Have you ever wondered that the simple looking coin lying in your pocket can actually be worth lakhs? Usually we do not pay much attention to our everyday coins, but the Bicentennial Quarter is a coin that can make you rich.
This special quarter was issued in 1976 to commemorate the completion of 200 years of American independence. Although most of these coins are ordinary, some rare versions have got a price of up to $250,000 in auction. Can you also have such a coin? Let’s know about this special coin.
Bicentennial Quarter – What is its specialty?
This coin looks different from other quarter coins, as a special design was made in it.
- Reverse of the coin – It depicts a colonial drummer with a torch and 13 stars around it, which symbolize the 13 original colonies of America.
- Obverse of the coin – It has a portrait of the first US president, George Washington, as usual.
- Year date – This coin does not have the traditional single year date. Instead, it has “1776-1976” written on it, which indicates the completion of 200 years of America’s independence.
- When were these coins made? – These coins were produced in 1975 and 1976, but they only have “1776-1976” written on them, so no individual minting year was marked on them.
Types of rare and expensive Bicentennial quarters
Not all Bicentennial quarters are expensive, but some coins can be worth thousands to millions of dollars for some special reasons.
Coins with minting error
If a coin is accidentally minted incorrectly, its price increases. For example:
- Doubled Die Error – The design or letters of the coin appear to be printed twice.
- Reverse Mistrike – The back of the coin is embossed incorrectly.
- Off-Center Strike – The coin is not centered properly and its design looks crooked.
If you have such a coin, it can be worth thousands to millions of dollars!
No-Mintmark Proof Coins
Coins minted at the San Francisco Mint in the US usually have an “S” mintmark. But some coins were accidentally minted without this mark.
- If you have such a coin, it can be extremely rare and can be worth thousands of dollars!
Silver Bicentennial Quarter (40% Silver Composition Coins)
Most Bicentennial quarters were made from copper-nickel, but some coins were also minted with a mixture of 40% silver.
- If you have such a silver Bicentennial quarter, it can be much more valuable than ordinary coins.
Uncirculated MS-67 or Higher Grade Coins
The value of coins also depends on their condition. If a coin is brand new, without any scratches or wear (uncirculated condition) and is graded MS-67 or higher, then it can be worth $100,000 to $250,000!
How to identify if your Bicentennial quarter is rare and valuable?
If you have this coin, pay attention to:
- Check the mintmark – Look at the front of the coin to see if it is marked D (Denver Mint), S (San Francisco Mint), or no mark (Philadelphia Mint).
- Look for an error on the coin – Check for doubled dies, off-center strikes, or other mistakes.
- Check the coin’s metal – Weigh the coin to see if your coin is silver. Silver coins are slightly heavier than copper-nickel coins.
- Pay attention to the coin’s condition – If the coin is in mint condition, it may be worth more.
Where to find out how much your coin is worth?
If you think you have a rare Bicentennial quarter, have it authenticated by a professional grading service. Some of the famous coin evaluation services are:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
These companies provide a grading report of your coin, which can help you know the exact price of the coin.
Important questions and their answers (FAQs)
Why is the Bicentennial quarter so special?
It was released in 1976 for the 200th anniversary of America’s independence and its design was different from the normal quarter.
Which Bicentennial quarters can be worth up to $250,000?
Minting Errors, No-Mintmark Proof Coins, 40% Silver Coins and Uncirculated Coins of MS-67+ grade can be the most valuable.
Where can I get my coin authenticated?
Coin authentication services like PCGS or NGC can grade and verify your coin.
Should I clean my rare coin?
No! Cleaning a coin can damage its surface and reduce its value. Keep it in the same condition you found it.
Conclusion
If you have old coins, take a close look at them. One of those Bicentennial quarters could be worth millions.