9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters : With the 250th anniversary of American independence approaching, interest in coins commemorating the nation’s bicentennial has resurged within the numismatic community.
The Bicentennial Quarter is particularly noteworthy, not just for its historical significance, but also for the staggering values certain rare specimens have reached.
In the following sections, we will delve into the top 9 Bicentennial Quarters that have seen their value soar, with some fetching millions of dollars by 2025.
The Bicentennial Quarter was minted between 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the 200th birthday of America. These special edition quarters feature a colonial drummer on their reverse side instead of the traditional eagle design and display the dual date “1776-1976” on the obverse.
The U.S. Mint produced these quarters at three main locations:
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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 the majority of the Bicentennial Quarters in circulation hold only face value, specific rare variants and errors have captivated collectors, driving their worth to incredible heights.
Top 9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Millions in 2025
1. The $15 Million Double Die Error (2025 Valuation)
The most coveted Bicentennial Quarter error is undoubtedly the Double Die variety. This occurs when the die used in the minting process impresses the design twice, causing an offset effect and creating visible doubling in the coin’s lettering and imagery.
Key identifying features:
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Clear doubling on “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the date “1976”
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Obvious doubling seen with the naked eye
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Most noticeable on the obverse
This error coin achieved a jaw-dropping auction sale of $15 million in 2025, setting a new benchmark for Bicentennial Quarters’ values.
2. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo) – $5.2 Million
This quarter epitomizes the highest quality in Bicentennial Quarter production. The Deep Cameo designation indicates a 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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Exceptional proof finish with outstanding strike quality
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Unblemished surfaces
A flawless specimen of this quarter sold for an impressive $5.2 million in early 2025, reflecting the continued allure of top-tier silver proofs.
3. Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime – $9.2 Million
This remarkable error arose when a dime planchet inadvertently entered the quarter minting process. The resulting coin showcases the Bicentennial Quarter design on a smaller dime planchet.
Unique characteristics:
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Bicentennial Quarter design on a significantly smaller coin
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Partial design due to size discrepancy
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Composed of dime metal (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel)
Last sold for $9.2 million in 2020, specialists predict its value could soar beyond $12 million by 2025.
4. 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike – $8.4 Million
This variety features another form of the Double Die error, this time on a Denver-minted clad business strike coin. The DDO (Double Die Obverse) displays noticeable doubling on its obverse.
Identifying marks:
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“D” mint mark present
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Visible doubling on obverse lettering and date
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No special finish; struck for circulation
A superb example of this error was sold for $8.4 million in 2023, with anticipated increases by 2025.
5. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter – $13.5 Million
This quarter is considered one of the most desirable silver proof Bicentennial specimens, owing to its perfect strike and preservation despite not being as rare as some error coins.
Key features:
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40% silver composition
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“S” mint mark indicating San Francisco
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Impeccable proof finish
An outstanding example sold for $13.5 million in 2019, with other similar high-grade specimens likely to fetch even more by 2025.
6. 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike – $6.46 Million
Regular strike coins can also carry immense value when preserved in immaculate condition. This Denver-minted clad quarter is among the finest examples of standard, non-error, non-proof Bicentennial Quarters.
Notable aspects:
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“D” mint mark
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Regular clad composition (outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel, with a pure copper core)
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Exceptional strike and condition
A pristine MS-70 grade example fetched $6.463 million in 2017, with values for such high-grade specimens on the rise.
7. 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter – $6.03 Million
Though not as valuable as the silver variant, top-grade clad proof quarters from San Francisco can still command impressive prices.
Distinguishing features:
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“S” mint mark
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Clad composition
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Proof finish showing deep, mirrored fields
A flawless example sold for $6.038 million in 2010, with valuations for perfect specimens expected to rise even further.
8. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter with Major Die Break – $7.8 Million
This rare error type occurs when a substantial section of the die fractures during minting, creating a raised blob-like area devoid of design on the coin.
Key identifiers:
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Prominent raised area where design is missing
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No mint mark (Philadelphia mint)
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Rest of the design remains sharp and well-formed
An exemplary specimen of this error sold for $7.8 million in a private sale in 2024, showcasing the premium placed on striking, visible errors.
9. 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter (Double Struck) – $11.2 Million
This coin features the combination of the intrinsic value of a silver proof and a significant striking error, making it immensely desirable among collectors.
Unique features:
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40% silver composition
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“S” mint mark
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Evidence of double striking with shifted design elements
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Deep Cameo contrast in design and fields
This extraordinary error sold for $11.2 million at auction in late 2024, making it a record for Bicentennial Quarter errors at that time.
Factors Contributing to Value
The extraordinary values of rare Bicentennial Quarters are influenced by several critical factors:
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Rarity: The rarer the coin or error, the greater the potential value.
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Condition: Coins that are pristine and uncirculated garner the highest prices.
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Historical Significance: The association with the Bicentennial elevates the appeal of these coins.
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Error Type: Major, visible errors often command higher prices compared to subtle variations.
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Certification: Coins graded and authenticated by respected services like PCGS or NGC typically fetch higher prices.
How to Identify Valuable Bicentennial Quarters
If you believe you might own a valuable Bicentennial Quarter, consider these identification tips:
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Examine the mint mark: Look for “S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or no mark for Philadelphia.
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Identify any glaring errors or doubling in the design.
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Assess the coin’s condition; any signs of wear or damage will significantly decrease value.
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Utilize a magnifying glass to detect 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 own a rare and valuable Bicentennial Quarter, consider these selling avenues:
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Major Auction Houses: For exceptionally valuable coins, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers specialize in numismatic rarities.
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Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay can be effective for moderately valuable coins, although be mindful of potential scams.
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Coin Dealers: Local or online dealers can facilitate quick sales, though often at slightly reduced prices.
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Coin Shows: These events attract avid collectors, making them ideal venues for selling rare coins.
9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Conclusion
As we near the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Bicentennial Quarter serves as a unique artifact linking us to our national history.
While the bulk of these coins remain common, the rare specimens discussed have evolved from mere currency into treasured historical artifacts and investment opportunities.
The remarkable values attained by these 9 rare Bicentennial Quarters in 2025 emphasize the persistent allure of numismatics and the importance of preserving our nation’s heritage.
Whether you are a dedicated collector or someone curious about the change in your pocket, the journey of seeking valuable quarters serves as a reminder that significant worth often comes in small forms.
Although the chances of discovering a million-dollar quarter in circulation are exceedingly low, the pursuit itself can be an enriching journey through American history and the captivating field of coin collecting.