5 Bicentennial Quarters Worth $250 Million: Myth or Reality?
Ever looked at your spare change and seen a 1976 quarter with a drummer boy on the back? You might’ve thought, “Could this be one of those Bicentennial quarters worth millions?” The idea of 5 Bicentennial quarters worth $250 million has been floating around for years. But is it true? Let’s dig in.
What Is a Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial quarter was minted for America’s 200th birthday in 1976. Instead of the usual eagle on top, these coins feature a colonial drummer, a torch surrounded by 13 stars, and the dual date “1776-1976.” Over 1.6 billion were made between 1975 and 1976 at three mints:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco (“S” mint mark, often for silver or proof coins)
Most are still in circulation as pocket change, but some varieties can be worth a pretty penny.
Why Are Some Bicentennial Quarters Worth More?
Not all Bicentennial quarters are created equal. Here’s what makes some stand out:
- Silver Composition Coins
Some quarters minted in San Francisco were made of 40% silver for collector proof sets. These coins weigh a bit more (5.75 grams vs 5.67 grams) and are shinier. A near-mint 1976-S Silver Proof quarter once sold for $13,500 at auction!
- Minting Errors
Errors make coins rare and valuable. Common mistakes include:
- Double denomination : A quarter struck on a dime planchet.
- Off-center strikes : Part of the design is missing or misaligned.
- Missing clad layer : Gives the coin a coppery look.
One error coin—a double denomination quarter—sold for $9,200 in 2020.
- High-Grade Coins
A coin’s grade determines its condition. Grading services like PCGS and NGC grade coins on a scale up to MS-68. An MS-68 graded 1976-D quarter sold for $6,462.50 at auction. These perfect examples are super rare.
How to Tell if Your Bicentennial Quarter is Valuable?
Got a quarter in your pocket? Try this:
- Check the Mint Mark
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco (silver or proof coin)
- Weigh and Inspect the Coin Use a digital scale and magnifying glass. Regular quarters weigh 5.67 grams , silver ones 5.75 grams .
- Look for Visible Errors Misaligned text, doubled images or unusual coloration could be an error.
- Get a Professional Grade Submit your coin to PCGS or NGC for 20-100 and get a verified grade and increased value.
Busting the $250 Million Myth
Let’s get real for a second. There’s no Bicentennial quarter worth $250 million . That’s just a myth, often used in clickbait headlines. The most expensive US coin ever sold—the 1933 Double Eagle—went for $18.9 million in 2021. Even the rarest Bicentennial quarters only go for tens of thousands, not hundreds of millions.
But understanding what makes coins valuable is still fun and cool.
Bicentennial Quarter FAQs
Are all Bicentennial quarters valuable?
Nope. Most are worth face value ($0.25). Only special conditions, silver content or errors make them worth more.
How do I know if my quarter is silver?
- Look for the “S” mint mark.
- Check the edge: silver coins don’t have the orange clad layer.
- Weigh it: silver coins are heavier.
Can I clean my coin to make it look better?
No! Cleaning damages the original surface and lowers the value. Collectors prefer patina over shine.
Where do I sell a valuable quarter?
Options are:
- Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections
- Online marketplaces like eBay
- Local coin dealers
Always get your coin graded first to maximize its value.