The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which was produced to celebrate the United States’ 200th birthday, is perhaps one of the most iconic U.S. coins. With a colonial drummer on the back and the double date “1776–1976,” the majority of these quarters are only worth their face value. Yet a couple of unusual versions have become very valuable.
One of the extremely rare Bicentennial Quarters sold recently for almost $420,000, and several others of these rare coins have exceeded $11,000. Let’s examine these coins and why they are so coveted by collectors.
Rare Bicentennial Quarter
The majority of the Bicentennial Quarters were made in copper-nickel and are therefore common. A limited number of the Bicentennial quarters were minted in silver for special collector sets, and a few by mistake went into circulation.
Why It’s Valuable
- Struck on a 40% silver planchet, initially intended for proof sets.
- Unintentional circulation release, so it is extremely rare.
- Excellent condition greatly increases its worth.
What to Look For
- Examine the edge: Silver quarters possess a solid silver-colored edge, whereas regular quarters contain a copper stripe.
- Ever so slightly heavier than normal copper-nickel quarters.
- Certification by a grading service can verify its worth.
1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter first appeared in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. The 1932-D (Denver Mint) quarter is among the most rare of Washington quarters, particularly in high grades.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 436,800 were produced, one of the rarest quarters.
- High-grade specimens can command over $11,000.
What to Look For
- A “D” mint mark on the back, under the eagle.
- Even circulated specimens are valuable, but near-mint quarters are worth the most money.
1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter
The Liberty Seated Quarter series (1838–1891) contains some of the most popular U.S. coins. The 1870-CC quarter, produced at the Carson City Mint, is one of the rarest.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 8,340 were produced, making it very rare.
- Existing specimens in decent condition can be sold for over $11,000, with higher grades bringing even more.
What to Look For
- “CC” mint mark below the eagle on the reverse.
- Authentication is important because of its great value.
1901-S Barber Quarter
The Barber Quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was produced from 1892 to 1916. The 1901-S Barber Quarter is among the rarest and most valuable of the series.
Why It’s Valuable
- Only 72,664 were produced, making it one of the lowest-mintage quarters in U.S. history.
- High-grade specimens can bring well over $11,000.
What to Look For
- “S” mint mark under the eagle on the back.
- Worn pieces are worth something, but in good condition, quarters command the most money.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Washington Quarter
A doubled die mistake is when the design of the coin is struck twice, which gives a double impression. The 1955 Washington Quarter is well known for this mistake, which makes it popular among collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
- The doubling is clearly noticeable, which makes it very popular with collectors.
- High-grade specimens commonly fetch more than $11,000.
What to See
- Examine the obverse for doubling of lettering, particularly in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- A hand lens will verify the doubling effect.
1943 Washington Quarter Overpolished Die Error
A few Washington Quarters in 1943 were produced using an overpolished die that obliterated or reduced design detail.
Why It’s Valuable
- Unusual visual appearance makes it a numismatic novelty.
- High-grade specimens have brought more than $11,000.
What to Observe
- Observe for missing or weak details, particularly about “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- If areas of the design are weaker or more faded, it could be an overpolished die error.
1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter
The 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter is renowned for its overdate mistake, where the “3” of the date was struck over a “2.”
Why It’s Worth Money
- Extremely rare, and high-grade coins can bring more than $11,000.
- The overdate feature is a one-of-a-kind characteristic that makes it extremely valuable.
What to Look For
- Check the date on the front for evidence of the underlying “2” under the “3.”
- A magnifying glass comes in handy to verify the overdate mistake.
| Coin | Estimated Value | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | Up to $420,000 | Struck on a 40% silver planchet |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $11,000+ | First-year Washington quarter, rare low mintage |
| 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter | $11,000+ | Carson City Mint, extremely rare |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | $11,000+ | Low mintage, highly sought after |
| 1955 Washington Quarter (Doubled Die) | $11,000+ | Obvious doubling on letters |
| 1943 Washington Quarter (Overpolished Die) | $11,000+ | Parts of the design missing or faded |
| 1823/2 Capped Bust Quarter | $11,000+ | Overdate error on the year |
These uncommon quarters demonstrate that minor details—like mistakes, mint marks, and silver content—can greatly add to the value of a coin. Whether you’re a collector or simply going through your loose change, you may be holding a treasure in your hand.
FAQ’s
Q. Why is the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter worth money?
A. Some were minted on 40% silver planchets, which makes them scarce.
Q. How do I know if my quarter is silver?
A. Inspect the coin’s edge—silver quarters lack a copper stripe.
Q. What makes the 1932-D Washington Quarter scarce?
A. It had a small mintage of 436,800, so it is extremely collectible.
Q. What is a doubled die error?
A. A production error where segments of the design are doubled.
You can also sell by auction, coin dealers, or on the internet.