Discover the most collectible 1976 Bicentennial quarters that can be worth $100–$6,000+ even when circulated! Learn exactly what to look for in your pocket change today.
What Is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter?
The 1976 Bicentennial quarter is the special Washington quarter minted in 1975–1976 to celebrate America’s 200th birthday. Instead of George Washington on the reverse, it shows a colonial drummer and torch. Over 1.6 BILLION were made—so most are only worth 25 cents.
A Quick History of the 1976 Quarter
Minted at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Regular circulation strikes have no mintmark (Philly) or “D” (Denver). San Francisco made 40% silver proofs marked “S”—but those were never meant for circulation.
Why Are Some 1976 Quarters So Valuable Today?
Errors and varieties! Tiny mint mistakes happened on a handful of coins. These rare errors slipped into circulation and now command huge premiums—even in worn condition.
The Most Collectible (and Valuable) Versions Still Circulating
- 1976-D Double Die Obverse – Strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and date
- 1976 No Mintmark (Philly) on 40% Silver Planchet – Super rare wrong-metal error
- 1976-D Repunched Mintmark (RPM) varieties
- Major Off-Center Strikes
- 1976 Bicentennial Quarter struck on dime planchet (tiny 2.5g coin!)
Value Comparison Table: Common vs Rare 1976 Quarters
| Type | Average Circulated Value | Recent Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| Normal 1976 or 1976-D | $0.25 | $0.25 |
| 1976 No S (Silver, found in circulation) | $4,000–$8,000 | $19,200 (MS67) |
| 1976-D Double Die Obverse | $150–$750 | $2,800 |
| 1976 Silver on Copper-Nickel Planchet | $2,000–$6,000 | $6,500+ |
| 1976-D on Dime Planchet | $500–$2,000 | $3,500 |
Expert Tips: How to Spot a Treasure in Your Change
- Weigh it: Silver ones weigh 5.75–6.25g instead of 5.67g
- Look under “1976” for missing mintmark on heavier coins
- Use a 10x loupe—check for doubled letters or mintmarks
- Feel the edge: Silver coins have a silver “sandwich” edge, not copper
- Check size: Dime-planchet errors are noticeably smaller
Notable Record Sale Prices
- 1976 No Mintmark (silver) – $19,200 (2019)
- 1976 Bicentennial on 5¢ planchet – $3,750
- High-grade 1976-D Double Die – $2,820 (2023)
FAQs About 1976 Bicentennial Quarters
Q: Are all 1976 quarters worth money?
A: No—99.9% are just face value. Only specific errors are valuable.
Q: Can I still find valuable ones in circulation?
A: Yes! Several of the record coins above were found in change in the last 5 years.
Q: Where’s the best place to sell a rare one?
A: Reputable dealers, Heritage Auctions, or GreatCollections.
Final Thoughts – Start Hunting Today!
Next time you get a 1976 Bicentennial quarter, don’t spend it—check it! A quick weigh, a glance under magnification, and you might be holding hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Share this with your coin-loving friends, dig through that jar on your dresser, and happy hunting—your pocket-change fortune could be waiting!