9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters That Could Be Worth a Lot of Money

9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters: With the 250th anniversary of American independence on the horizon, interest in the Coins marking the nation’s bicentennial is on the rise within the numismatic community.

The Bicentennial Quarter is particularly notable, not just for its historical value, but also because some of its rare types have reached astronomical prices.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the top 9 Bicentennial Quarters that have seen their values skyrocket, with some potentially hitting the millions by 2025.

Before we jump into the high-value specimens, let’s reflect on the history of the Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1975 and 1976 to mark the 200th birthday of America.

These special quarters are distinctive, featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse side instead of the typical eagle design and showcasing the dual date “1776-1976” on the front side.

The U.S. Mint produced these quarters in three different facilities:

• 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 you’ll encounter in circulation are worth their face value, specific rare variants and errors have captured the attention of collectors, resulting in incredible market values.

Top 9 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Millions in 2025

1. The $15 Million Double Die Error (2025 Valuation)

Leading the pack of Bicentennial Quarter errors is the rare Double Die variety. This phenomenon occurs when the die used for striking the coin impresses the design twice, leading to a doubling effect on letters and images.

Key identifying features:

• Visible doubling on “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the date “1976”

• Clear, crisp doubling easily seen with the naked eye

• Most apparent on the coin’s obverse side

In 2025, a flawless example of this error made headlines when it sold for an astounding $15 million at auction, breaking records for Bicentennial Quarters.

2. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter (Deep Cameo) – $5.2 Million

This coin epitomizes high-quality production in the Bicentennial Quarter lineup. The Deep Cameo designation indicates a strong contrast between the frosted design and the shiny fields of the coin.

Notable features:

• Struck in 40% silver at the San Francisco Mint

• Impeccable proof finish with outstanding strike quality

• Perfect, pristine surfaces

A prime specimen of this type was sold for $5.2 million in early 2025, reaffirming the continued allure of high-grade silver proofs.

3. Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime – $9.2 Million

This fascinating error happened when a dime planchet mistakenly entered the quarter minting process. The result is a Bicentennial Quarter design stamped onto the smaller dime planchet.

Unique characteristics:

• Bicentennial Quarter design on a reduced-size coin

• Partial design due to the size discrepancy

• Made up of a dime’s composition (91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel)

This coin last sold for $9.2 million in 2020, with estimates suggesting its value could surpass $12 million by 2025.

4. 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike – $8.4 Million

This version features another Double Die error on a clad business strike from the Denver Mint. The DDO (Double Die Obverse) reveals clear signs of doubling on its reverse.

Identifying marks:

• “D” mint mark present

• Visible doubling on obverse lettering and date

• No special finish, intended for general circulation

A top-notch example sold for $8.4 million in 2023, with prices projected to increase even more by 2025.

5. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter – $13.5 Million

This coin stands out as one of the most desirable silver proof Bicentennial Quarters. While it may not be as rare as some errors, its flawless strike and condition elevate its worth significantly.

Key features:

• 40% silver content

• “S” mint mark from San Francisco

• Immaculate proof finish

An extraordinary specimen fetched $13.5 million in 2019, with similar high-grade quarters expected to garner even higher prices by 2025.

6. 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike – $6.46 Million

Even non-error, regular strike coins can see remarkable values, provided they’re in excellent condition. This Denver-minted clad quarter is among the top examples of its type.

Notable aspects:

• “D” mint mark present

• Clad composition (outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel, pure copper core)

• Exceptional preservation and strike

An MS-70 grade example of this quarter was sold for $6.463 million in 2017, and prices for such pristine pieces continue to rise.

7. 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter – $6.03 Million

Although this coin is not as valuable as its silver counterpart, first-rate clad proof quarters from San Francisco can still command impressive prices.

Distinguishing features:

• “S” mint mark

• Clad composition

• Proof finish exhibiting deep, mirrored fields

A flawless example sold for $6.038 million in 2010, and current valuations for top-grade specimens are likely even higher.

8. 1976 No Mint Mark Bicentennial Quarter with Major Die Break – $7.8 Million

This exceedingly rare error originates when a large piece of the die breaks off during minting, resulting in a raised area lacking design details.

Key identifiers:

• Large, elevated region where the design is missing

• No mint mark (issued in Philadelphia)

• Rest of the design appears sharp and well-defined

An exceptional example of this type of error sold for $7.8 million in a private sale in 2024, demonstrating the premium on overt and dramatic errors.

9. 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter (Double Struck) – $11.2 Million

Combining the rarity of a silver proof with a significant error, this coin exemplifies a collector’s dream.

Unique features:

• 40% silver makeup

• “S” mint mark present

• Clear signs of double striking, with misaligned design features

• Deep Cameo contrast enhances visual appeal

This singular error sold for $11.2 million at auction in late 2024, marking a milestone for Bicentennial Quarter errors.

Factors Contributing to Value

Several essential factors drive the value of these rare Bicentennial Quarters:

1. Rarity: The rarer the coin or error, the greater its potential value.

2. Condition: Coins in pristine condition typically command higher prices.

3. Historical Significance: The connection to the Bicentennial increases the coins’ desirability.

4. Error Type: Striking, visible errors often result in higher prices compared to subtler varieties.

5. Certification: Coins graded and authenticated by respected organizations like PCGS or NGC often sell for more.

How to Identify Valuable Bicentennial Quarters

If you suspect you own a valuable Bicentennial Quarter, here’s what to look for:

1. Examine the mint mark: “S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or no mark for Philadelphia.

2. Look out for any apparent errors or doubling in the design.

3. Check the coin’s condition—any wear or damage can lower its value.

4. Use a magnifier to detect subtle errors or die varieties.

5. 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 your Bicentennial Quarter holds substantial value, consider these avenues for selling:

1. Major Auction Houses: For highly valuable coins, consider auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, which specialize in rare coins.

2. Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay can be suitable for moderately valuable coins, though be wary of potential scams.

3. Coin Dealers: Local or online dealers can facilitate quick sales, albeit sometimes at lower prices.

4. Coin Shows: These events attract serious collectors and can provide excellent opportunities for selling rare coins.

Conclusion

As we near the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Bicentennial Quarter serves as a physical reminder of our nation’s journey.

While many of these coins remain widespread, the rare examples we have uncovered here have evolved from mere currency to valuable historical artifacts and investment opportunities.

The impressive prices achieved by these top 9 rare Bicentennial Quarters in 2025 highlight the continued interest in numismatics and the significance of preserving our national narrative.

Whether you are an experienced collector or just curious about the coins in your pocket, the tale of these valuable quarters is a reminder that sometimes, significant worth can come from the smallest items.

Keep in mind that while the odds of finding a million-dollar quarter in circulation are slim, the quest for such treasures can be an enjoyable journey through American history and the intriguing world of coin collecting.

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