Washington Bicentennial Quarters
During the 1970s, the United States marked 200 years since gaining independence. The central event of this celebration was held on July 4, 1976, commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
To celebrate, the U.S. Mint issued a special edition quarter bearing the dual date “1776–1976.” These coins were available in both 40% silver and copper-nickel clad versions. Among these quarters, some exhibit minting errors that make them highly sought after by collectors. The rarest among these are the Doubled Die varieties, whereas grease-filled die errors are more frequently found.
Washington Bicentennial Quarters
The U.S. Mint created these special coins to honor two centuries of American independence, a milestone of great historical significance.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, establishing the foundation for the new nation. Less than twenty years afterward, Congress enacted the Coinage Act in 1792, which officially introduced the U.S. dollar.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Mintages
| Mint | Date | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 1776–1976 D | 860,118,839 |
| Philadelphia | 1776–1976 | 809,784,016 |
| San Francisco | 1776–1976 S (silver) | 11,000,000 |
| San Francisco | 1776–1976 S (clad proof) | 7,059,099 |
| San Francisco | 1776–1976 S (silver proof) | 3,998,621 |
The first quarters were struck in 1796 after the Philadelphia Mint was established. Two hundred years later, five distinct types of bicentennial quarters were released:
- 1776–1976 clad quarter
- 1776–1976 D clad quarter
- 1776–1976 S silver quarter
- 1776–1976 S clad proof quarter
- 1776–1976 S silver proof quarter
Coins with high grades or unique errors tend to carry premium values.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Appearance
These quarters, minted in 1975 and 1976, feature a unique dual date “1776–1976” instead of a single year. The obverse displays George Washington’s profile alongside the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with the mint mark placed to the right. The reverse side features a colonial drummer holding a torch, surrounded by thirteen stars and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The rim contains the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
John Flanagan designed the obverse, while Jack L. Ahr created the reverse, which has led collectors to nickname it the “Drummer Boy” quarter.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Value
Most circulated clad quarters hold face value, but uncirculated examples can be worth around $6.65. The San Francisco Mint produced three types with differing values:
- Clad proof in PR 65 valued near $4.52
- Standard 40% silver strike graded MS 65 worth roughly $8.17
- Silver proof in uncirculated condition can command $9.42 or higher
Silver melt value is about $1.34, assuming silver prices around $18.10 per ounce.
The 1975 Washington Bicentennial Quarter
Though minted in both 1975 and 1976, none of these quarters carry a 1975 date. All display the “1776–1976” dual date due to a law signed by President Gerald Ford, which authorized early production of bicentennial coins.
Existing Washington Bicentennial Quarter Types
Two main 40% silver variants came from the San Francisco Mint:
- Business strikes with standard finishes
- Proof coins with mirror-like surfaces
High-grade examples include:
- 1976 MS 67+ (regular strike)
- 1976 D MS 68
- 1976 S silver MS 69
There are rumors about ultra-rare silver proofs with no mint mark made for President Ford, which would be exceptionally valuable.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Certain minting errors notably increase a coin’s value, including:
- Doubled Die on obverse or reverse
- Grease-filled dies causing design distortions
- Struck-through fabric patterns imprinting cloth fibers
- Overstruck coins where designs overlap
Collectors pay significantly more for these unique error coins.
Most Valuable Washington Bicentennial Quarters
All bicentennial quarters share a diameter of 24.3 mm with reeded edges. Silver coins weigh 5.75 grams, while clad versions weigh slightly more at 5.67 grams.
| Coin Type | Quantity Found | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 D MS 68 (clad) | 263 | $6,462.50 |
| 1976 MS 70 (clad) | 178 | $1,999.99 |
| 1976 S MS 69 (silver) | 2035 | $19,200 |
| 1976 S PR 67 (clad) | 2324 | $6,038 |
| 1976 S PR (clad, 1975) | 2 | $342 |
| 1976 S PR (silver) | 3284 | $13,500 |
1. Denver Washington Bicentennial Quarters
The Denver Mint struck over 860 million copper-nickel quarters marked with a “D.” High-quality MS 68 specimens have sold for upwards of $6,000.
2. Philadelphia Washington Bicentennial Quarters
Philadelphia produced more than 809 million quarters. Although many had varying quality, coins with errors were often removed from circulation early, making them valuable to collectors.
3. High-Grade Bicentennial Quarters (MS 65–MS 70)
Values for these grades range as follows:
- MS 65: $6 to $10
- MS 66: $15 to $40
- MS 67: Can command up to $127
- MS 67+: Sometimes fetch over $1,000
4. San Francisco Washington Bicentennial Quarters
San Francisco issued three types:
- Regular 40% silver strikes
- Silver proof quarters
- Clad proof quarters
5. Silver Uncirculated Bicentennial Quarters
With only 11 million minted, silver uncirculated quarters graded MS 68 are valued between $23 and $144, while MS 69 can exceed $5,000. One record example sold for $19,200 in 2019.
6. Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarters
Approximately 4 million silver proof quarters were made. PR 69 Deep Cameos often fetch between $15 and $40, with the finest examples exceeding $250. One rare coin sold for $13,500 on eBay.
7. Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarters
More than 7 million clad proofs were minted. PR 69 examples sell for up to $50, while rare Deep Cameos in high grades have fetched nearly $100. A unique error proof recently sold for $6,038 at auction.
8. Valuable Washington Bicentennial Quarter Varieties
Certain error varieties can significantly increase a coin’s worth:
- Doubled Die varieties range from $810 to $3,246
- Struck-through fabric errors have sold for around $881.25
- Overstruck coins may bring as much as $12,000
Summary
Bicentennial quarters honor an important chapter in U.S. history. While many hold just their face value, coins with special errors or high grades can be worth substantial amounts. Examining silver content, mint marks, condition, and any errors can help collectors identify the most valuable pieces.
Q1: Are all 1976 quarters valuable?
A: Most 1976 quarters are only worth face value unless they are in mint condition, silver, or have a rare error.
Q2: How can I tell if my 1976 quarter is silver?
A: Silver quarters were made at the San Francisco Mint and have an “S” mint mark. They also weigh slightly less (5.75g) than clad coins (5.67g) and have a duller, gray edge instead of copper.
Q3: What is the rarest 1976 quarter?
A: The rarest are high-grade silver quarters and those with major mint errors, such as the Doubled Die or overstruck varieties.
Q4: Is there a 1975 quarter?
A: No. All quarters made in 1975 and 1976 for circulation bear the dual date “1776–1976” to commemorate the bicentennial.