The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value captures the fascination of coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence. Minted between 1975 and 1976, these quarters, marked with the dual date 1776-1976, feature a unique colonial drummer design. Whether you’ve found a 1776 to 1976 quarter value in pocket change or are assessing a collection, understanding factors like mint marks, condition, and errors is key to determining the 1976 US quarter value. This guide explores the 1976 quarter value, including 1976 D quarter value, 1976 S quarter value, and rare varieties, to help you uncover the worth of your coins.
History of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1776 to 1976 quarter dollar value stems from its role as a commemorative coin celebrating America’s bicentennial. Authorized by Congress in 1973 (Public Law 93-127), the US Mint produced these quarters, along with half dollars and dollars, with special designs from 1975 to 1976. The 1976 American quarter value reflects its historical significance, featuring:
- Obverse: George Washington’s profile by John Flanagan, with the dual date “1776-1976” and “LIBERTY” above.
- Reverse: A colonial drummer boy by Jack L. Ahr, encircled by 13 stars, with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “QUARTER DOLLAR” (designer’s initials “JLA” near the drum).
Over 1.6 billion quarters were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”), making the Quarter 1776 to 1976 value generally low for circulated coins but higher for pristine or error examples.
Factors Affecting 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value
The 1976 quarter bicentennial value depends on several factors:
- Condition: Circulated coins (grades below MS60) are typically worth face value (25 cents), while uncirculated coins (MS65+) can fetch $6–$6,000, depending on grade.
- Mint Mark:
- 1976 quarter value no mint mark: Philadelphia-minted coins (809,784,016) are common, worth 25 cents in circulated condition, up to $6 in MS65.
- 1776 to 1976 D quarter value: Denver coins (860,118,839) are also common, with similar values unless errors are present (e.g., MS68 sold for $5,170 in 2018).
- 1976 S quarter value: San Francisco minted clad proofs (7 million) worth $2–$4 and 40% silver proofs (4 million) worth $8–$20 in PR69.
- Composition: Most are copper-nickel clad (5.67 grams), but 40% silver versions (5.75 grams) from San Francisco are rarer, boosting the 1776 bicentennial 1976 quarter value.
- Errors: Rare mint errors significantly increase the 1976 quarter dollar value, as detailed below.
Rare Errors Boosting 1776-1976 Quarter Value
Errors make certain 1776 to 1976 bicentennial quarter dollar value soar. Notable examples include:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Doubling on “LIBERTY” or Washington’s profile, especially on 1776 1976 quarter coin value for Denver coins (e.g., DDO FS-101 sold for $8,400 in 2023).
- Filled “D” Mint Mark: On 1776 to 1976 D quarter dollar value, excess metal obscures the “D,” fetching $100–$1,500.
- Off-Center Strike: Coins 10–55% off-center, especially with visible dates, can reach $200–$1,500.
- Die Cap Error: Rare 1976 D quarter value examples, where a coin sticks to the die, sold for $2,880 in 2021.
- Struck on Cloth: A 1976 bicentennial quarter coin value with a cloth-strike error (MS66) sold for $881.25.
- Double Denomination: A 1976 quarter value bicentennial struck on a dime sold for $9,200 in 2020.
The most valuable is a 1976 S quarter value silver proof (MS69), sold for $19,200 in 2019. Always consult a professional appraiser for precise Value of 1976 quarter assessments.
How to Determine Your 1976 Quarter Value
To evaluate your Quarter dollar 1776 to 1976 value:
- Check Mint Mark: Look below Washington’s neck for no mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco). Use a magnifying glass for clarity.
- Assess Condition: Look for wear on Washington’s cheek (obverse) or the drum’s top (reverse). Uncirculated coins (no wear, high luster) have higher 1976 US quarter dollar value.
- Identify Errors: Examine for doubled dies, off-center strikes, or filled mint marks. Apps like Coin ID Scanner can help.
- Verify Composition: Weigh the coin—5.75 grams indicates 40% silver (San Francisco), increasing the 1776 quarter 1976 value.
- Get an Appraisal: Use trusted platforms like Heritage Auctions or PCGS for professional grading, especially for high-value errors.
Current Market Values for 1976 Bicentennial Quarters
Here’s a breakdown of the Value of 1776 to 1976 quarter based on recent data:
- Circulated (Philadelphia/Denver): 25–85 cents, reflecting face value or slight premium.
- Uncirculated (MS65): $6–$10 for clad; $8–$20 for silver proofs.
- High-Grade (MS68): $990–$5,170 for clad (e.g., 1976-D MS68 sold for $1,740 in 2022).
- Silver Proof (PR70): $125 for deep cameos; up to $19,200 for MS69 silver.
- Error Coins: $100–$19,200, depending on rarity (e.g., double denomination at $9,200).
The Quarter dollar value 1776 to 1976 varies significantly with condition and errors, with silver varieties and high-grade errors commanding the highest prices.
Tips for Collectors
To maximize the 1976 quarter value bicentennial:
- Preserve Condition: Store coins in protective holders to maintain luster and avoid scratches.
- Hunt for Errors: Check pocket change or bank rolls for rare errors like DDO or off-center strikes.
- Buy Certified Coins: Purchase graded coins from NGC or PCGS for authenticity, especially for 1776 to 1976 D quarter dollar value or silver proofs.
- Sell Strategically: Use eBay, Heritage Auctions, or local coin shops for high-value coins, ensuring proper appraisal first.
- Learn More: Explore resources like PCGS CoinFacts or Numista for detailed Quarter value 1776 to 1976 insights.
FAQs
Most circulated 1776 1976 quarter value is 25–85 cents. Uncirculated coins range from $6 (MS65) to $6,000 (MS68), with silver proofs up to $19,200.
No, Philadelphia-minted coins (no mint mark, 809 million) are common, worth 25 cents circulated, up to $6 in MS65.
1976 D quarter value is 25 cents in circulated condition, $6–$5,170 in MS65–MS68, with errors like DDO fetching up to $8,400.
Clad proofs are $2–$4; 40% silver proofs range from $8 (PR65) to $125 (PR70 deep cameo), with an MS69 silver at $19,200.
Doubled die, off-center strikes, filled “D,” and double denomination errors can boost 1976 quarter value bicentennial to $100–$19,200.