1976 Bicentennial Quarter Worth $6,000| Rare Coin Value Explained

1976 Quarter Value

In 1976, the United States celebrated its bicentennial, marking 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. To commemorate this historic event, the U.S. Mint issued special edition coins, including quarters, despite having paused its commemorative coin program back in 1954.

Congress authorized a temporary redesign of the quarter’s reverse, leading to the production of five distinct versions between 1975 and 1976. These bicentennial quarters differ significantly in value based on their minting location, composition, and overall condition.

1976 Quarter Value Chart

Condition	1976 No Mint Mark	1976 D	1976 S (Clad Proof)	1976 S (40% Silver)
MS 65	$6.65	$6.65/$8.21
PR 65			$4.52	$9.46

1976 Quarter Value Guides

The U.S. Mint produced a staggering 1.68 billion bicentennial quarters, with three versions intended for general circulation and two minted as proof coins for collectors.

1776–1976 No Mint Mark Quarter (Copper-Nickel Clad)

Philadelphia Mint struck over 809 million quarters made from copper-nickel clad without a mint mark. These coins consist of a pure copper core and a copper-nickel alloy shell—91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel in total composition. While circulated pieces generally hold just face value, uncirculated specimens can be worth considerably more.

Condition	No Mint Mark
Good to AU	$0.25
MS 60	$0.35
MS 63	$0.50
MS 65	$1.00
MS 66	$15–$18
MS 67	$50–$60
MS 68	/

Uncirculated examples can command up to $60, with a top-graded MS 70 coin reportedly selling for $1,200 on eBay in 2022.

1776–1976 D Quarter (Copper-Nickel Clad)

The Denver Mint produced over 860 million bicentennial quarters using copper-nickel clad metal. These coins generally fetch between $0.25 and $90 depending on condition. However, high-grade specimens like the MS 68 have reached prices around $3,500–$4,200, with one rare coin being auctioned for an impressive $6,463 back in 2017.

1776–1976 S Quarter (40% Silver Clad)

San Francisco Mint also produced limited-edition 40% silver quarters in both business strike and proof forms. These silver-clad coins are typically valued between $1.41 and $84 depending on grade. While MS 69 examples are expected to reach as high as $6,000, one surprisingly sold for just $6 on eBay in 2022. Conversely, a higher-end specimen fetched $19,200 at a 2019 Heritage Auctions event, showcasing the variability in collector interest.

1776–1976 S Silver Proof Quarter

Roughly 4 million proof coins in 40% silver were created. Most are sold within the range of $8 to $28, while pristine MS 70 examples are valued around $180. Unusual versions with unique textures or toning may demand significantly higher prices. In one such case, a PR 25 graded example went for $13,500 on eBay in 2019.

Condition	Clad Proof	Silver Proof
PR 67	$4	$8
PR 69	$20	$28
PR 70	$85	$180

1776–1976 S Proof (Copper-Nickel Clad)

Over 7 million copper-nickel proof quarters were minted in San Francisco. These coins typically bring in between $4 and $85 depending on condition. The highest price recorded for a PR 69 specimen was $6,038 at an auction in 2010, with other examples like the PR 70 Deep Cameo reaching up to $920, proving that these coins still captivate collectors.

1976 Quarter Errors

There are also unique error versions of the 1976 quarter that can be highly valuable. Overstruck coins, where a coin is struck more than once, have sold for as much as $12,000. Another example is the 1976 D quarter with a die cap error due to a misaligned planchet, which fetched $2,880. Doubled die varieties, which show a misaligned doubling of the design, have reached between $800 and $3,250. Other errors like struck-through coins—where foreign objects interfere during minting—can also be worth hundreds, with one selling for $881.25. Additional minor errors such as grease-filled dies, broad-strikes, and off-center strikes are also collected.

History of the 1976 Quarter

The bicentennial celebration prompted the revival of commemorative coinage by the U.S. Mint, with production beginning on July 4, 1975, and extending into 1976 to discourage hoarding. These coins were distinct for bearing the dual date “1776–1976.” The Mint released several variations across three facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

Mint	Variety	Quantity Minted
Philadelphia	No Mint Mark (Clad)	809,784,016
Denver	D Mint Mark (Clad)	860,118,839
San Francisco	S Mint (Silver)	11,000,000
San Francisco	S Clad Proof	7,059,099
San Francisco	S Silver Proof	4,000,000
Total	/	1,687,961,954

Even though the mintage numbers were high, these quarters remain popular due to their patriotic symbolism and collectible appeal.

Identifying the 1976 Quarter

Obverse Design
The front of the coin was designed by John Flanagan, who adapted it from a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon. It displays a portrait of George Washington, along with the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the dual year “1776–1976.” A mint mark, if present, is located near Washington’s ponytail and denotes the coin’s mint of origin.

Coin Specs (Clad Version)
Face Value: $0.25
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 5.67 grams
Diameter: 24.26 mm
Thickness: 1.75 mm
Edge: Reeded

Reverse Design
Jack L. Ahr designed the reverse, which showcases a Revolutionary War drummer flanked by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. A torch of liberty appears beside the drummer. The outer ring bears the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

Coin Specs (Silver Version)
Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper
Silver Content: 0.0739 troy ounces
Weight: 6.25 grams
Diameter and Thickness: Identical to clad version

Valuable 1976 Quarters

Among the most prized are the 1976 S MS 69 Silver Quarter, which achieved a sale price of $19,200, and the 1976 S PR 25 Silver Quarter, which brought in $13,500. These extraordinary values stem from the coins’ condition, rarity, and connection to America’s bicentennial celebration, continuing to make them desirable among numismatists.

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