1776 to 1976 Quarter Dollar Value and Errors

A 1776–1976 Bicentennial quarter is a special U.S. quarter made to mark the 200th anniversary of American independence. It keeps the usual Washington portrait on the front, but the back was changed to a colonial drummer design by Jack Ahr. 

The coin carries the dual date 1776–1976 instead of a single year. There are no quarters dated 1975. Bicentennial quarters struck during that period all use 1776–1976. 

Is a 1776 to 1976 quarter worth anything? Most 1776 to 1976 quarters are common and cost $1.05 to $1.50, but silver examples, high-grade coins, and major errors can be worth up to $300. Let us find out how to check old coin value​.

What Is the 1776 to 1976 Quarter Dollar?

These quarters were issued as part of the U.S. Bicentennial coin program in 1975 and 1976. The quarter was released on August 18, 1975, and the Mint says the program was the first time circulating U.S. coinage was redesigned for an Independence anniversary.

They were made in:

• Philadelphia and Denver for regular circulation

• San Francisco for collector issues

• both clad and 40% silver collector versions

“...new reverse designs were created for the Washington Quarter Dollar, Kennedy Half Dollar, and Eisenhower Dollar. The obverse of each coin bore a dual date (1776-1976)...”
– Ron Guth, numismatist
PCGS

Citizens loved the new look, and the coin quickly became a collectible. However, the 1776 to 1976 quarter dollar error issues, mint marks, and variations have turned some of these ordinary commemorative coins into a numismatic collectible.

1776 to 1976 Quarter Value by Mint Mark

1776 to 1976 Quarter Mint Mark D

Coins minted in Denver bear the "D" mint mark and are some of the most frequently encountered. However, pairing the bicentennial quarter D mint mark value with an error like the filled "D" can increase its worth.

The 1976-D bicentennial quarter, struck at the Denver Mint, remains an accessible coin for collectors in nearly all grades.

The Denver Mint produced 860,118,839 of these dual-date quarters during 1975 and 1976, outnumbering the Philadelphia Mint’s output by over 50 million. Despite the high production, finding fully struck examples is challenging. Coins often have incomplete strikes, especially on the top rim of the drum and its clasp, areas that frequently lack full detail. 

According to research by Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker, most 1976 and 1976-D bicentennial quarters are attractive, well-made coins but lack sharpness in specific areas.

For most circulated examples, there is little premium beyond face value. However, certified uncirculated coins, especially in grades MS65 and above, can be expensive. The population data from PCGS and NGC underscores the rarity of top-grade coins:

• PCGS: 3,038 grading events for 1976-D quarters, including 59 FS-101 and 97 FS-102 varieties.

• NGC: 1,491 grading events, with 23 FS-101 and three FS-102 varieties recorded.

Coins graded MS68 are exceptionally scarce. As of September 2024, PCGS reports only 13 coins in this grade, while NGC reports 15. 

Coins graded MS66 and MS67 generally sell for modest 1776 to 1976 D bicentennial quarter value prices:

• MS66 examples sell for $10–$40.

• MS67 examples range from $30–$100.

Top-tier MS68 specimens command much higher prices, often reaching thousands of dollars. For instance, a PCGS-graded MS68 coin sold for $5,170 at a Legend auction in January 2018, while an NGC-graded MS68 example fetched $1,740 in May 2022. Other auction highlights include:

• PCGS MS68, sold by GreatCollections in September 2024 for an undisclosed premium.

• NGC MS68, sold by Heritage in May 2024 for $990.

1776 to 1976 D quarter error coins and major varieties are desirable. Among the notable examples:

• A 1976-D quarter obverse die cap error sold for $2,880 in an August 19 Stack’s Bowers sale.

• DDO varieties (such as FS-101 and FS-102) are also collectibles. The price depends on grade and visibility of doubling.

1776 to 1976 Quarter No Mint Mark Value

Philadelphia quarters lack a mint mark, but error-free specimens are worth less than error-laden ones. The bicentennial quarter value no mint mark may be rather high when coupled with rare flaws.

• Circulated: about 25¢ to $1.50

• Nice uncirculated: usually a small premium

• Top certified grade: can be worth much more

Exceptional certified coins can cost more, but those are top-end outliers, not normal examples; PCGS shows an auction record of $2,520 for a certified piece.

Bicentennial Quarter S Mint Mark Value

The bicentennial quarter with the "S" mint mark was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1975–1976. 

Two main varieties exist:

• Clad Proofs: Made of a copper-nickel composition, these coins are commonly found in proof sets and have a typical value of $2–$5.

• 40% Silver Proofs: Made of 40% silver, these are more valuable, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 or more.

1776 to 1976 Quarter Dollar Value Chart

These grade figures come from current PriceCharting market guides for each Bicentennial quarter issue.

Silver vs Clad Bicentennial Quarters

The main difference is the metal. Regular Bicentennial quarters from Philadelphia and Denver are clad, made of copper-nickel over a copper core, and weigh 5.67 grams. The silver version was struck in San Francisco, contains 40% silver, and weighs 5.75 grams.

• No mint mark or D mint mark = regular clad circulation coin

• S mint mark can be either a clad proof or a 40% silver collector issue

• Silver pieces are slightly heavier: 5.75 g vs 5.67 g

Common clad Bicentennial quarters are modest coins. NGC lists the Philadelphia issue at about $0.50 to $1.50 in circulated condition, and recent raw sales for common examples often sit around $1 to $4. 

By contrast, the 1976-S silver quarter usually carries a higher floor because of its silver content and collector demand. NGC places circulated examples around $3 to $4.50, while recent raw uncirculated silver pieces often sell around $11 to $22.

Proofs follow the same way. A 1976-S clad proof is usually a low-cost collector coin, with recent sales often around $3 to $7. A 1976-S silver proof is stronger, with many recent sales around $16 to $18.

1776 to 1976 Quarter Error List

Errors on coins often occur during the minting process, and the 1776-1976 bicentennial quarter is no exception. These imperfections, far from being a drawback, add a higher quarter dollar value 1776 to 1976 to the coins. Below is a detailed 1976 bicentennial quarter error list that every collector should know.

Rare 1776 to 1976 Quarter Errors

1. Bicentennial Quarter Filled D Error

Found on coins minted in Denver, where the "D" mint mark appears filled or partially obscured. This 1776 to 1976 quarter dollar drummer boy error occurred due to excess metal or clogged dies during production. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for this unique flaw.

2. Bicentennial Quarter with No Mint Mark

Philadelphia-minted quarters traditionally lack a mint mark, but error coins with an unintentional absence of the mark are highly sought after. A 1976 bicentennial quarter no mint mark error can fetch surprising prices.

3. Double Die Errors

Look for doubled inscriptions or imagery on the coin, particularly on "Liberty" or the drummer’s details. These errors result from misaligned strikes during minting.

4. Die Breaks and Cuds

Visible cracks or blobs on the coin surface caused by worn dies are considered collector’s items.

What Makes a Bicentennial Quarter Valuable?

The main things that increase the Bicentennial quarter 1776 to 1976 value are:

• Silver composition — the 1976-S 40% silver quarters are worth more than ordinary clad pieces in most grades.

• Mint mark and issue type — no mint mark and D coins are regular clad circulation strikes; S coins include collector issues such as clad proofs and silver coins.

• High grade — common Bicentennial quarters stay cheap unless they survive in unusually strong Mint State or Proof grades. 

• Errors and varieties — real doubled dies and other mint-made errors can bring a premium. 

How Much Is a 1776 to 1976 Quarter Worth Today?

The 1976 bicentennial quarter value depends on the condition, errors, and mint marks. 

Top certified coins and 1776 to 1976-D quarter error issues can sell for far more than these everyday ranges, especially in the highest Mint State or Proof grades.

How to Identify a Valuable 1776 to 1976 Quarter

1. Magnification Tools

A basic magnifying glass or loupe is a must-have to examine mint marks and surface details for anomalies.

2. Coin Identification Apps

Technology is a collector’s best friend. Use the Coin ID Scanner app to instantly identify bicentennial quarters and find out the values of different coins, e.g., the 1942 Wheat penny. 

3. Consult Reliable Resources

Reference trusted databases, numismatic forums, and expert-authored guides to compare your coin with known variations like 1776-1976 D bicentennial quarter errors.

Where to Buy or Sell Bicentennial Quarters

For Buyers

When buying, the first step is understanding what you want to acquire. Are you interested in the historical value of standard coins, or are you targeting rarer varieties such as those with bicentennial quarters errors? Want to know what is a 1776 to 1976 quarter worth? For example, a coin featuring the bicentennial quarter filled D error can command higher prices than its standard counterpart.

The best places to buy these quarter dollar 1776 to 1976 coins include local coin shops, online marketplaces, and coin auctions. Local coin shops often have experts who can guide you through their inventory, and tell you about the condition, authenticity, and market value. 

Coin auctions, both online and in-person, are also great. Websites like eBay and Heritage Auctions frequently list bicentennial quarters, but it is essential to verify the seller’s reputation and request high-quality images to confirm details such as mint marks or errors.

For Sellers

Local coin shops offer quick transactions, but you may receive slightly less than market value since dealers also need to profit. 

Online platforms like eBay provide access to a global audience, which can help you achieve better prices. To succeed in this arena, include high-resolution images with the coin's obverse, reverse, and close-ups of key details, e.g., mint marks or imperfections. Descriptive titles like “Rare Bicentennial Quarter Filled D Worth Collectors’ Item” can help attract buyers searching for specific features.

Coin auctions are another excellent avenue, particularly for high-value items. For example, if you own a rare coin that has been professionally graded, presenting it at a specialized auction could connect you with serious collectors willing to pay a premium.

FAQ: 1776 to 1976 Quarter Value and Worth

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