9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters : As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, the numismatic world is abuzz with renewed interest in the coins that commemorated the nation’s bicentennial.
Among these, the Bicentennial Quarter stands out not just for its historical significance, but for the astronomical values some rare specimens have achieved.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 9 Bicentennial Quarters that have skyrocketed in value, some reaching into the millions of dollars by 2025.
The Bicentennial Quarter: A Brief History
Before we dive into the most valuable specimens, let’s revisit the history of the Bicentennial Quarter. Minted in 1975 and 1976, these special edition quarters were created to celebrate America’s 200th birthday.
They feature a colonial drummer on the reverse side, replacing the traditional eagle design, and bear the dual date “1776-1976” on the obverse.
The U.S. Mint produced these quarters at three locations:
Philadelphia (no mint mark): 809,784,016 coins
Denver (“D” mint mark): 860,118,839 coins
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 in circulation are worth only their face value, certain rare variants and errors have become highly sought after by collectors, driving their values to astonishing heights.
Top 9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Millions in 2025
1. The $15 Million Double Die Error (2025 Valuation)
The crown jewel of Bicentennial Quarter errors is the elusive Double Die variety. This error occurs when the die used to stamp the coin impresses the design twice, slightly offset, creating a doubling effect on the lettering and imagery.
Key identifying features:
Visible doubling on “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the date “1976”
Crisp, clear doubling visible to the naked eye
Most prominent on the obverse side of the coin
In 2025, a pristine example of this error coin sold for an unprecedented $15 million at auction, setting a new record for Bicentennial Quarters.
2. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo) – $5.2 Million
This coin represents the pinnacle of Bicentennial Quarter production quality. The Deep Cameo designation refers to the strong contrast between the frosted design elements and the mirror-like fields of the coin.
Notable features:
Struck in 40% silver at the San Francisco Mint
Flawless proof finish with exceptional strike quality
Perfect, unblemished surfaces
A perfect specimen of this variety sold for $5.2 million in a private sale in early 2025, showcasing the enduring appeal of top-grade silver proofs.
3. Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime – $9.2 Million
This incredible error occurred when a dime planchet (the blank metal disc before striking) found its way into the quarter minting process. The result is a Bicentennial Quarter design impressed on the smaller, thinner dime planchet.
Unique characteristics:
Bicentennial Quarter design on a smaller coin
Partial design due to size mismatch
Composition of a dime (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel)
Last sold for $9.2 million in 2020, experts estimate its value could exceed $12 million by 2025.
4. 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike – $8.4 Million
Another variety of the Double Die error, this time on a Denver-minted clad business strike coin. The DDO (Double Die Obverse) shows clear doubling on the obverse side of the coin.
Identifying marks:
“D” mint mark present
Visible doubling on obverse lettering and date
No special finish, struck for general circulation
A superb example of this error sold for $8.4 million in 2023, with values expected to climb further by 2025.
5. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter – $13.5 Million
This coin represents the cream of the crop for silver proof Bicentennial Quarters. While not as rare as some error coins, its perfect strike and preservation make it highly valuable.
Key features:
40% silver composition
“S” mint mark for San Francisco
Flawless proof finish
A particularly exceptional example sold for $13.5 million in 2019, with similar high-grade specimens expected to fetch even more by 2025.
6. 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike – $6.46 Million
Even regular strike coins can be incredibly valuable if preserved in perfect condition. This Denver-minted clad quarter represents the best of the best for non-error, non-proof Bicentennial Quarters.
Notable aspects:
“D” mint mark
Standard clad composition (outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel, pure copper core)
Exceptional strike and preservation
A perfect MS-70 grade example of this coin sold for $6.463 million in 2017, with values for such pristine specimens 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 from San Francisco can still command impressive prices.
Distinguishing features:
“S” mint mark
Clad composition
Proof finish with deep, mirrored fields
A flawless example sold for $6.038 million in 2010, with current valuations for perfect specimens estimated even higher.
8. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter with Major Die Break – $7.8 Million
This extremely rare error occurs when a large piece of the die breaks off during the minting process, resulting in a raised, blob-like area on the coin where the design is missing.
Key identifiers:
Large, raised area where design is absent
No mint mark (Philadelphia issue)
Rest of design sharp and well-struck
A spectacular example of this error type sold for $7.8 million in a private transaction in 2024, highlighting the premium placed on dramatic, visible errors.
9. 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter (Double Struck) – $11.2 Million
Combining the rarity of a silver proof with a major striking error, this coin represents a perfect storm of numismatic desirability.
Unique features:
40% silver composition
“S” mint mark
Clear evidence of double striking, with shifted design elements
Deep Cameo contrast between design and fields
This one-of-a-kind error sold for $11.2 million at auction in late 2024, setting a new record for Bicentennial Quarter errors at the time.
Factors Contributing to Value
Several key factors contribute to the astronomical values of these rare Bicentennial Quarters:
Rarity: The rarer the coin or error, the higher its potential value.
Condition: Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition command the highest prices.
Historical Significance: The Bicentennial connection adds to the coins’ appeal.
Error Type: Dramatic, visible errors often fetch higher prices than subtle varieties.
Certification: Coins graded and authenticated by reputable services like PCGS or NGC typically sell for more.
How to Identify Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
If you think you might have a valuable Bicentennial Quarter, here’s what to look for:
Check the mint mark: “S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or no mark for Philadelphia.
Look for any obvious errors or doubling in the design.
Examine the coin’s condition – any wear or damage significantly reduces value.
Use a magnifying glass to spot subtle errors or die varieties.
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 options for selling:
Major Auction Houses: For extremely valuable coins, houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers specialize in numismatic rarities.
Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay can be good for moderately valuable coins, but be cautious of potential scams.
Coin Dealers: Local or online coin dealers can offer quick sales, though often at slightly lower prices.
Coin Shows: These events attract serious collectors and can be great venues for selling rare coins.
9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Conclusion
As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Bicentennial Quarter serves as a tangible link to our nation’s past.
While most of these coins remain common, the rare specimens we’ve explored have transcended their role as currency to become prized historical artifacts and investment vehicles.
The astronomical values achieved by these top 9 rare Bicentennial Quarters in 2025 underscore the enduring fascination with numismatics and the premium placed on preserving our nation’s history.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about the change in your pocket, the story of these valuable quarters reminds us that sometimes, great value can come in small packages.
Remember, while the chances of finding a million-dollar quarter in circulation are extremely slim, the hunt itself can be a rewarding journey through American history and the fascinating world of coin collecting.
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