A special currency, called the Bicentennial Quarter, was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States. These quarters, which came into circulation in 1975 and 1976, are not ordinary coins, but are considered extremely valuable by coin collectors. Some of these coins are worth almost two million dollars and more. In this article, we will discuss three of the rarest Bicentennial Quarters, their rarity, and factors that make them so in demand.
What Makes Bicentennial Quarters Special?
The Bicentennial Quarter was created to celebrate the bicentennial of the US Declaration of Independence. The reverse of this quarter has a unique design depicting a small child playing a drum, a symbol of the American Revolution. To ensure that sufficient quantities of quarters could be put into circulation, they were minted not for one year but for two full years. However, some special quarters have become quite valuable today due to some variations and minting mistakes.
Top 3 Rare Bicentennial Quarters
We are going to take a look at the three most valued Bicentennial Quarters and what makes them different from one another.
| Quarter Type | Estimated Value | Mint Mark | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 1976-D Washington Quarter | $1,000,000 | D | A rare version with a misaligned die. |
| 2. 1976-S Silver Quarter | $600,000 | S | Contains 40% silver and has a beautiful design. |
| 3. 1976-P Washington Quarter | $300,000 | P | Limited production with high collector interest. |
1. 1976-D Washington Quarter
One of the most famous Bicentennial quarters is the 1976-D Washington quarter. Due to an error in its minting, its price has increased significantly. Some quarters have a unique appearance due to misaligned dies, which attracts collectors. Depending on the rarity of this coin, and the type and condition of the flaw, it can be worth as much as $1,000,000.
Although the Denver Mint struck over 800 million such coins, this anomaly is only found in a very small percentage, making them extremely rare. Good condition coins, particularly those graded MS-65 and above, command very high prices in the marketplace among collectors.
2. 1976-S Silver Quarter
Of course, there is also the 1976-S Silver Quarters. These were minted at the San Francisco Mint. The silver quarters are worth way more than the usual copper-nickel quarters due to their 40 percent composition of silver. Most collectors are going crazy to get their hands on these quarters mainly because of the stunning designs, low mintages, and that they’re made out of silver.
A coin price may reach as high as $600,000 when graded MS-66. This quarter is the most favorite of the collectors because of the silver’s demand and this quarter has a bicentennial theme.
3. 1976-P Washington Quarter
The last is the 1976-P Washington Quarter. Although it is more common, because of the limited minting and the interest of the collectors, some specimens can reach as much as almost $300,000.
Because less was minted at the Philadelphia Mint than what the regular issue expected, this quarter becomes even more valuable. Unique variations such as a double die error or certain mint marks can increase its value even further. In particular, well-preserved specimens are of great interest among collectors.
Factors That Affect Value
The value of Bicentennial Quarters can be affected by a number of factors, including the following:
- Condition: This means that coins that have been graded by experts or that have been carefully preserved will have a higher value. Such coins are called Mint State (MS) grade, which are brand new and unworn coins.
- Rarity: For collectors, those coins are more attractive that are minted in limited quantity or which have some special flaws.
- Market Demand: The price of coins may also change with currently prevailing market trends and the level of interest of collectors.
- Authenticity: Since fake coins are also available in the market, it is very essential for collectors to check the authenticity of the coins they possess.
Conclusion
The quarters for the Bicentennial are not just any other coins; they are historical heirlooms that people have collected. Some of the examples of rare coins are: 1976-D Washington Quarter, 1976-S Silver Quarter, and 1976-P Washington Quarter-they are nearly worth two million dollars, among others. These three coins form some of the best exemplars of rare coins.
Be you an old collection expert or just passing through in this world of collections, these coins can add something precious to your collection. Always do thorough research before buying or selling coins to make sure the coins are in good condition and priced correctly. In the exciting world of coin studies, every coin has its own story, and some of those stories are worth billions of dollars!
FAQ’s
What is a quarter of a century?
What is a quarter of a century?
Bicentennial quarters were held in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. It features a unique design with a boy playing a violin in the background.
Why is a bicentennial quarter so expensive?
Some of the bicentennials have a high worth because of minting flaws, fewer production runs, or special features. As an example, the 1976-D Washington Quarter can sell for about $1,000,000.
How do I know if my bicentennial is worth it?
Look at the coin for its special characteristics, such as mint mark, (D, S, or P), visible flaws, and overall condition of the coin. Generally the higher the grade, MS-65 or above, the higher price of the coin.
