The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter has taken the internet by storm, thanks to exaggerated claims that one sold for a mind-blowing $590 million. Let’s be real—that number is pure fiction. But that doesn’t mean these coins are worthless. Some rare Bicentennial Quarters are actually worth a pretty penny, especially if they have unusual features or are in top condition. Let’s break down what makes these coins valuable, how to check your own, and what to do if you think you’ve hit the jackpot.
Background
The Bicentennial Quarter was created to celebrate 200 years of American independence. What makes it stand out? Instead of the usual eagle on the back, it features a colonial drummer with a torch of victory and 13 stars. And instead of a single year, it’s dual-dated “1776–1976.” Pretty patriotic stuff.
These quarters were produced in massive numbers by three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Most are the regular copper-nickel mix and still only worth face value. But silver-clad and proof versions, especially those made in San Francisco, are what collectors really go after.
Hype
So where did the $590 million rumor come from? Probably from some viral post or clickbait video looking for likes and shares. There’s no record—anywhere—of such a sale. The most valuable known Bicentennial Quarter sold for $19,200, and it was a pristine silver proof with deep cameo contrast.
That said, some special coins can bring in thousands, particularly if they have errors or are in flawless condition. But they’re rare—like, winning-the-lottery rare.
Features
Wondering what makes a Bicentennial Quarter valuable? It’s not just luck. You’ll need to check a few key features:
Mint Mark & Material
Check for the mint mark just below Washington’s ponytail.
- No mark = Philadelphia (common)
- D = Denver (also common)
- S = San Francisco (collector coins, some 40% silver)
The silver versions are heavier and sound different when dropped—sharper and clearer.
Coin Condition
The better the condition, the better the value. Here’s a quick grading breakdown:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| MS70 | Perfect, flawless |
| MS65 | Sharp, uncirculated |
| MS60 | Minor wear, circulated |
| Below | Lots of wear, common |
Coins graded by professionals like PCGS or NGC are more trusted and valuable.
Error Types
Rare errors are the jackpot when it comes to value. Look for:
- Doubled Die (letters/numbers look doubled)
- Off-Center Strike (part of design is missing)
- Wrong Planchet (wrong blank used)
- Clipped Planchet (part of edge is cut)
- Broadstrike (coin shape is abnormal)
Some of these can push your quarter’s value into the thousands.
Steps
Want to check if your quarter’s a winner? Follow these steps:
Step 1
Flip the coin and find the letter below the hair ribbon.
Step 2
Use a digital scale:
- Standard: ~5.67 grams
- Silver: ~5.75 grams
Step 3
Use a magnifier to spot doubling or other weird features.
Step 4
If it looks promising, send it to PCGS or NGC. They’ll verify and grade it, which can boost its resale price.
Values
Here’s a quick value table to keep it simple:
| Coin Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (P or D) | $0.25 – $1.50 |
| Uncirculated MS65 | $5 – $15 |
| 40% Silver (S Mint) | $8 – $25 |
| Silver Proof PR70 DCAM | $100 – $500 |
| Common Error Coin | $250 – $2,000 |
| Rare Error/High-Grade | $5,000 – $20,000+ |
So while your quarter probably won’t make you a millionaire, it might be worth more than a trip to the vending machine. And hey, even if it’s not rare, it’s still a cool piece of American history.
FAQs
Is any Bicentennial Quarter worth $590M?
No, that claim is a viral myth. None have sold for that much.
How can I tell if my quarter is silver?
Weigh it—silver versions are around 5.75 grams and sound different.
Where is the mint mark on the quarter?
Look below Washington’s ponytail on the coin’s obverse side.
Should I get my quarter graded?
Yes, if it’s in great shape or has visible errors—it boosts value.
What’s the highest price for a Bicentennial Quarter?
The highest verified sale was $19,200 for a silver proof coin.
