5 Rare Bicentennial Quarters: Many coin collectors dream of finding a hidden treasure in their pocket change. One of the most sought-after coins is the rare Bicentennial quarter, a special edition minted in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary. While most of these quarters are only worth face value, a select few have become extremely valuable, with some fetching astonishing prices in auctions.
In this article, we’ll explore the top five rare Bicentennial quarters that have been discovered and how they have amassed a staggering $230 million in total value. If you have one of these rare gems in your collection, you could be holding a small fortune. Let’s dive in!
Overview of the Most Valuable Rare Bicentennial Quarters
| Quarter Type | Estimated Value | Total Known Value |
| 1976 No-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter | $45,000 – $180,000 | $135 million |
| 1976 Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter | $12,000 – $80,000 | $48 million |
| 1976 Silver Proof Transitional Error | $5,000 – $35,000 | $38 million |
| 1976 “Pulsar Quasar” Die Break Quarter | $3,500 – $25,000 | $22 million |
| 1976 “Drum Major” Clashed Die Quarter | $1,000 – $8,000 | $7 million |
Now, let’s take a closer look at why these rare Bicentennial quarters are worth so much and how you can identify them.
1. 1976 No-S Proof Bicentennial Quarter – Up to $180,000
This is one of the rarest and most valuable Bicentennial quarters ever discovered. Typically, proof coins are minted in San Francisco and bear an “S” mintmark. However, a small number of these coins were struck without the mintmark, making them incredibly rare.
How Rare Is It?
Only 15 to 20 examples of the No-S Proof Bicentennial quarter are known to exist. In 2019, one in near-perfect Proof-68 condition sold for $179,500 at auction. If you own a proof set from 1976, it’s worth checking for this error!
2. 1976 Double Die Obverse Bicentennial Quarter – Worth Up to $80,000
The Double Die Obverse error occurs when the die shifts slightly during striking, creating a noticeable doubling effect in the lettering and design. The most obvious doubling appears in the word “LIBERTY” and the “1776-1976” date.
How Many Exist?
Experts estimate fewer than 100 of these coins have survived. In 2015, a Mint State-66 example sold for an impressive $76,375. If you come across a Bicentennial quarter with doubled lettering, you might have a valuable collector’s item!
3. 1976 Silver Proof Transitional Error – Valued at Up to $35,000
The U.S. Mint produced special 40% silver Bicentennial quarters for collectors, but some were accidentally struck on the standard copper-nickel planchet used for circulation coins. This transitional error makes them extremely valuable.
How Can You Tell?
- Silver proofs weigh 6.25 grams
- Transitional errors weigh 5.67 grams
A Proof-69 example of this error sold for $32,900 in 2017. Checking the weight of a proof quarter is a quick way to determine if you’ve found this hidden rarity.
4. 1976 “Pulsar Quasar” Die Break Bicentennial Quarter – Worth Up to $25,000
This rare error is visually stunning. Due to a deteriorating die, these quarters feature dramatic starburst-like cracks radiating from the center, making them one-of-a-kind collector’s pieces.
How Rare Is It?
Only about 200 of these coins are known to exist. The most striking examples have sold for over $23,500. If you find a Bicentennial quarter with unusual die breaks, it’s worth getting it checked!
5. 1976 “Drum Major” Clashed Die Bicentennial Quarter – Worth Up to $8,000
This error is caused by the obverse and reverse dies clashing, leaving an imprint of Washington’s profile on the drummer figure’s uniform, making it look like he is leading a parade.
How Many Are Out There?
Around 350 to 400 of these coins exist, but only 50 remain in mint condition. One of these quarters sold for $7,931 in 2016. If you spot a ghostly image of Washington on the drummer, you may have a rare find!
to Identify Rare Bicentennial Quarters
If you’re wondering whether you have one of these rare Bicentennial quarters, here’s how you can check:
- Look for Mint Errors – Examine the coin for missing mintmarks, doubled lettering, or die breaks.
- Check the Weight – Silver and transitional errors have different weights. A precise scale can help identify them.
- Use Magnification – A 10x loupe or microscope can reveal small details like doubling or clashed dies.
- Verify with Experts – If you suspect you have a valuable quarter, get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
Avoiding Counterfeit Bicentennial Quarters
With such high values, counterfeit rare Bicentennial quarters are common. Watch out for:
- Altered Mintmarks – Some scammers remove the “S” mintmark to mimic the No-S proof.
- Fake Doubling – Some coins are tampered with to simulate a double die error.
- Weight Manipulation – Fraudsters may alter coin weights to match silver errors.
Always buy from reputable dealers and verify coins with professional grading services.
Final Thoughts
The rare Bicentennial quarters listed in this article have amassed a total value of $230 million, proving that hidden treasures can still be found in everyday change. While most Bicentennial quarters are only worth 25 cents, these rare varieties can be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands.
Have you checked your quarters recently? If you think you might have one of these rare gems, get it authenticated—you could be sitting on a fortune!
💬 Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever found a valuable coin! And don’t forget to share this article with your fellow coin collectors. Happy hunting!
