The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is an iconic piece of American coinage, minted to commemorate the nation’s 200th anniversary. Featuring a colonial drummer on the reverse and the dual date “1776–1976,” this quarter stands out from other U.S. coins.
While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value, a select few have become incredibly valuable due to errors, rarity, or unique minting features. One such Bicentennial quarter recently gained attention with a sale close to $3 million.
Here, we’ll look into the story of this coin and examine four other quarters that are valued at over $300,000, each with its own fascinating background and collector appeal.
Table of Contents
Rare Bicentennial Quarter
The U.S. Mint produced millions of Bicentennial quarters in 1975 and 1976, primarily using a copper-nickel clad composition. However, some quarters were struck on silver planchets intended for special collector proof sets, and a few of these accidentally entered circulation.
Why It’s Valuable
- Struck in 40% silver, originally meant for limited collector issues
- Released into circulation by mistake, making it extremely rare
- In pristine condition, dramatically increasing its worth
What to Look For
- Check the edge of the coin. Silver quarters lack the copper-colored stripe found on clad quarters
- A weight test can confirm if the quarter is silver, as silver quarters are slightly heavier than copper-nickel ones
- If you suspect you have one, authentication by a grading service is essential
1932-D Washington Quarter
The 1932-D Washington Quarter is among the most sought-after coins in the Washington quarter series, introduced to honor George Washington’s 200th birthday. With a limited mintage, this quarter is a rare and valuable find.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 436,800 were minted in Denver, making it one of the scarcest Washington quarters
- High-grade examples in mint condition have sold for over $300,000
- Represents the inaugural year of the Washington quarter series
What to Look For
- The “D” mint mark is located on the reverse side, beneath the eagle
- Even circulated examples hold value, but uncirculated quarters are the most valuable
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The Liberty Seated Quarter series, produced from 1838 to 1891, includes the rare 1870-CC quarter, minted in Carson City. This coin is highly prized due to its low mintage and historical significance.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 8,340 were minted, making it one of the scarcest quarters
- High-grade examples have sold for over $300,000
- Coins from the Carson City Mint are especially desirable among collectors
What to Look For
- The “CC” mint mark on the reverse side under the eagle identifies this quarter
- The 1870-CC is frequently counterfeited, so authentication is necessary
1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber Quarter, minted in San Francisco, is one of the most elusive coins in the Barber series. Designed by Charles E. Barber, this quarter is highly valued by collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 72,664 quarters were minted, making it one of the lowest mintages in U.S. history
- A high-grade 1901-S Barber quarter can sell for over $300,000
- Even worn examples are highly valuable, but those in mint condition fetch the highest prices
What to Look For
- The “S” mint mark is located beneath the eagle on the reverse side
- Quarters in near-mint or uncirculated condition are the most valuable
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is famous for its overdate error, where the “3” in the date was struck over a “2.” This mistake occurred when the Mint reused an 1822 die to create 1823 quarters.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only a few examples of this coin exist, making it an extremely rare find
- High-grade versions have sold for over $300,000
- As an early U.S. minting error, it holds great historical and collector appeal
What to Look For
- Check the date on the obverse side for remnants of the underlying “2” beneath the “3”
- A magnifying glass can help confirm the overdate error
| Coin | Estimated Value | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $3 million | Struck on a 40% silver planchet |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $300,000+ | First-year Washington quarter, low mintage |
| 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | $300,000+ | Carson City Mint, extremely rare |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | $300,000+ | Low mintage, highly sought after |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | $300,000+ | Overdate error on the year |
These rare quarters demonstrate how errors, mint marks, and silver content can significantly increase a coin’s value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just checking your spare change, you might be holding a hidden fortune.
FAQs
Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter valuable?
Some were struck on 40% silver planchets and mistakenly released into circulation.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is silver?
Check the edge—silver quarters lack a copper stripe and are slightly heavier.
What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter rare?
It had a low mintage of 436,800 and is the first year of the Washington series.
What is an overdate error on a coin?
An overdate error occurs when a new date is stamped over a previous year’s digit.
Where can I sell a rare quarter?
You can sell through coin auctions, dealers, or online marketplaces like eBay and Heritage Auctions.
