This Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $19,200 – Here’s How to Spot It!

Published On: March 19, 2025

The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States. Featuring a distinctive drummer boy design, this coin stands out in U.S. coinage history. While most of these quarters are common and worth only face value, some rare versions can fetch thousands of dollars. In fact, one particularly valuable Bicentennial Quarter sold for $19,200 at auction.

So, how can you determine if you have a rare and valuable Bicentennial Quarter? Let’s look into the key factors that contribute to its worth, including mint marks, silver content, errors, and grading.

Bicentennial Quarter

The U.S. Mint released the Bicentennial Quarter in 1975 and 1976 to honor the nation’s 200th anniversary. Unlike other quarters, it features a unique reverse design by Jack L. Ahr, depicting a colonial drummer with a torch encircled by 13 stars.

With over 1.6 billion minted, these quarters were widely circulated. However, certain versions—especially those with silver content, minting errors, or high grades—can be extremely valuable.

Bicentennial Quarters

One of the easiest ways to check if your Bicentennial Quarter is valuable is by looking at its mint mark and edge.

Silver Quarters: Some Bicentennial Quarters contain 40% silver and were only included in special collector sets. If your coin has a silver edge rather than a copper-nickel-clad edge, it could be worth more.
San Francisco Mint (“S” Mint Mark): The San Francisco Mint produced proof and silver quarters. Coins with an “S” mint mark are often more valuable.

Tip: A quick test with a magnet can help identify silver quarters. Silver is not magnetic, whereas copper-nickel quarters may show slight attraction.

Minting Errors That Add Value

Minting errors significantly increase the value of coins. Some of the most valuable errors in Bicentennial Quarters include:

Double Die Errors: These occur when the design is stamped twice, creating a noticeable doubling effect. A double die obverse Bicentennial Quarter has sold for thousands.
Off-Center Strikes: If the design is misaligned, it may be worth more.
Clipped Planchets: When part of the coin’s edge is missing due to an error during minting, its value increases.

If you suspect your coin has an error, consult a professional grading service for verification.

Condition and Grading Matter

The condition of a Bicentennial Quarter plays a crucial role in determining its value. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with MS67 or higher being extremely valuable.

Here’s how condition affects value:

Grade	Approximate Value
MS60	$2 – $10
MS65	$30 – $100
MS67+	$1,000 – $19,200

Coins with little to no wear and strong luster are the most sought after. For the best value assessment, use grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).

Importance of the “S” Mint Mark

Bicentennial Quarters with an “S” mint mark were struck in San Francisco and are generally more valuable. These include:

40% Silver Proof Quarters (found in special collector sets)
Regular Proof Quarters (made for collectors but with a standard clad composition)

If your quarter has an “S” mint mark, it’s worth inspecting for silver content and condition.

How to Identify Quarter

If you have a 1976 Bicentennial Quarter and want to know if it’s valuable, follow these steps:

Check the Edge: Silver quarters have a solid silver edge, while clad quarters show a copper stripe.
Look for Minting Errors: Examine the coin for doubling, misalignment, or missing details.
Check the Mint Mark: Check the mint mark just below the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscription.
Assess the Coin’s Condition: The better the condition, the more valuable it is. Use a magnifying glass to inspect for scratches or wear.
Get Professional Grading: If you think you have a rare coin, consider grading it through PCGS or NGC.

Storing and Preserving Your Coins

If you own a valuable Bicentennial Quarter, proper storage is essential to maintain its worth. Follow these tips:

Use Coin Holders or Capsules: Protect your coins from scratches and tarnish.
Keep in a Dry, Safe Place: Avoid humidity and extreme temperatures.
Avoid Cleaning Coins: Cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and reduce its value.

Where to Sell

If you have a valuable quarter, here’s where you can sell it:

Reputable Coin Dealers: Look for experienced numismatists who can offer a fair price.
Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay or Heritage Auctions allow you to auction rare coins.
Coin Shows & Auctions: Live auctions attract serious collectors willing to pay premium prices.

Getting your coin authenticated before selling ensures you get the best value.

Other Rare Coins to Look For

Besides the Bicentennial Quarter, here are some other rare coins that could be worth a fortune:

1913 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth millions due to extreme rarity.
1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin – One of the most valuable U.S. coins ever.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf Error) – Sells for thousands due to a minting mistake.

If you enjoy coin collecting, keeping an eye out for these valuable pieces can be rewarding.

A simple Bicentennial Quarter could be worth thousands if it has the right characteristics. Whether it’s silver content, an error, or high grade, checking your pocket change might just lead to a valuable known. If you think you have a rare quarter, consider professional grading and selling through reputable dealers or auctions. Who knows? You might just have a hidden treasure in your collection.