The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most recognizable coins in U.S. history. Featuring the dual date 1776–1976 and a colonial drummer on the reverse, these quarters were minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary.
While most Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value, some rare varieties and errors are still circulating today—and a few can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
This guide explores the most collectible and valuable 1976 Bicentennial quarters still in circulation, how to identify them, and what makes them valuable.
Why Bicentennial Quarters Are Still Found in Circulation
The U.S. Mint produced hundreds of millions of Bicentennial quarters between 1975 and 1976. Because of their high mintage and long circulation life, many are still used in everyday transactions.
However, not all Bicentennial quarters are the same.
Collectors search circulation coins hoping to find:
- Rare mint errors
- High-grade survivors
- Misidentified silver issues
- Scarce varieties overlooked for decades
Most Valuable 1976 Bicentennial Quarters Still Circulating
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter With Major Mint Errors
Mint errors are the top reason a circulating Bicentennial quarter can be valuable.
Valuable Error Types
- Off-center strikes (20%–50%+)
- Double die obverse or reverse
- Broadstrike without collar
- Clipped planchet
- Wrong planchet errors
Estimated Value:
👉 $100 – $5,000+ depending on severity and condition
2. High-Grade Circulation Strikes (MS67+)
Most circulated Bicentennial quarters are heavily worn. Finding one with near-perfect detail is rare.
Coins graded:
- MS67 or higher
- Strong strike
- Clean surfaces
are highly sought after by registry collectors.
Estimated Value:
👉 $75 – $300+
3. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter in Exceptional Condition
The Denver Mint produced millions of Bicentennial quarters, but very few survived circulation without heavy wear.
A sharply struck 1976-D with full details and minimal marks can command a premium.
Estimated Value:
👉 $40 – $200+
4. Doubled Die Bicentennial Quarters
Some Bicentennial quarters show true doubled die errors, especially on:
- “LIBERTY”
- “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- The dual date
These are often mistaken for machine doubling, so many still circulate unnoticed.
Estimated Value:
👉 $150 – $2,000+
5. Wrong Metal or Transitional Planchet Quarters
Extremely rare but highly valuable, these coins were struck on:
- Dime planchets
- Foreign coin planchets
- Experimental metal blanks
If discovered, they are among the most valuable Bicentennial quarters known.
Estimated Value:
👉 $1,000 – $25,000+
Silver Bicentennial Quarters: Can They Be in Circulation?
The Truth About Silver Bicentennial Quarters
- 40% silver Bicentennial quarters were minted only in San Francisco
- They were sold in collector sets
- They were not intended for circulation
However, a few have entered circulation after collections were broken up.
How to Identify One
- Solid silver edge (no copper stripe)
- Slightly heavier weight (5.75 g)
- Often better strike quality
Estimated Value:
👉 $10 – $300+
Bicentennial Quarter Value Chart (Circulating Finds)
| Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Common circulated quarter | $0.25 – $1 |
| High-grade MS67+ | $75 – $300 |
| Silver (S mint) | $10 – $300 |
| Doubled die error | $150 – $2,000 |
| Major mint error | $500 – $5,000+ |
| Wrong planchet | $1,000 – $25,000+ |
How to Check Your Bicentennial Quarters
Step-by-Step Identification Tips
- Check the mint mark
- D or no mark = circulation
- S = proof or silver
- Examine the edge
- Copper stripe = clad
- Solid silver = silver
- Use magnification
- Look for doubling or missing details
- Weigh the coin
- Anything far from 5.67 g may indicate an error
- Never clean the coin
Why Collectors Still Hunt Bicentennial Quarters
Collectors love Bicentennial quarters because:
- They are historic
- They’re still easy to find
- Errors remain undiscovered
- High-grade examples are scarce
- Entry cost is low, upside is high
They offer one of the best “treasure hunt” experiences in U.S. coin collecting.
What to Do If You Find a Valuable One
- Handle only by the edges
- Store in a soft holder
- Photograph the coin clearly
- Have it evaluated by a coin dealer
- Consider grading with PCGS or NGC
Final Thoughts
While most 1976 Bicentennial quarters are common, valuable examples are still circulating today. Rare errors, silver issues, and high-grade coins continue to surface—often from pocket change, old jars, and inherited collections.