The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is more than just a commemorative coin; it has captured the fascination of collectors and investors alike due to its rare versions, minting errors, and historical significance.
While millions of these quarters were produced to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence, one particular version has recently been valued at an astonishing $2 million. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique coin.
A Brief History of the Bicentennial Quarter
The United States Mint produced the Bicentennial Quarter to commemorate the nation’s 200th birthday. The coin features a special dual date “1776-1976” on the obverse side, alongside a portrait of George Washington.
The reverse side showcases a colonial drummer and 13 stars, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. The coin was minted in both 1975 and 1976, and it replaced the standard Washington Quarter design for those years.
What Makes the Bicentennial Quarter Worth $2 Million?
1. Minting Error: Struck on a Silver Planchet
The $2 million Bicentennial Quarter is not your typical coin. It was mistakenly struck on a silver planchet intended for half dollars, making it significantly heavier than the standard copper-nickel quarters. This rare error has made it a prized possession in the numismatic community. Regular Bicentennial Quarters weigh approximately 5.67 grams, whereas this rare version weighs around 11.5 grams, almost double the weight of a standard quarter.
2. Condition: Graded MS68
The condition of this coin is another crucial factor in its high valuation. It has been graded as Mint State 68 (MS68) by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), indicating it is nearly flawless. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin, especially when combined with such a rare minting error. Less than 20 examples are known to exist in this grade, and none in the elusive MS69 or MS70 grades, which would make them even more valuable.
3. Historical Significance
The Bicentennial Quarter holds historical significance as it represents the celebration of the United States’ 200th year of independence. The combination of its commemorative purpose, the minting error, and its pristine condition has catapulted its value to unprecedented levels.
Key Characteristics of the $2 Million Bicentennial Quarter
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1976 (Dual date: 1776-1976) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of George Washington |
| Reverse Design | Colonial drummer with 13 stars |
| Minting Error | Struck on a silver planchet |
| Weight | Approx. 11.5 grams (Standard is 5.67g) |
| Condition | Graded MS68 by PCGS |
| Estimated Value | $2 million |
Other High-Value Coins for Comparison
| Coin Name | Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Double Eagle | 1933 | Rare gold coin, very few owned legally | $18.9 million |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794 | First U.S. dollar coin | $10 million |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Extremely rare, only five known | $4.5 million |
| 1804 Silver Dollar | 1804 | Limited mintage, “King of Coins” | $4 million |
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Silver planchet error | $2 million |
How to Identify a $2 Million Bicentennial Quarter
If you think you might have one of these rare coins, here’s what to look for:
- Weight: The coin should weigh about 11.5 grams due to the silver planchet. Standard quarters weigh only 5.67 grams.
- Edge: Check for the absence of the copper stripe on the edge of the coin. A silver planchet will lack this typical copper line.
- Condition: The coin must be in near-perfect condition with minimal wear. Having it graded by professionals like PCGS or NGC is essential to confirm its value.
Conclusion
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter with the $2 million price tag is a testament to how unique errors, historical significance, and excellent condition can converge to create one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
If you think you have a rare version of this coin, it’s worth getting it authenticated and graded, as it could be a life-changing discovery.
FAQs
Check its weight and the edge for a copper stripe. If it weighs around 11.5 grams and lacks the stripe, it could be a rare coin. Professional grading is recommended.
Minting errors like this are extremely rare, and the silver planchet on a quarter is almost unheard of, making it highly valuable.
Yes, but most are standard copper-nickel quarters. Finding one with the rare minting error is extremely unlikely.
You can have your coin graded and valued by professionals at organizations like PCGS or NGC.
Yes, other valuable coins include the 1933 Double Eagle, 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, and 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, all worth millions.