The Bicentennial Quarter was released in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. It has a unique design compared to regular quarters. On the front (obverse), it still shows George Washington, but on the back (reverse), it features a colonial drummer boy and a torch surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies. These coins were made in two types of materials — copper-nickel clad and 40% silver.
Why Are Some Bicentennial Quarters Valuable?
Most Bicentennial Quarters are only worth their face value of 25 cents. However, some rare coins with minting errors have sold for a lot of money. These errors make the coins unique and valuable to collectors. Here are some of the most valuable types:
1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
This happens when the coin is struck twice, causing some letters or numbers to appear doubled. Look closely at “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” — if they look doubled, it could be a DDO error. Coins with this error in top condition have sold for up to $48,500.
2. “No S” Silver Proof
This is a silver proof coin that was supposed to have an “S” mint mark (for San Francisco), but it’s missing. Only about 20 of these coins are known to exist. If you find one in perfect condition, it could be worth up to $32,500.
3. Off-Center Strikes
If a coin is not properly aligned during minting, the design will appear off-center. The more off-center the design is, the more valuable it can be. These coins can sell for anywhere between $150 and $3,000, depending on the condition.
4. Wrong Planchet Errors
Sometimes, a quarter is struck on a blank (planchet) meant for another coin like a dime or a cent. These are very rare and interesting to collectors. Such coins can be worth $2,000 to $18,000.
How to Check if Your Quarter is Valuable
You don’t need to be an expert to check your Bicentennial Quarter. Here are some simple tips:
Use a magnifying glass to look for doubled letters or numbers.
Check for mint marks. A missing “S” on a proof coin could be very rare.
Look at the edges of the coin. Irregular edges may suggest off-center or wrong planchet errors.
Feel the weight. Silver coins are heavier and sound different when dropped compared to regular clad coins.
Are Bicentennial Quarters Still in Circulation?
Yes, many Bicentennial Quarters are still in everyday circulation. You might even find them in your pocket change or old piggy banks. While most are common, there is always a chance you could find a rare error coin.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember that stories of Bicentennial Quarters being worth $2.5 billion are just myths. However, real rare variants of these coins have sold for up to $48,500. If you come across a Bicentennial Quarter, take a few minutes to check it carefully. If you suspect it could be valuable, consider showing it to a coin expert or a reliable coin dealer. Who knows — your old quarter could be worth more than you think!
Disclaimer: The value of coins mentioned in this article is based on market trends and collector interest, and is not guaranteed. Always consult a professional appraiser for accurate valuation.
