This Bicentennial Quarter Top $19,000, 5 More Worth Big Bucks

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This Bicentennial Quarter Top ,000, 5 More Worth Big Bucks

The US Mint has created many memorable coins throughout history. Some resulted from manufacturing defects, while others resulted from material shortages during the war. But some were designed for special events. In 1976, the mint produced bicentennial quarters to honor the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence. Because of their cultural and historical significance, these collectible coins can be very valuable, with one selling for $19,200.

1976 Special Quarter Design

Sculptor Jack L. Ahr created the quarter-centennial’s signature design. Image Credit: Shutterstock

There are many types of 1976 quarters. They are easily identified by the unique image on the back side. Like all the quarters, they feature a side profile of George Washington, but instead of an eagle on the “tails” side, they have a Revolutionary soldier’s drum next to a victory torch surrounded by 13 stars to represent the 13 colonies. The design was done by Jack L. Ahr, who won a national coin design competition this time around, according to the USA Coin Book.

A USA coin with a drummer placed next to a palm tree. Illustration about American patriotism and Independence Day of July 4. Macro — *In the 1970s, the US Mint phased out silver from coin production. Image Credit: Shutterstock*

Some areas were made of 40% silver, while others were clad, meaning they were made of a silver-colored copper-nickel alloy. In the 1970s, the mint phased out silver from coinage, making these areas represent another turning point in history. In addition to their silver content, a coin’s value varies depending on where it was minted and whether it has flaws or other notable features.

Where Collectable Coins Were Made

1976 S Memorial Evidence Quarterly. It commemorates the bicentennial of the United States. This is the opposite of the coin. — *The mint in San Francisco produces proof coins, but mints from other areas can have a higher value. Image Credit: Shutterstock*

These collectible coins were minted in San Francisco, Denver and Philadelphia. More than 860 million were made in Denver, which is indicated by a small D on the Washington side of the coin. More than 809 million were made in Philadelphia and were marked with P, and 11 million were made in San Francisco (S). Because of their scarcity, those from San Francisco are often considered the most valuable. It was also where the 40% silver coins were minted. Because it also contains 60% copper, these houses have a greater weight and have a golden hue than their clad counterparts. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), worn housings are common. So there is a chance that there is one blooming under your wallet. But remember, the condition of a coin greatly affects its value. Here are a few examples of 1976 high-priced properties in recent years.

1976-S Silver Quarter Millennium (Proof)

NGC 25c 1976-S Double-Denomination Double-Denomination Quarter Proof PF-65 RD — Credit: PCGS. Despite its used condition, this quarter sold for over $13,500.

In 2019, one quarter-centennial built in San Francisco sold for $13,500. This sale broke the auction record, according to PCGS. It’s also a bit of a rarity, with parts of this average condition (PF65) typically selling for $9 to $13, according to Chronicle Collectibles. This coin had a two-day error, which made it even more valuable. Additionally, it is a proof coin, which means it has a mirror-like face and sharp details, and is minted as a collection. (Currently, common or corporate strike coins have dull ends, and are mass produced.)

1976-S Quarter Bicentennial (General Strike)

1976-S 25C Silver MS69 PCGS Sold June 7, 2019 — Credit: Gem Auctions. *This quarter-centennial, near mint, sold for about $20,000.*

The average price of a silver quarter minted in 1976 in San Francisco is about $95. However, this coin was graded Mint State (MS) 69, meaning it is in near mint condition and has not been circulated. At auction in 2019, this coin sold for a record-breaking $19,200 at the Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction. It previously appeared at the 2007 Heritage auction, where it was bought for $5,888, according to Coin World.

1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Common Strike)

976-D 25C Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101, MS66 PCGS. Sold May 7, 2023 — Credit: Gem Auctions. *The word “LIBERTY” is specially pronounced on this coin, especially the letter “R.”*

This coin sold for $8,400 at the 2023 Heritage Auctions. Despite being a common strike from Denver, this quarter is highly prized for its double obverse die. The doubling, caused by a misaligned harp, resulted in more prominent lettering on the side of the “heads,” especially near the word “LIBERTY.” The lower grades of this coin sold for $475 in 2018 and $3,246 in 2019.

1976-S Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Proof)

1976-(S) Washington Bicentennial Quarter. Copper-Nickel Clad--Five Strike--Proof-67 (NGC) — Credit: PCGS. A 1976 clothed quarter may have been stamped five times, *by mistake* *to create a unique look.*

In a November 2010 auction in Baltimore, a quarter-centennial built in San Francisco sold for $6,038. As a proof coin, this one has already increased in value compared to similar coins. But this one is very rare among proof coins because of the error. It looked like it had been stamped five times, resulting in a unique look. “Two nearly perfect lots are visible in a secluded area,” reads the description of the lot. “Major Mint errors of any kind are extremely rare for proof coins; such matters are usually handled with great care and security by Mint staff.”

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