Coin collectors are excited about the Bicentennial Quarter, which was minted in 1976 in honor of America’s 200th anniversary. According to some rumors, some of these coins can fetch up to $250,000.
Bicentennial Quarter
The US Mint made the decision to produce unique coins in honor of the country’s bicentennial at the start of the 1970s. The traditional eagle design on the quarter was replaced with a colonial drummer, designed by Jack L. Ahr, indicating the start of a new chapter in American history.
The coin also featured the dates “1776–1976” in honor of America’s 200th anniversary, and its production was also started in 1975 and continued through 1976.
Bicentennial Quarter Overview
| Authority | U.S. Mint |
| Name of Coin | Bicentennial Quarter |
| Minting Year | 1976 |
| Value | Typically 25 cents; up to $250,000 for rare error coins |
| Types | Silver Proof, Silver Uncirculated, Clad |
| Myth | $250,000 value is a myth |
| Beneficiaries | Coin collectors, history enthusiasts |
| Category | Rare Bicentennial |
| Official Website | https://www.usmint.gov/ |
Types of Bicentennial Quarters
The Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints produced more than 1.7 billion Bicentennial Quarters.
The three primary varieties are 40% silver proof quarters (San Francisco), 40% silver uncirculated quarters (San Francisco), and copper-nickel clad quarters (Philadelphia and Denver).
The clad quarters were widely circulated, but the silver versions were sold to collectors.
Are They Really Worth $250,000
The majority of Bicentennial Quarters hold a value of just 25 cents. They are usually sold for $1 to $2, even if they are not circulated. The idea that a regular Bicentennial-quarter could be worth $250,000 is a myth driven by misleading headlines and misunderstanding auction results.
Valuable Error Coins
The quarters with minting errors are the most valuable. Double-die errors (design elements appearing doubled), off-center strikes (misaligned designs), and wrong planchet errors (coins struck on blanks meant for other coins) may increase a coin’s value significantly. A 1976 proof Bicentennial Quarter made without the “S” mint mark has sold for $15,000 to $35,000.
Condition and Value
A coin’s condition has a big impact on its value. Professional grading services can sell Bicentennial Quarters for several hundred to several thousand dollars if they receive an MS-68 or higher grade. Coins that are in perfect condition are more valuable and uncommon.
$250,000 Bicentennial Quarter Myth
The $250,000 rumor likely comes from a mix of confusion with other valuable quarters, overstated headlines, and auction results of rare error coins. The value of the Bicentennial Quarter has been miscalculated because some rare quarters from various years have sold for six figures.
FAQs
Are all Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
No, most Bicentennial-quarters are worth only their face value of 25 cents unless they have rare errors or are in exceptional condition.
Are there any Bicentennial Quarter worth $250,000?
No, the $250,000 value is a myth likely caused by confusion with other valuable coins or rare error auction results.
How can I check the value of my Bicentennial Quarter?
Have it professionally graded; coins in MS-68 or higher condition or with unique errors may be valuable.
Peter Robinson is a news writer with 6 years of experience, specializing in Government Aid and the latest news. He focuses on explaining government programs and current events in an easy-to-understand way. Peter is dedicated to keeping readers informed with reliable and up-to-date information.