Bicentennial quarters, a distinctive coin series minted in 1976 to commemorate the United States’ 200th birthday
Bicentennial quarters were introduced in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. According to Texas-based Chronicle Collectibles, these unique coins can range in value from $19,200 to as much as $200,000, depending on their characteristics.
Like traditional quarters, they feature George Washington’s profile on the front. What sets them apart is the reverse design—replacing the standard eagle is an image of a Revolutionary War drummer. The value of each coin depends on various factors such as the mint location, material, condition, and whether it contains minting errors.
Although most Bicentennial quarters still hold a face value of 25 cents, some rare versions have been auctioned for thousands of dollars. Chronicle Collectibles notes that while many of these coins are clad in multiple metal layers, others were produced with 40% silver, making them more desirable to collectors. While some exaggerated claims suggest a Bicentennial quarter sold for $2.5 billion, actual auction records show certain rare pieces have fetched significant sums.
Collector interest plays a big role in determining a coin’s value. For instance, a clad quarter minted in Philadelphia—typically lacking a mint mark—sold for about $1,200 in 2022. Another example includes a Denver-minted clad quarter marked with a “D,” which sold for over $6,400 back in 2017. One report by WBCIA mentioned a 1976 Bicentennial quarter selling for an astonishing $201,000, although this figure hasn’t been independently verified.
More recently, AL.com reported a similar coin being sold for $19,000. If you think you may have a valuable Bicentennial quarter, it’s wise to have it examined by a trusted coin appraiser near you.
Curious if your 1976 Bicentennial quarter could be worth more than its face value?
These special quarters were minted in 1975 and 1976 and feature George Washington on the front, with a reverse design showcasing a colonial-era drummer and a torch surrounded by thirteen stars—each representing one of the original colonies. They were struck at the U.S. Mint facilities in Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.