The Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $20K and Other Valuable Coins

People of a certain generation fondly remember the year-long bicentennial celebration of 1976, when the United States marked its 200th birthday. During that time, the country was awash with bicentennial trinkets, collectibles, souvenirs, and various other items to commemorate the occasion.

The U.S. Mint played its part by producing a special series of bicentennial quarters. These coins, minted between 1975 and 1976, featured a unique reverse design—a departure from the standard U.S. quarter. Among them, the 1976-S Bicentennial Silver Quarter stands out as the most valuable. In pristine condition, it fetched an impressive $19,200 at auction.

What makes these quarters so sought after? Let’s dive into the details:

1. Composition Matters: Most bicentennial quarters were “clad,” meaning they consisted of multiple metals like nickel, copper, and zinc layered together. However, some were made of 40% silver, making them rarer and significantly more valuable.
2. Condition Is Key: The coin’s condition plays a crucial role in determining its worth. Coins in pristine condition command the highest prices.
3. Mint Locations: The bicentennial quarters were minted at three different locations:
   • Philadelphia: 809,784,016 coins
   • Denver: 860,118,839 coins
   • San Francisco: 11,000,000 uncirculated 40% silver coins, 7,059,099 proof clad coins, and 4 million proof 40% silver coins.

Now, let’s explore seven other bicentennial quarters that have also fetched impressive sums:

1. 1976-S Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter: Sold for $13,500 in 2019.
2. Double Denomination 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Dime: Sold for $9,200 in 2020.
3. 1976-D Clad DDO Bicentennial Quarter Business Strike: Sold for $8,400 in 2023.
4. 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike: Sold for $6,463 in 2017.
5. 1976-S Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarter: Sold for $6,038 in 2010.
6. 1976-S Silver Proof Deep Cameo Bicentennial Quarter: Sold for $2,760 in 2007.
7. 1976 Clad Bicentennial Quarter Regular Strike: Sold for $1,821 in 2023.

So, if you happen to find one of these rare quarters in your pocket change, take a closer look—you might be holding a small fortune

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