9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters : As we get ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, collectors and enthusiasts alike are buzzing about the coins that marked the nation’s bicentennial.
The Bicentennial Quarter is particularly noteworthy, both for its historical importance and the staggering values that some unusual specimens have attained.
In this post, we’ll highlight the top nine Bicentennial Quarters that have experienced incredible value spikes, with some expected to reach millions by 2025.
But before we explore these remarkable coins, let’s take a quick journey through the history of the Bicentennial Quarter. Minted in 1975 and 1976, these special coins were a tribute to America’s 200th birthday.
They are distinguished by a colonial drummer on the reverse side, which replaced the traditional eagle design, and they feature the dual date “1776-1976” on the front.
The U.S. Mint produced these quarters across three facilities:
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Philadelphia (no mint mark): 809,784,016 coins
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Denver (“D” mint mark): 860,118,839 coins
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San Francisco (“S” mint mark): 11,000,000 uncirculated 40% silver coins, 7,059,099 proof clad coins, and 4 million proof 40% silver coins
While most Bicentennial Quarters currently in circulation are only worth their face value, some rare varieties and errors have peaked collectors’ interest, leading to astonishing market values.
Top 9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Millions in 2025
1. The $15 Million Double Die Error (2025 Valuation)
At the top of the list of exceptional Bicentennial Quarter errors is the extraordinary Double Die variety. This error arises when the die used to mint the coin impresses the design two times, slightly off-center, resulting in a doubling effect on both the letters and images.
Key identifying features:
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Clear doubling visible on “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the date “1976”
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Distinct, clear doubling that can be seen without a magnifying glass
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Most pronounced on the obverse side of the coin
One pristine example of this error coin sold for a staggering $15 million at auction in 2025, marking a historic moment in the world of numismatics.
2. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo) – $5.2 Million
This coin epitomizes the highest quality in the production of Bicentennial Quarters. The Deep Cameo designation refers to the striking contrast between the frosted elements of the design and the mirror-like fields of the coin.
Notable features:
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Struck in 40% silver at the San Francisco Mint
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Flawless proof finish with excellent strike quality
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Immaculate, unmarked surfaces
A pristine specimen of this variety was sold for $5.2 million in a private sale in early 2025, showcasing the lasting allure of top-tier silver proofs.
3. Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime – $9.2 Million
This fantastic error emerged when a dime planchet accidentally went through the quarter minting process. The result features a Bicentennial Quarter design stamped onto a smaller, thinner dime planchet.
Unique characteristics:
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Bicentennial Quarter design on a smaller coin
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Partial design due to the size mismatch
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Composition consistent with a dime (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel)
Previously sold for $9.2 million in 2020, it is now estimated to command over $12 million by 2025.
4. 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike – $8.4 Million
This variant of the Double Die error, produced at the Denver mint, features a notable Double Die Obverse (DDO) with clear doubling evident on the coin’s front side.
Identifying marks:
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“D” mint mark indicating Denver
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Visible doubling on both the obverse lettering and date
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No special finish, intended for general circulation
A superb example of this error fetched $8.4 million in 2023, with values predicted to rise further as we approach 2025.
5. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter – $13.5 Million
This quarter is among the finest examples of silver proof Bicentennial Quarters. Although it may not be as rare as some error coins, its perfect strike and excellent preservation enhance its value significantly.
Key features:
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40% silver composition
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“S” mint mark for San Francisco
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Flawless proof finish
An especially remarkable specimen sold for $13.5 million in 2019, with expectations that similar high-grade examples could command even higher prices by 2025.
6. 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike – $6.46 Million
Even standard strike coins can hold tremendous value when they are kept in perfect condition. This quarter, minted in Denver, showcases the pinnacle of non-error, non-proof Bicentennial Quarters.
Notable aspects:
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“D” mint mark
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Standard clad composition (75% copper, 25% nickel, pure copper core)
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Exceptional strike and preservation
An MS-70 grade example of this coin sold for $6.463 million in 2017, with values for such pristine pieces continuing to rise.
7. 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter – $6.03 Million
While not as valuable as its silver counterpart, top-grade clad proof quarters minted in San Francisco can still garner impressive prices.
Distinguishing features:
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“S” mint mark
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Clad composition
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Proof finish featuring deeply mirrored fields
A flawless example sold for $6.038 million in 2010, with current evaluations for perfect specimens expected to rise even higher.
8. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter with Major Die Break – $7.8 Million
This exceptionally rare error occurs when a substantial piece of the die breaks during minting, resulting in a raised, blob-like area lacking design details on the coin.
Key identifiers:
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Large, raised area where the design is absent
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No mint mark (Philadelphia issue)
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Rest of the design appears sharp and well-defined
A noteworthy example of this type of error achieved a sale price of $7.8 million in 2024, emphasizing the high premium placed on visible minting mistakes.
9. 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter (Double Struck) – $11.2 Million
This unique coin merges the rarity of a silver proof with a significant minting error, making it exceptionally desirable among collectors.
Unique features:
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40% silver composition
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“S” mint mark
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Clear signs of double striking, with shifted design elements
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Deep Cameo contrast between design and fields
Sold for $11.2 million at auction in late 2024, it set a new benchmark for Bicentennial Quarter errors at the time.
Factors Contributing to Value
Several crucial elements play a role in determining the exceptional values of these rare Bicentennial Quarters:
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Rarity: The less common a coin or error, the greater its potential value.
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Condition: Coins in immaculate, uncirculated states yield the highest prices.
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Historical Significance: The bicentennial theme adds considerable appeal to the coins.
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Error Type: Striking, visible errors typically fetch higher prices than more subtle variations.
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Certification: Coins verified by reputable agencies like PCGS or NGC tend to sell for more.
How to Identify Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
If you suspect you have a noteworthy Bicentennial Quarter, here are some tips to help you identify it:
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Check the mint mark: “S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or none for Philadelphia.
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Look for any noticeable errors or doubling in the design.
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Examine the coin’s condition—wear or damage can significantly diminish its value.
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Use a magnifying glass to identify subtle errors or die varieties.
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Weigh the coin: 40% silver quarters weigh 5.75 grams, while clad quarters weigh 5.67 grams.
Where to Sell Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
If you believe you have a rare and valuable Bicentennial Quarter, consider these avenues for selling:
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Major Auction Houses: If your coin is exceptionally valuable, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers specialize in numismatic rarities.
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Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay can be suitable for selling moderately valuable coins, but always be cautious of possible scams.
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Coin Dealers: Local or online dealers can facilitate quick sales, although typically at slightly lower prices.
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Coin Shows: These events are frequented by serious collectors and can provide great opportunities for selling rare coins.
9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Conclusion
As the 250th anniversary of American independence draws closer, the Bicentennial Quarter remains a fascinating link to our nation’s heritage.
While the majority of these coins are common, the rare examples we’ve discussed have transcended their basic role as currency to become treasured artifacts and sound investments.
The remarkable values garnered by these top nine rare Bicentennial Quarters in 2025 illustrate the long-standing interest in numismatics and the significance placed on preserving our historical legacy.
Whether you’re a passionate collector or simply intrigued by the coins in your pocket, the tales of these valuable quarters remind us that sometimes great worth comes in small packages.
Keep in mind, while finding a million-dollar quarter in circulation is exceedingly rare, the thrill of the search can provide a rewarding experience through American history and the captivating world of coin collecting.