
The 1976 US quarter is a coin that's been around for decades, but its value can vary greatly depending on its condition and rarity. The most valuable 1976 quarters are those in mint condition, with some selling for thousands of dollars.
The 1976 quarter was the first year that the US Mint produced quarters with a special design. The mint marked these quarters with a "P" or "D" to indicate whether they were produced at the Philadelphia or Denver mint.
The value of a 1976 quarter can range from a few cents to several thousand dollars. In general, quarters in good condition are worth around 25 cents, but rare or collectible coins can be worth much more.
Mintage
The mintage of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a fascinating topic. Over 1 billion bicentenary quarters were minted throughout the U.S. Mint's facilities.
Production of these special coins began in 1975, a year before their introduction to the market, to discourage hoarding. Interestingly, this was done to prevent the coins from accumulating value over time.
The U.S. Mint's Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities were used for production, with the following mintages:
These mintages were a result of the U.S. Mint's efforts to ensure an ample supply of these special coins for the general populace.
Design and Rarity
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter's design is one-of-a-kind, featuring a colonial revolutionary drummer boy on the reverse side. This unique design was created by Jack L. Ahr, replacing the original bald eagle design by John Flanagan. The drummer boy's reverse side also includes a torch surrounded by thirteen stars, representing the original states.
The obverse design, on the other hand, maintained the classic George Washington design by Flanagan, with the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" to its left. The dual date "1776-1976" is present, marking the 200th anniversary of the signing.
The rarity of the 1976 Bicentennial quarter can significantly impact its value. Some rare errors, such as the 1976-S proof coin with a double die error, can be highly sought after by collectors. Other mint-made errors, like doubled die errors, overstamp and overstruck errors, die cap errors, and struck-through errors, can also increase the value of the quarter.
Here are some common mint errors to look out for:
- Doubled Die Errors: These are particularly popular among collectors and can fetch high prices in excellent condition.
- Overstamp and Overstruck Errors: These occur when the coin is struck more than once, resulting in overlapping designs.
- Die Cap Errors: A rare occurrence where a coin gets stuck in the press, leading to a unique appearance.
- Struck-Through Errors: These happen when foreign materials interfere during the minting process, leaving distinct marks.
- Wrong Planchet Errors: This rare error occurs when a different coin blank is used for the Bicentennial Quarter design.
Rare Collectibles
Rare collectibles can be a thrilling discovery, especially when they're worth a lot of money. Some rare Bicentennial Quarters can be worth a great deal of money, especially those with mint-made errors.
Collectors should look for coins that show signs of mint-made errors, such as doubled die errors, overstamp and overstruck errors, die cap errors, struck-through errors, and wrong planchet errors. These errors can significantly increase the value of a quarter.
Doubled die errors are particularly popular among collectors and can fetch high prices, especially in excellent condition. Overstamp and overstruck errors occur when the coin is struck more than once, resulting in overlapping designs.
Die cap errors are a rare occurrence where a coin gets stuck in the press, leading to a unique appearance. Struck-through errors happen when foreign materials interfere during the minting process, leaving distinct marks.
Here are some common errors that can add significant value to a Bicentennial Quarter:
- Doubled die errors
- Overstamp and overstruck errors
- Die cap errors
- Struck-through errors
- Wrong planchet errors
These errors can be worth thousands if the coin is in great condition. By knowing what to look for, collectors can better identify these valuable variations and potentially discover hidden treasures in their collections.
11. Cameo
The Cameo designation is a hallmark of proof coins, and the 1976-S Silver Proof Cameo Bicentennial Quarter is no exception. It features a mirror-like finish and is highly prized by collectors.
To understand the significance of the Cameo designation, let's look at the characteristics of the 1976-S Clad Proof Cameo Bicentennial Quarter. It has a Type 3 Clad metal composition and a San Francisco mint mark.
Here are the key characteristics of the Cameo designation:
- Highly polished fields with sharp details
- Deep cameo contrast between fields and devices
- Proof coins with a Cameo designation are highly sought after by collectors
The Cameo designation is not just a matter of aesthetics; it's also a reflection of the coin's rarity and condition. As we saw in the example of the 1976-S Clad Proof Cameo Bicentennial Quarter sold on April 29, 2021, for $150, the Cameo designation can significantly impact the coin's value.
Regular Strike

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a highly collectible coin that offers a unique combination of historical significance, variety, and educational value. Most circulated quarters are worth their face value of 25 cents, but collectors are often on the lookout for uncirculated or proof versions that can command a higher price on the market.
The condition of the coin plays a significant role in determining its value, with an unblemished, uncirculated quarter fetching a premium. In fact, an uncirculated quarter can fetch up to $6,000, particularly if it possesses rare mint errors.
To identify a rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, you should look for minting errors such as misaligned dies, double strikes, or off-center strikes. Coins with these imperfections are worth significantly more.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of 1976 Bicentennial Quarters and their values:
The metal composition of the coin also affects its value, with silver quarters weighing slightly more than clad ones, around 6.25 grams. Additionally, silver quarters lack the copper strip on the edge, giving them a solid silver appearance.
Coins Design
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter's reverse design is a unique and iconic representation of American history, featuring a colonial revolutionary drummer boy.
The drummer boy is depicted by Jack L. Ahr, one of the contest winners who received a prize of $5000. Ahr's design replaced John Flanagan's bald eagle reverse design, and it's often referred to as the Drummer Boy Quarter.
The thirteen stars circling the torch on the upper left of the coin represent the original 13 states that formed the newly formed Union.
The national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is engraved beneath the victory torch, and it means "one out of many" in Latin.
The designer's initials, "JLA", are present beneath the drummer boy's left arm, and the coin's lower half reads "QUARTER DOLLAR."
The obverse design, which is the front of the coin, features a portrait of George Washington, the First President of the United States, designed by John Flanagan.
The dual date "1776-1976" on the obverse represents the 200th anniversary of the signing, and it's a unique feature of the 1976 Bicentennial quarter.
6. Deep Cameo

The 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter is a rare and highly sought-after coin. This design was a result of the gradual removal of silver from regular strikes, starting with the 1965 reduction from 90% to 40% silver in quarters.
The coin shortage of the 1960s led to the replacement of silver with a mix of copper and nickel. This change had a significant impact on the metals used on coins and their connection to seignorage.
The 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter features a unique design that was chosen from over 884 entries. The design includes a victory torch on the reverse, enclosed in a circle of 13 stars to represent the first 13 States to join the newly formed Union.
The designer of this coin, Jack L. Ahr, was accused of plagiarism by William A. Smith, who claimed Ahr copied his design for a drummer boy stamp. Ahr denied the accusations, but the controversy surrounding the design adds to the coin's allure.
The Bicentennial Quarter was minted in 1975, but it was released in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States.
Value and Price Guide
If you're looking to sell a 1976 US quarter, you're in luck - they can be worth more than their face value. Some varieties are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch thousands of dollars.
A circulated copper-nickel quarter in good condition can be worth up to $1, while an uncirculated one can sell for around $2 to $3. However, if you have a 40% silver quarter, you're in for a bigger payday - they can range from $5 to $10, depending on the condition.
Some rare varieties, like the MS69 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, can sell for up to $19,200. To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of the value of different types of 1976 US quarters:
To get the best price for your quarter, consider getting it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC, and research recent sales of similar coins to get a fair estimate of its value.
Uncirculated

Uncirculated Bicentennial Quarters are highly valued among collectors. These coins are worth significantly more than their face value, with prices ranging from $6,000 to over $19,000, depending on their condition and rarity.
A key factor in determining the value of an uncirculated quarter is its condition. If a coin is in pristine, uncirculated condition, it can fetch a premium price. For example, a silver 1976 bicentennial quarter graded MS69 can sell for up to $19,200, making it a highly valuable addition to any coin collection.
The rarity of a coin also plays a significant role in determining its value. For instance, only six silver 1976 bicentennial quarters graded MS69 are known to exist, making them extremely rare and valuable.
Here are some estimated values for uncirculated 1976 Bicentennial Quarters:
These values demonstrate the potential for uncirculated Bicentennial Quarters to command high prices on the market.
Price Guide
The value of a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter can vary significantly depending on its condition and type. Circulated quarters are worth their face value of 25 cents, but collectors may be interested in obtaining uncirculated or proof versions, which can command a higher price.

In circulated condition, a Bicentennial quarter can be worth up to $1 for collectors. Uncirculated quarters can be valued at around $2 to $3 for collectors in mint condition. Silver quarters, on the other hand, are the most sought-after and can range from $5 to $10, depending on the condition.
Proof coins, especially silver proofs, can range from $7 to $15 or more, depending on rarity and demand. The condition of the coin plays a significant role in determining its value, with unblemished, uncirculated quarters fetching a premium.
Here's a breakdown of the potential values for different types of 1976 Bicentennial Quarters:
It's essential to note that the value of a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter can increase significantly if it has rare mint errors or is in pristine condition.
Determining Value
The condition of a Bicentennial Quarter is a major factor in determining its value. Coins in uncirculated condition, which means they've never been used in circulation, typically command higher prices.
The mint mark can also affect the value, with quarters produced at the San Francisco Mint often being more sought after.
Inspecting for minting errors like misaligned dies, double strikes, or off-center strikes is crucial, as coins with these imperfections are worth significantly more.
5

The 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter is a prime example of how certain characteristics can greatly impact a coin's value. This quarter was sold for $342 on July 14, 2021.
The metal composition of this quarter is Type 3 Clad, which is a significant factor in its value. This type of metal is still used in coin production today.
The San Francisco Mint Mark is another important detail that can affect a coin's value. The San Francisco Mint is known for producing high-quality coins.
A Grade of PR 69 DCAM is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. This grade indicates that the coin is in pristine condition.
The sale of this quarter demonstrates how valuable coins can be, especially when they have unique characteristics.
How is Determination Made?
The condition of a coin plays a huge role in determining its value, with uncirculated coins typically commanding higher prices.
Coins that have been used in circulation and show signs of wear and tear are generally worth less than those that have been kept in pristine condition.

The mint mark can also affect a coin's value, with quarters produced at the San Francisco Mint often being more sought after.
Inspecting for minting errors like misaligned dies, double strikes, or off-center strikes is crucial, as coins with these imperfections are worth significantly more.
The type of mint that produced the coin can also influence its value, with Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco being the most common types.
Proof coins, which are specially made for collectors, often have a higher value due to their limited availability and pristine condition.
When to Sell Your Stock
When to Sell Your Stock, or in this case, your 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, can be a bit tricky. Market conditions and demand play a big role in determining the best time to sell.
Prices can fluctuate based on collector interest, so it's essential to keep an eye on trends in coin collecting. Economic factors also come into play, affecting the value of your quarter.
Selling during peak demand periods, such as during coin shows, can be a good idea. This is when collectors are actively looking for rare coins like the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter.
Having documentation or grading from a reputable authority can also enhance your chances of getting a better price.
Identifying and Selling
To identify a rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, look for off-center impressions, multiple strikes causing doubled letters or numbers, and inconsistent details or marks that don't match the normal production of the coin.
A rare Bicentennial Quarter could fetch substantial sums at auction if the errors are clear and the coin is in good condition. To sell your coin, get it graded by a professional service, especially if it's in excellent condition or made of silver.
To sell your Bicentennial Quarter, research market trends by checking recent sales of similar coins to get a fair value estimate. Selling through reputable dealers or online marketplaces ensures you get a fair price. Store the coin properly in a coin holder to prevent wear, as damage can lower its value.
You can buy or sell your 1976 Bicentennial Quarter through various platforms, including Accurate Precious Metals, eBay, Etsy, and specialized coin trading websites. These platforms offer a wide reach and convenience, connecting you with interested buyers willing to pay a premium for unique coins.
Where to Buy/Sell

If you're looking to buy or sell Bicentennial Quarters, there are several options to consider. Accurate Precious Metals is a reputable dealer that specializes in precious metals and provides a platform for collectors to buy and sell various coins, including Bicentennial Quarters.
You can also explore online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or specialized coin trading websites. These platforms connect you with interested buyers willing to pay a premium for unique coins, offering a wide reach and convenience.
For those seeking a broader audience, consider listing your coins on popular marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or specialized coin trading websites. Here are some options to consider:
- eBay: Known for its vast user base and auction-style listings, it’s an excellent place to connect with collectors.
- Etsy: While primarily for handmade goods, it also caters to vintage items, making it a niche market for unique coins.
- Specialized Coin Trading Websites: These platforms often cater specifically to coin enthusiasts, offering a targeted audience willing to pay a premium for rare finds.
Attending coin shows or visiting local coin shops can also be beneficial for those looking to expand their collection or find out the value of their coins. Dealers often have firsthand knowledge of the market and can provide insights into current trends and values.
Identifying a Coin
Identifying a coin can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you're looking to sell it. The first step is to inspect the coin carefully for signs of errors, which can significantly impact its value.

Off-center impressions, multiple strikes causing doubled letters or numbers, and inconsistent details or marks that don't match the normal production of the coin are all signs of errors that can make a coin rare and valuable.
A rare Bicentennial Quarter could fetch substantial sums at auction if the errors are clear and the coin is in good condition. I've seen this happen with some rare coins I've come across, and it's always exciting to see the value they hold.
To identify a Silver 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, look for the Mint Mark, which is typically an "S" mint mark, indicating a silver or proof coin. Silver quarters also weigh slightly more than clad ones, around 6.25 grams.
A silver Bicentennial quarter will lack the copper strip on the edge, giving it a solid silver appearance. This is a key characteristic to look for when identifying a silver coin.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you identify a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter:
Keep in mind that the condition of the coin plays a significant role in determining its value. An unblemished, uncirculated quarter can fetch a premium, especially if it possesses rare mint errors.
Tips for Selling

To get the best price for your Bicentennial Quarter, consider getting it graded by a professional service, especially if it's in excellent condition or made of silver. This can increase its value.
Researching market trends is crucial to determine a fair value estimate. You can check recent sales of similar coins to get an idea of what your coin is worth.
Selling through reputable dealers is a great way to ensure you get a fair price. These dealers have experience and knowledge of the coin market, so you can trust their assessment.
If you're keeping your coin, store it properly in a coin holder to prevent wear and damage. This will help maintain its value.
To sell your Bicentennial Quarter, consider the following tips:
- Get Your Coin Graded: Have a professional grading service evaluate your coin.
- Research Market Trends: Check recent sales of similar coins to get a fair value estimate.
- Sell Through Reputable Dealers: Selling through established coin dealers or online marketplaces ensures you get a fair price.
Sources
- https://sdbullion.com/blog/bicentennial-quarters-value-chart
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/rare-bicentennial-quarter-worth-money/
- https://accuratepmr.com/blog/uncovering-the-1776-1976-bicentennial-quarter-value/
- https://www.youthachievementcenter.org/discover-the-rare-1976-bicentennial-quarter-worth-2-2-billion-still-in-circulation/
- https://owossoindependent.com/1976-bicentennial-quarter-value-guide/
Featured Images: pexels.com