Bicentennial Quarter Value Guide

Bicentennial Quarter Value Chart

Current market values based on type and condition (2023)

Regular Clad Issues

The vast majority of Bicentennial quarters found in circulation are what collectors call “clad” coins—composed of copper-nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core. These were minted in enormous quantities:

• Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark): 809,784,016 coins
• Denver Mint (D mint mark): 860,118,839 coins

In circulated condition, these regular clad quarters are typically worth only their face value of 25 cents. Even in uncirculated condition (MS63), they typically sell for just $1-$3, though gem uncirculated specimens (MS65 or better) can fetch $5-$20.

Silver Varieties

The San Francisco Mint produced special 40% silver versions for collectors:

• Uncirculated Silver: 4,908,319 coins
• Proof Silver: 4,149,730 coins

These silver versions were not released into circulation but were sold directly to collectors in special Mint sets. Today, the 40% silver Bicentennial quarters have a value of:

• $5-$10 in circulated condition
• $15-$30 in average uncirculated condition
• $50-$300+ for high-grade specimens (MS69 or PR69)

A 1976-S silver proof Bicentennial quarter in perfect MS70 or PR70 condition can sell for $1,000 or more to the right collector.

Double Die Errors

One of the most valuable Bicentennial quarter errors is the double die variety, where parts of the design appear doubled due to multiple impressions from the die during minting. The most prominent double die errors can be seen in:

• The lettering around the edge
• Washington’s profile
• The drummer boy figure
• The stars on the reverse

Double die Bicentennial quarters in uncirculated condition can sell for $100-$300, with exceptional specimens reaching $1,000 or more.

Off-Center Strikes

Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank is not properly centered during the striking process. Depending on the severity:

• 5-10% off-center: $25-$50
• 20-30% off-center: $100-$200
• 50% or more off-center (with date still visible): $300-$800+

Missing Clad Layer

Some Bicentennial quarters were struck with a missing outer layer, exposing the copper core. These “missing clad layer” errors can be worth $100-$300 depending on the extent and condition of the error.

Wrong Planchet Errors

In rare cases, Bicentennial quarters were struck on planchets (coin blanks) intended for other denominations:

• Struck on dime planchet: $300-$500
• Struck on nickel planchet: $400-$800
• Struck on penny planchet: $500-$1,000

The $19,000+ Bicentennial Quarter

The most valuable Bicentennial quarter error reported was a coin struck on a silver planchet intended for a Canadian quarter. This extremely rare error coin sold for over $19,000 at auction, demonstrating how dramatically errors can increase a coin’s value.

The most reliable ways to identify a silver Bicentennial quarter include:

1. Check the mint mark: All silver Bicentennial quarters have an “S” mint mark from the San Francisco Mint. However, not all S-mint quarters are silver, as San Francisco also produced clad proof quarters.

2. Look at the edge: Silver Bicentennial quarters won’t show the copper core visible on the edge of clad quarters. The edge of a silver quarter will have a solid silver-white appearance.

3. Weigh the coin: Silver Bicentennial quarters weigh approximately 5.75 grams, slightly more than the 5.67 grams of standard clad quarters.

4. Check the packaging: Most silver Bicentennial quarters were sold in special packaging as part of mint or proof sets. Finding one in original government packaging is a good indicator of its silver content.

5. Use a magnet: Neither silver nor clad quarters will stick to a magnet, but this test can help eliminate counterfeit coins made of steel or other magnetic metals.

1. Condition (Grade)

Coin condition is perhaps the most significant value factor for standard (non-error) Bicentennial quarters:

• Circulated: Shows wear from being used in commerce. Most circulated Bicentennial quarters are worth face value.
• Uncirculated (MS60-MS64): No wear but may have contact marks, bag marks, or less-than-perfect luster.
• Gem Uncirculated (MS65-MS69): Exceptional specimens with excellent luster and minimal imperfections.
• Perfect (MS70): Theoretically flawless under 5x magnification. Extremely rare for Bicentennial quarters.

For proof coins, similar grades apply but are designated with “PR” or “PF” rather than “MS” (e.g., PR70 instead of MS70).

2. Mint Mark

As discussed earlier, the mint mark plays a crucial role in determining value:

• No mint mark (Philadelphia): Lowest premium
• D (Denver): Similar value to Philadelphia coins
• S (San Francisco): Highest premium, especially for silver versions

3. Composition

• Clad (copper-nickel): Standard composition, lowest value
• 40% Silver: Higher intrinsic metal value plus collector premium

4. Special Varieties and Errors

Errors and varieties dramatically increase value, with some rare Bicentennial quarter errors worth thousands of times face value.

5. Original Packaging

Bicentennial quarters still in original government packaging (mint sets, proof sets, or special commemorative packaging) often command higher prices than loose coins of the same grade.

Professional Grading Services

For potentially valuable Bicentennial quarters, especially errors or high-grade specimens, professional grading is often worthwhile:

1. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): www.pcgs.com
2. NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation): www.ngccoin.com

These services authenticate, grade, and encapsulate your coin in a tamper-evident holder, often increasing its marketability and value.

Selling Options

Once your valuable Bicentennial quarter has been authenticated and/or graded:

1. Coin Dealers: Local coin shops can offer immediate payment, though usually at wholesale prices.

2. Coin Shows: Larger coin shows attract numerous dealers, potentially resulting in competitive offers.

3. Online Marketplaces:

   • eBay
   • Heritage Auctions (ha.com)
   • Great Collections (greatcollections.com)

4. Collector Forums: Sites like CoinTalk or the PCGS and NGC forums allow direct sales to collectors.

5. Auction Houses: For extremely valuable errors (like the $19,000 specimen), major auction houses may be appropriate.

Basic Collection

A starter collection of Bicentennial quarters might include:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark) business strike
• Denver (D) business strike
• San Francisco (S) clad proof

This basic set can be assembled for under $10 and is a great entry point for new collectors.

Intermediate Collection

An intermediate collector might expand to include:

• Philadelphia and Denver in uncirculated condition
• San Francisco clad proof
• San Francisco 40% silver uncirculated
• San Francisco 40% silver proof

This expanded set could cost $50-$100 depending on the grades.

Advanced Collection

Serious collectors might pursue:

• High-grade examples (MS67+ or PR69+) of all varieties
• Original government packaging
• Notable error varieties
• Complete “year sets” with all denominations (quarter, half dollar, and dollar)

Such advanced collections can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the grades and rarities included.

For the average person finding Bicentennial quarters in pocket change, most specimens are worth only face value. However, the possibility of discovering valuable errors or high-grade examples makes examining these quarters worthwhile, and their historical significance adds interest beyond monetary value.

For collectors, Bicentennial quarters offer a fascinating and accessible entry point to numismatics. The variety of mint marks, compositions, and potential errors provides collecting challenges for enthusiasts at all levels, from beginners to advanced numismatists.

Whether you’re an experienced collector or someone who just found an interesting quarter in your change, understanding the factors that contribute to Bicentennial quarter values can help you make informed decisions about these distinctive American coins.