When discussing George Washington and bicentennials, you’re likely referring to two events. The first is 1932—the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth—when he first appeared on the U.S. quarter.
The second is 1976—the 200th anniversary of American Independence—which introduced the Bicentennial quarter with a dual date and a special design.
6. 1976-S Clad Proof Deep Cameo Quarter (Struck in 1975)
This quarter features a drummer boy design by Jack L. Ahr, with a torch encircled by 13 stars on the reverse. His initials, JLA, appear under the drummer’s arm near the “R” in “Dollar.” This San Francisco-minted proof coin (Type 3 clad) was graded PR69 DCAM and sold for $342 on July 14, 2021.
5. 1976-S Silver Proof Cameo Quarter
This coin emerged from a national design competition, where artists submitted 10-inch models featuring the required legends. Ahr’s design was chosen amid 884 entries. This San Francisco-minted silver proof (Type 4) graded PR66 CAM sold for $128 on February 15, 2021.
4. 1976 Clad Bicentennial Quarter (Philadelphia Mint, No Mint Mark)
Unlike commemorative coins of the early 1900s, this Bicentennial issue was designed for circulation, bypassing a veto from President Herbert Hoover on collector-focused coins. This Brilliant Uncirculated Philadelphia coin (Type 3 clad) sold for $43 on August 9, 2022.
3. 1976-S Clad Proof Cameo Quarter
Initially, Mint Director Mary Brooks opposed redesigning coins for the Bicentennial due to costs. A compromise allowed only the reverse to change. This San Francisco proof (Type 3) was graded PR70 CAM and fetched $63 at a sale on May 4, 2004.
2. 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike
The Denver Mint struck this Type 3 clad coin. It was created to be circulated rather than hoarded, addressing concerns about wasteful commemorative mintage. A high-grade MS68 specimen sold for $6,463 on January 4, 2017.
1. Double Denomination Error: Bicentennial Dollar on Quarter Planchet
This rare error features a 1976 Eisenhower Dollar mistakenly struck on a Bicentennial quarter planchet. With no mint mark, it was graded MS64 and sold for $28,000—a major find for collectors.
While silver Bicentennial coins were eventually melted due to unsold stock, they remained available until 1986. Some made their way into circulation, where lucky collectors could still find them.
FAQs
What makes a 1976 Bicentennial quarter valuable?
Condition, mint mark, metal type, and errors like double strikes or deep cameo finishes add significant collector value.
Are Bicentennial quarters still in circulation?
Yes, many clad versions remain in everyday circulation and can be found in pocket change or coin rolls.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial quarter is silver?
Check the edge—silver coins lack the copper stripe seen in clad versions. Silver ones also weigh slightly more and have an “S” mint mark.
What’s the rarest Bicentennial quarter variety?
The double denomination error—where a Bicentennial quarter was struck on a dollar planchet—is among the rarest and most valuable finds.