In 1976, the U.S. Mint released the Bicentennial Quarter to celebrate 200 years of American independence. While many of these quarters are worth just their face value,
a few have become highly valuable collector’s items, with prices soaring over $55,000. Here’s a look at five special Bicentennial Quarters that stand out for their unique features and high value.
The Double Die Obverse Quarter
One of the most sought-after Bicentennial Quarters is the Double Die Obverse variety. This rare error happens when the coin’s die strikes the metal twice, slightly off-center, causing doubling on the inscriptions and images.
The date and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are especially noticeable with this doubling. Pristine examples of this error can fetch impressive sums over $55,000. Its rarity and the difficulty in spotting the error make it a prized find.
The Silver Composition Proof Quarter
In 1976, a limited number of Bicentennial Quarters were made with 40% silver. These special editions have a unique shine and weight compared to the usual copper-nickel quarters.
Silver Composition Proof Quarters in excellent condition, especially those with their original mint packaging and certification, can command prices above $55,000. Their value comes from their silver content, historical importance, and limited mintage.
The Off-Center Strike Quarter
Another rare Bicentennial Quarter is the Off-Center Strike variety. This error occurs when the coin blank is misaligned during minting, resulting in an off-center design. The degree of misalignment varies,
but quarters with significant errors, particularly those showing visible dates, are very rare and valuable. These coins can be worth over $55,000, with their value increasing based on the extent of the error and the coin’s condition.
The Overstruck Quarter
The Overstruck Quarter is an exceptionally rare find. It happens when a Bicentennial die strikes a coin that already has a different design on it.
This creates a coin with features of both designs. Such coins are highly valued for their rarity and unique history, often commanding astronomical prices in the collector’s market.
The Full Drum Lines Quarter
The Full Drum Lines Quarter is valued for its minting precision. On the reverse side of the coin, there’s an image of a colonial drummer. Coins with clear, distinct drum lines
are incredibly rare and valued for their striking quality. Uncirculated examples of these quarters can be worth over $55,000 due to their exceptional condition and minting accuracy.
1. What makes the Double Die Obverse Quarter so valuable?
The Double Die Obverse Quarter is valuable because of the unique doubling error on its inscriptions and images, which makes it a rare and sought-after find.
2. How can I tell if a Bicentennial Quarter is a Silver Composition Proof?
Silver Composition Proof Quarters have a distinct shine and weigh more than regular quarters because they contain 40% silver. They also often come with original mint packaging and certification.
3. What is an Off-Center Strike Quarter?
An Off-Center Strike Quarter has a design that is misaligned because the coin blank was not properly positioned during minting. This error can make the coin very valuable, especially if the date is still visible.
4. Why are Overstruck Quarters so rare?
Overstruck Quarters are rare because they are created when a Bicentennial die strikes a coin with a different design. This creates a coin with elements of both designs, making it highly collectible.
5. What is the significance of the Full Drum Lines Quarter?
The Full Drum Lines Quarter is valued for its minting quality. Coins with fully visible drum lines on the reverse side are rare and considered highly collectible due to their striking precision.
