Do you have a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter in your pocket? These special coins were made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, and over 1.6 billion were produced. While most are only worth 25 cents, some rare versions have sold for thousands at auction. You might have seen crazy claims online about quarters worth $94 million – but those are mostly fake news. Let’s look at which Bicentennial Quarters are actually valuable and how to check if yours might be special.
Where to Check Bicentennial Quarter Values
Want to know if your quarter is valuable? Here are the best places to check:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
- CoinValueChecker
- Heritage Auctions
You can also visit a local coin dealer or check eBay for recent sales. For a quick guide, watch “Top 4 Most Valuable 1976 Bicentennial Quarters” on YouTube. To get an accurate value, you’ll need to know your coin’s mint mark, condition, and if it has any errors.
How to Spot a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter
Follow these simple steps to see if your quarter might be worth more:
- Check the Date: Look for “1776-1976” on the front with George Washington
- Find the Mint Mark: Look below Washington’s neck for “P” (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco)
- Look for Errors: Use a magnifying glass to check for mistakes like doubled letters or off-center designs
- Weigh It: Silver quarters (5.75g) are slightly heavier than regular ones (5.67g)
- Get It Graded: If you think you have a special coin, send it to PCGS or NGC for professional grading
Always hold coins by the edges and keep them in protective holders to prevent damage.
Features and Values
The Bicentennial Quarter has a special design with a colonial drummer boy on the back. Over 1.6 billion were made, but some rare versions can be valuable:
- 1976-S Silver Proof: Sold for $19,200 in 2020 (usually worth $10-$20)
- 1976 Double Die Obverse: Sold for $8,400 in 2023 (usually $500-$2,000)
- 1976 Off-Center Strike: Some have sold for up to $80,000 (but this isn’t verified)
- 1975 “No S” Proof: Only about 2 exist – one may have sold for $1 million
- Double Denomination: A quarter design on a dime blank sold for $9,200
Ignore those crazy $94 million claims – they’re not real. The most expensive verified sale was $19,200 for a perfect silver proof quarter.
Are $94 Million Quarters Still in Circulation?
With so many made (1.6 billion!), most Bicentennial Quarters are only worth face value. The rare ones are usually already in collections, but you might still find a silver “S” quarter or an error coin in your change. Just don’t expect to find a million-dollar coin – the most you could realistically find is worth between $100 and $19,200.
Bicentennial Quarter Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Normal Value | 25-50 cents |
| Rare Value | Up to $19,200 |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Best Finds | Silver proofs, double dies, errors |
| Chance in Change | Very low but possible |
While you probably won’t find a $94 million quarter, some Bicentennial Quarters are still worth good money. The most valuable ones are the silver proofs and coins with mint errors. Check your spare change carefully, especially for “S” mint marks or any strange-looking coins. If you think you have something special, get it checked by a professional. Happy coin hunting – you never know what you might find!
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