1976 Rare Bicentennial Quarter Has Nearly $20K Value — Plus 7 More Worth Thousands
When we get coins as change, we usually don’t think twice before tossing them into a jar or pocket. But did you know that some quarters, especially those from 1976, can be worth far more than their face value? In fact, a rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter has been known to sell for nearly $20,000 — and that’s not all. There are 7 other quarters that are worth thousands to collectors.
These coins aren’t just about money; they’re part of American history. Some are rare because of minting errors, special materials, or limited editions. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter special, share details about 7 other valuable quarters, and explain how you can check if you have one.
What Is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter?
To celebrate 200 years of American independence, the U.S. Mint released a special quarter in 1976. It’s called the Bicentennial Quarter, and it’s easy to spot. Unlike regular quarters, which have an eagle on the back, this one shows a Colonial drummer boy and a torch with 13 stars representing the original colonies.
The front still has the usual portrait of George Washington, but with a dual date: “1776–1976” instead of a single year. Most Bicentennial Quarters are common, but a few rare ones are worth a small fortune.
Overview Table: Valuable Quarters to Look For
| Coin Description | Year | Approximate Value | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter (Silver Proof) | 1976 | Up to $20,000 | 40% silver, mirror finish, low mintage |
| Washington Quarter (Double Die) | 1934 | $3,000 – $6,000 | Double stamping on date and lettering |
| 1950-D Washington Quarter | 1950 | $2,500 – $5,000 | Low mintage, mint condition |
| 1943-S Washington Quarter | 1943 | $4,000 – $6,000 | Silver coin, high-grade examples |
| 1999-P Connecticut Quarter (Error) | 1999 | $1,000 – $2,000 | Off-center or clipped error |
| 1964 Washington Quarter (Proof Error) | 1964 | $2,000 – $4,000 | Struck on wrong planchet |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf) | 2004 | $1,500 – $3,000 | Error coin with extra leaf on corn |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | $5,000 – $15,000 | One of the rarest early Washington quarters |
Why Is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter So Valuable?
While millions of Bicentennial Quarters were produced, only a small number were made in 40% silver. These were mostly proof sets and special collector editions. A rare few have even more unique qualities:
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Proof Strike: Highly detailed and mirror-like surface
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Grading: Coins graded MS-67 or higher by PCGS or NGC are very rare
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Error Coins: Some were misprinted or struck on the wrong metal
One such 1976 silver Bicentennial Quarter, in near-perfect condition, was auctioned for nearly $20,000. It had a flawless strike, excellent shine, and was graded exceptionally high.
7 Other Quarters Worth Thousands
1. Washington Quarter (Double Die) – 1934
Collectors love this quarter for its rare double stamping on the date or the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” If it’s sharp and clear, it can fetch thousands.
2. 1950-D Washington Quarter
This quarter had a low production run, making it rare. In mint condition, it can be worth over $5,000 to the right buyer.
3. 1943-S Washington Quarter
Made during World War II with 90% silver, this coin is valuable in high grades due to wartime silver scarcity.
4. 1999-P Connecticut Quarter (Error)
Some Connecticut quarters from 1999 were struck off-center or with clips. These error coins are rare and desirable.
5. 1964 Washington Quarter (Proof Error)
A few proof quarters in 1964 were struck on wrong metal discs. These are extremely rare and can sell for thousands.
6. 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
A minting mistake added an extra leaf on the corn stalk. Two versions exist—“low leaf” and “high leaf.” Both are valuable.
7. 1932-D Washington Quarter
This is one of the first Washington quarters ever made, and only a few were struck at the Denver Mint. If you have one in great condition, it could be worth a lot.
How to Check If Your Quarter Is Valuable
Here are a few easy steps to examine your coins:
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Look at the Date and Design
Check for the year and compare it to known rare coins like the ones listed above. -
Inspect for Errors
Use a magnifying glass to look for oddities—double letters, missing parts, or strange designs. -
Check the Edges
Valuable silver coins have a solid silver edge, while regular ones show a copper stripe. -
Weigh the Coin
Silver quarters weigh slightly more than regular ones. A normal quarter is about 5.67 grams, while silver ones weigh 6.25 grams.
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Use a Magnet
Quarters should not stick to a magnet. If they do, they could be fake or struck on the wrong metal.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Quarter
If you think you have a valuable quarter:
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Don’t Clean It! Cleaning reduces value.
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Store It Safely in a coin holder or soft cloth.
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Get It Graded by a certified grading company like PCGS or NGC.
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Consult a Dealer or Auction House if it’s verified rare. You might get more than you expect.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing to think that a simple 25-cent coin from your pocket could be worth thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars. The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a perfect example. And there are others, hiding in plain sight.
If you have old coins at home or get change at a store, take a second look before spending it. You might just discover that hidden gem everyone dreams about.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No, only rare versions—such as silver proofs or coins with errors—are worth much more than face value.
2. How can I tell if my quarter is silver?
Check the edge. If there’s no copper stripe and it has a dull, solid silver color, it may be 40% or 90% silver.
3. Should I clean an old coin before selling it?
Never. Cleaning reduces its value significantly. Collectors prefer coins in original condition.
4. Can I find rare coins in circulation today?
Yes, although rare, some valuable coins still end up in circulation through estate sales or old savings.
5. Where can I get my coin checked?
You can visit a local coin dealer or send it to grading services like PCGS or NGC for authentication.