As we approach the 50th anniversary of America’s Bicentennial, the commemorative quarters minted in 1975-1976 have become increasingly sought after by collectors.
While most Bicentennial quarters in circulation are worth their face value, certain rare varieties have skyrocketed in value. This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 rare Bicentennial quarters that could be worth a small fortune in 2025.
1. 1976 Double Die Reverse (DDR) Bicentennial Quarter
The Double Die Reverse (DDR) Bicentennial Quarter stands as the most valuable variety in the series. This error occurred during the die-making process, resulting in a pronounced doubling of design elements on the reverse side.
Key Features:
Doubling visible on the drummer boy’s hands and drumsticks
Doubled lettering, particularly on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR”
Most noticeable on high-grade specimens
Current Market Values:
Circulated (VF-XF): $45 – $125
Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63): $150 – $300
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65+): $300 – $600+
A particularly well-preserved example with exceptional doubling sold for $1,175 at a specialized error coin auction in 2021.
2. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo)
The San Francisco Mint produced special silver proof versions for collectors, with some exhibiting exceptional contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields, known as “Deep Cameo.”
Key Features:
Composed of 40% silver
“S” mintmark below Washington’s neck
Stark contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields
Current Market Values:
PR-65 DCAM: $20 – $30
PR-67 DCAM: $40 – $60
PR-69 DCAM: $100 – $150
PR-70 DCAM: $500 – $750
An exceptional PR-69 DCAM specimen sold for $19,200 in a 2019 auction, setting a record for the type.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Dime Planchet
This dramatic error occurred when a quarter die struck a smaller dime planchet, resulting in a severely undersized coin with partial design elements.
Key Features:
Significantly smaller than a standard quarter
Partial design elements due to the smaller planchet
Smooth, unreed edge
Current Market Values:
AU-50 to MS-60: $3,000 – $5,000
MS-63 to MS-65: $6,000 – $9,000
A notable MS-64 example of this error sold for $9,200 in a 2020 specialized auction.
4. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on Silver Dime Planchet
Even rarer than the standard dime planchet error, this variety features a Bicentennial quarter struck on a 90% silver dime planchet from before 1965.
Key Features:
Smaller size, similar to the standard dime planchet error
Composed of 90% silver (unlike standard copper-nickel clad quarters)
Extremely rare, with fewer than 5 known examples
Current Market Values:
AU-50 to MS-60: $10,000 – $15,000
MS-63 to MS-65: $20,000 – $30,000+
No public sales of this extreme rarity have been recorded, but experts estimate values could exceed $50,000 for a high-grade specimen.
5. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter/Nickel Mule
A “mule” is a coin struck with mismatched dies. In this case, a Bicentennial quarter reverse was paired with a Jefferson nickel obverse.
Key Features:
Obverse features Jefferson design from a nickel die
Reverse shows the standard Bicentennial drummer boy design
Struck on a copper-nickel clad quarter planchet
Current Market Values:
AU-50 to MS-60: $5,000 – $8,000
MS-63 to MS-65: $10,000 – $15,000+
While unconfirmed, rumors persist of a single example discovered in circulation in the late 1990s. If authenticated, such a coin could potentially command $100,000 or more in today’s market.
6. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Missing Clad Layer
This striking error occurs when the copper core of a clad coin is exposed due to a missing outer layer.
Key Features:
Distinctive copper color on one or both sides
Often with a rough, slightly porous surface
“D” mintmark visible (Denver Mint)
Current Market Values:
VF-XF: $200 – $400
AU-50 to MS-60: $500 – $800
MS-63 to MS-65: $1,000 – $2,000+
A particularly dramatic example with both sides missing the clad layer sold for $3,450 in a 2022 error coin auction.
7. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck 50% Off-Center
Off-center strikes occur when a planchet is misaligned during the striking process. Dramatic off-center errors on Bicentennial quarters are highly sought after.
Key Features:
Large blank area on one side of the coin
Partial design elements, often with a complete date visible
Full weight and composition of a standard quarter
Current Market Values:
VF-XF: $300 – $500
AU-50 to MS-60: $600 – $1,000
MS-63 to MS-65: $1,500 – $3,000+
A spectacular MS-65 example struck approximately 60% off-center realized $5,175 in a 2023 specialized sale.
8. 1976-S Bicentennial Quarter Proof Struck Through Debris
“Struck through” errors occur when foreign material comes between the die and planchet during striking. On proof coins, these errors are particularly dramatic.
Key Features:
Distinct impression or void in the coin’s surface
Can affect either obverse or reverse (or both)
Most common on copper-nickel clad proofs, but also possible on silver versions
Current Market Values:
PR-63 to PR-65: $200 – $400
PR-66 to PR-67: $500 – $800
PR-68 to PR-69: $1,000 – $2,000+
A remarkable PR-68 silver example with a large struck-through area on the reverse sold for $3,220 in early 2024.
9. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with Full Brockage Error
A brockage occurs when a previously struck coin sticks to the die and impresses its image onto the next planchet. Full brockage errors on Bicentennial quarters are exceedingly rare.
Key Features:
One side shows normal design
Other side displays incuse, reversed image of the same side
Often with slightly less sharp details on the brockage side
Current Market Values:
VF-XF: $1,000 – $2,000
AU-50 to MS-60: $3,000 – $5,000
MS-63 to MS-65: $7,500 – $12,500+
A stunning MS-64 example of this error type realized $18,400 at auction in late 2023, highlighting the extreme rarity and desirability of major errors on Bicentennial issues.
10. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Transitional Error (Wrong Planchet)
In early 1976, some Bicentennial quarters were erroneously struck on 1975-dated planchets with the older copper-silver clad composition (authorized only for 1975 and earlier).
Key Features:
Bicentennial design
Slightly different color compared to standard copper-nickel clad quarters
Higher weight: approximately 5.75g vs. 5.67g for standard quarters
Current Market Values:
VF-XF: $500 – $800
AU-50 to MS-60: $1,000 – $1,500
MS-63 to MS-65: $2,500 – $4,000+
A certified MS-66 example of this transitional error brought $7,200 in a 2024 auction, underscoring the premium placed on high-grade specimens of this elusive variety.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter
The world of rare Bicentennial quarters offers a fascinating intersection of history, numismatics, and potential financial reward.
While finding these valuable varieties requires knowledge, patience, and often a bit of luck, the possibility of discovering a four or five-figure coin in pocket change continues to captivate collectors and the general public alike.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Bicentennial in 2026, interest in these special quarters is likely to increase further.
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or simply curious about the change in your pocket, keeping an eye out for these rare Bicentennial varieties could lead to an exciting and potentially valuable discovery.
Remember, professional certification is crucial for authenticating and maximizing the value of any potentially rare coin. Always consult with reputable dealers or third-party grading services before making significant numismatic purchases or sales.