The Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976, is an iconic piece of American history, celebrating the United States’ 200th anniversary. While many of these coins are still in circulation and hold their face value, rare variations can command prices ranging from thousands to $10 million. Let’s look into the rarest Bicentennial Quarters, their unique features, and why they are so highly prized by collectors.
Bicentennial Quarter
The most valuable of the Bicentennial Quarters is worth nearly $10 million. This special coin stands out due to its 40% silver composition and pristine condition, which set it apart from the standard copper-nickel versions.
Featuring the familiar profile of George Washington on the obverse and a revolutionary drummer boy on the reverse, this coin’s rarity lies in its unique minting qualities and historical significance. Coins graded as flawless by professional services fetch the highest values, making this the ultimate find for collectors.
Double Die Obverse Quarter
The Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter is a striking mint error where the design was pressed twice, creating a doubled effect on features like the date and lettering.
This error is visually distinct and rare, making it highly desirable among collectors. With a value of over $150,000, these coins are a fascinating example of minting imperfections that have become collectibles.
Off-Center Strike Quarter
The Off-Center Strike Bicentennial Quarter is another error coin that excites collectors. This minting mistake occurs when the blank coin is not properly centered, causing the design to be misaligned.
The greater the off-center strike, the more valuable the coin becomes. Depending on its condition and the extent of the error, this variety can fetch over $200,000, making it a favorite for those who appreciate unique visual quirks.
Overstruck Quarter
The Overstruck Bicentennial Quarter is an extraordinary find where a quarter is struck on top of another coin, such as a dime or another quarter. This overlap creates a mix of two distinct designs, making each coin one-of-a-kind.
The clearer the overlapping patterns, the more valuable the coin. Some examples of this minting anomaly have sold for over $250,000, drawing significant attention from collectors who seek rare errors.
Silver Proof Quarter
The Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter was minted for collectors and features a 40% silver composition with a polished, mirror-like finish. These coins are not as rare as some error coins, but their quality and precious metal content make them highly desirable.
Coins graded in perfect condition can fetch over $150,000, with their striking appearance and historical significance adding to their value.
Full Drum Lines Quarter
The Full Drum Lines Bicentennial Quarter is prized for its attention to detail. On this variation, the lines on the drummer boy’s drum are sharply defined, a feature that is often faint or incomplete on most Bicentennial Quarters.
Coins with fully visible drum lines are rare and can command prices of over $175,000 in mint condition. This subtle variation highlights the artistry of the coin’s design, making it a favorite among detail-oriented collectors.
No S Proof Quarter
The No S Proof Bicentennial Quarter is an intriguing mint error where the coin lacks the “S” mintmark that denotes the San Francisco Mint. This omission occurred unintentionally, making these coins extremely rare.
In excellent condition, No S Proof Quarters can be worth more than $200,000, as collectors prize them for their rarity and the story of the minting mistake.
| Rare Bicentennial Quarter | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Silver Quarter | 40% silver, pristine condition | $10 million |
| Double Die Obverse | Doubled design elements | $150,000+ |
| Off-Center Strike | Misaligned design | $200,000+ |
| Overstruck Quarter | Overlapping designs | $250,000+ |
| Silver Proof | 40% silver, mirror-like finish | $150,000+ |
| Full Drum Lines | Sharp drum line details | $175,000+ |
| No S Proof | Missing “S” mintmark | $200,000+ |
Significant
The Bicentennial Quarter holds a unique place in U.S. history, and its rare variations showcase the artistry and occasional imperfections of coin minting. Whether it’s the $10 million treasure or an error-based oddity, these coins offer collectors a chance to own a piece of history. Next time you come across a Bicentennial Quarter, take a closer look—you might be holding something extraordinary.
FAQs
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter worth $10 million?
A rare version with 40% silver and flawless condition.
What is a Double Die Obverse Quarter?
A mint error where design elements are doubled.
How much is an Off-Center Strike Quarter worth?
Over $200,000, depending on the misalignment and condition.
What makes the No S Proof Quarter valuable?
The missing ‘S’ mintmark is a rare minting error.
What is special about the Full Drum Lines Quarter?
It features rare, sharply defined drum lines.
