1976 Quarter Coin Value Hits $4,500 | Collectors Take Note

1976 Quarter Value

The 1976 quarter is a unique coin made to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence.

While these quarters are rich in history, many collectors wonder—are they valuable? Let’s dive into the details and find out!

We’ll explore the different versions of the 1976 quarter, including mint marks, designs, rare errors, and how much they’re worth today.

Let’s begin!

1976 Quarter Value Chart

Mint Mark & Variety	XF45	MS63	MS65	MS68
1976 (P) Clad	$0.30	$4	$26	$4,500
1976 D Clad	$0.30	$4	$28	$3,750
1976 S Silver	$3	$6	$10	$65

Proof Type	PR62	PR65	PR68	PR70
1976 S Clad Proof (Cameo)	$5	$8	$9	$115
1976 S Clad Proof (Deep Cameo)	$5	$8	$10	$125
1976 S Silver Proof (Deep Cameo)	$6	$12	$18	$160

History of the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter

In 1976, the U.S. Mint released special designs for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins to celebrate 200 years since the Declaration of Independence. A committee created to oversee this national celebration suggested new coin designs.

Initially, the Treasury was hesitant. Past commemorative coins hadn’t sold well—especially the 1952 issue. But due to strong political support, they moved forward.

While the front (obverse) stayed the same, showing George Washington, a design contest was held for the back (reverse). Out of almost 900 entries, Jack L. Ahr’s colonial drummer design was selected for the quarter. Some controversy followed, with claims it copied an earlier stamp design, but the Mint approved it after small changes.

The first trial coins were made in 1974 in Philadelphia. These had no mint marks and were mostly melted down after a few were gifted to VIPs.

Features of the 1976 Quarter

Obverse (Front)

The front still features George Washington’s portrait, originally designed by John Flanagan. The only change is the dual date “1776-1976,” marking the bicentennial.

Reverse (Back)

The back shows a colonial drummer with a torch surrounded by 13 stars, representing the first states. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appears along the top, and “QUARTER DOLLAR” is at the bottom. The Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears to the right of the drummer.

Look closely to spot the initials “JLA” for Jack L. Ahr near the word “DOLLAR.”

Coin Composition

• Clad Quarters (Copper-Nickel): 24.3 mm, 5.67 g
• Silver Quarters (40% silver): 24.3 mm, 5.75 g

1976 Quarter Grading Scale

Grade Label	Description
1–3	Poor to Fair
4–6	Good
7–10	Very Good
12–15	Fine
20–30	Very Fine
40	Extremely Fine
50	About Uncirculated
60–70	Mint State (Uncirculated)

1976 Quarter Value Guides

1976 (P) Clad Quarter Value

No mint mark means it was minted in Philadelphia. Over 800 million were made, and many were kept as keepsakes. Circulated coins are worth face value unless they have errors.

• MS63: $4
• MS65: $26
• MS67: $80
• MS68: $4,500

1976 D Clad Quarter Value

Over 860 million were struck in Denver. Look for a small “D” on the obverse.

• MS63: $4
• MS65: $28
• MS67: $100
• MS68: $3,750

1976 S Silver Quarter Value

San Francisco struck 11 million silver quarters with an “S” mint mark. These coins contain 40% silver.

• Circulated: $3–$5
• MS68: $65
• MS68+: $400

1976 S Clad Proof Quarter Value

Over 7 million proof clad coins were made.

• PR70 Cameo: $115
• PR70 Deep Cameo: $125

1976 S Silver Proof Quarter Value

4 million silver proof quarters were made. Deep Cameos at PR70 are worth about $160.

Rare 1976 Quarter Errors

Double Die Obverse (1976 D)

A double die occurs when the die shifts slightly during production, resulting in a duplicated image.

• Grade 4: $20
• XF45: $235
• MS60: $725
• MS65: $3,250
• MS66 (Finest known): Sold for $8,400

Double Clip Error (1976 D)

This coin had two clip errors—one large and curved, another small and straight. Graded MS62, it sold for $89 in 2004.

Where to Sell Your 1976 Quarter

Want to sell your quarter online? There are several trusted platforms where you can appraise and sell your coins. Many offer free evaluations and expert grading.