below Washington’s ponytail. All silver Bicentennial quarters were minted in San Francisco, though not all S-mint quarters are silver.
-
Examine the edge of the coin. Silver quarters will have a solid silver-colored edge with no copper showing through. Regular clad quarters will show a copper stripe along the edge.
-
Weigh the coin if possible. Silver Bicentennial quarters weigh approximately 5.75 grams, slightly more than the 5.67 grams of standard clad quarters.
-
Consider the coin’s origin. Silver quarters were only sold in special mint sets and proof sets, not released for circulation. Finding one in pocket change would be extremely unlikely.
If you’re still unsure, consider having the coin professionally evaluated by a coin dealer or numismatic expert.
For the average person finding Bicentennial quarters in pocket change, most specimens are worth only face value. However, the possibility of discovering valuable errors or high-grade examples makes examining these quarters worthwhile, and their historical significance adds interest beyond monetary value.
For collectors, Bicentennial quarters offer a fascinating and accessible entry point to numismatics. The variety of mint marks, compositions, and potential errors provides collecting challenges for enthusiasts at all levels, from beginners to advanced numismatists.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or someone who just found an interesting quarter in your change, understanding the factors that contribute to Bicentennial quarter values can help you make informed decisions about these distinctive American coins.
External Resources for Bicentennial Quarter Collectors
