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
1. How do I know if my Bicentennial Quarter is valuable?
Check for errors, silver content, and high grades. Professional grading services can verify authenticity.
2. What makes a Bicentennial Quarter rare?
Errors like double strikes, missing mintmarks, or planchet mistakes make them valuable.
3. Where can I sell a rare Bicentennial Quarter?
Try auction houses, coin dealers, or online marketplaces like eBay.
4. Are all Bicentennial Quarters silver?
No. Only special collector versions contain 40% silver—most are copper-nickel.
5. Can I find a valuable Bicentennial Quarter in circulation?
Yes, but it’s rare. Always check your old coins carefully!
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! 💰
