Bicentennial Quarter Value: 10 Rare Coins That Could Be Worth a Fortune!

The Bicentennial Quarter Value has become a hot topic among coin collectors and treasure hunters alike. These special quarters, minted in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, feature a unique drummer boy design on the reverse, making them stand out from regular quarters.

While most Bicentennial Quarters are only worth 25 cents, a select few have sold for thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Some of these rare coins owe their value to minting errors, unusual compositions, or being in pristine condition. In this guide, we’ll reveal 10 of the rarest Bicentennial Quarters that have commanded eye-popping prices in the numismatic market.

10 Most Valuable Bicentennial Quarters at a Glance

Coin Variety	Estimated Value
Doubled Die Obverse MS-67	$45,500
No “S” Silver Proof	$32,500
Triple-Struck Silver Proof	$22,800
Struck on a Silver Dollar Planchet	$17,500
Double-Struck 75% Off-Center	$15,800
Proof Obverse with Business Strike Reverse	$12,300
40% Silver MS-68+ Grade	$9,200
Struck-Through Cloth Error	$7,800
Broadstrike Error	$6,500
40% Silver Matte Finish Presentation	$5,900

Now, let’s dive into what makes these quarters so valuable!

1. Doubled Die Obverse MS-67 – $45,500

This is one of the most valuable Bicentennial Quarter varieties. A doubled die occurs when the coin’s design is impressed twice, creating a noticeable doubling effect on the lettering and portrait.

• Key Features: Doubling visible on LIBERTY and Washington’s profile
• Rarity: Only a handful exist in MS-67 grade
• Auction Price: Sold for $45,500 in 2023

Collectors prize this error because of its clear doubling and limited availability.

2. No “S” Silver Proof – $32,500

This rare variety was mistakenly minted without the “S” mintmark, which should appear on all San Francisco-proof coins.

• Key Features: A missing “S” mintmark on a silver proof quarter
• Rarity: Fewer than 20 known examples
• Auction Price: A PR-68 Deep Cameo sold for $32,500

These coins have mostly been discovered in original proof sets, making them a valuable find.

3. Triple-Struck Silver Proof – $22,800

This minting error happened when a silver proof planchet was struck three times, with the second and third strikes landing off-center.

• Key Features: Three overlapping drummer boy images
• Rarity: Extremely rare due to multiple strike errors
• Auction Price: A PR-66 example fetched $22,800

Collectors love these errors for their dramatic, one-of-a-kind appearance.

4. Struck on a Silver Dollar Planchet – $17,500

Some Bicentennial Quarters were mistakenly struck on a 40% silver dollar planchet, making them larger and heavier than a normal quarter.

• Key Features: A wider border due to the incorrect planchet
• Metal Content: 40% silver
• Auction Price: Sold for $17,500 in MS-63 grade

Because of its size and silver content, this error is easier to spot than others.

5. Double-Struck 75% Off-Center – $15,800

In this minting mistake, the quarter was struck twice, but the second strike was 75% off-center, creating a double drummer boy effect.

• Key Features: Two visible impressions of the design
• Rarity: Highly sought after due to its dramatic appearance
• Auction Price: A MS-64 example sold for $15,800

Collectors love these coins because they show two clear dates on the same quarter.

6. Proof Obverse with Business Strike Reverse – $12,300

This rare mule error happened when a proof obverse die was accidentally paired with a regular reverse die.

• Key Features: The front looks like a proof coin, while the back looks normal
• Rarity: Only a few known examples
• Auction Price: Sold for $12,300 in MS-65 grade

These mistakes are discovered years after minting, making them exciting finds.

7. 40% Silver MS-68+ Grade – $9,200

Most 40% silver Bicentennial Quarters are common, but finding one in MS-68+ condition is extremely rare.

• Key Features: Perfect luster and flawless strike
• Rarity: Fewer than 10 exist
• Auction Price: A MS-68+ example sold for $9,200

Even without errors, a high-grade silver quarter can be a valuable collector’s item.

8. Struck-Through Cloth Error – $7,800

This rare error happened when a piece of cloth got trapped between the die and the planchet, leaving an impression of fabric on the coin.

• Key Features: A clear textile pattern on the surface
• Auction Price: A MS-64 example sold for $7,800

Errors like this are popular because no two are exactly alike.

9. Broadstrike Error – $6,500

This error occurs when a quarter is struck without a collar die, allowing the metal to spread out beyond its normal shape.

• Key Features: A larger-than-normal quarter with a smooth edge
• Auction Price: A MS-65 example fetched $6,500

Since the design is stretched, these coins have a distinct look that collectors love.

10. 40% Silver Matte Finish Presentation – $5,900

A rare presentation version of the Bicentennial Quarter was minted with a matte finish, unlike the usual polished silver proofs.

• Key Features: A sandblasted-style surface
• Rarity: Fewer than 20 known examples
• Auction Price: Sold for $5,900 in SP-67 condition

These coins were given to VIPs and Mint officials, making them ultra-rare.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Bicentennial Quarter Value depends on rarity, condition, and errors. If you think you have one, consider getting it graded—you might be sitting on a hidden fortune! 💰