Issued to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter features the iconic dual date 1776–1976 and Jack Ahr’s reverse design of a colonial drummer and torch.
Over 1.6 billion were struck for circulation—809 million at Philadelphia, 860 million at Denver, plus 4.9 million in silver-clad from San Francisco. While most quarters are worth just 25 ¢, a few anomalies fetch extraordinary prices.
What Makes One Worth $1.6 Million?
Here’s how experts identify ultra‑high‑value quarters:
- 40 % Silver Composition – Most circulated coins are copper‑nickel clad. Only special collector sets included silver-clad quarters
- Mint Mark “S” – Silver-clad quarters were struck in San Francisco and marked “S”
- Proof or Deep Cameo Finish – Super‑high contrast proof coins graded PR70 or MS68 are incredibly rare
- Minting Errors – The recent $1.6 million sale involved a rare double‑die obverse error, where features like “LIBERTY” appear doubled
Recent Record‑Breaking Sales
| Sale Price | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| $2.3 million | July 6, 2025 | Silver‑clad proof, double‑die obverse, graded MS‑68 |
| $1.7 million | ~July 2025 | Rare mint error in private collection |
| $1.6 million | Yesterday | Silver‑clad, double‑die obverse error sold at private auction |
How to Inspect Your Coins
- Check the edge – Silver‑clad quarters have a solid silver tone; copper‑nickel ones show visible copper
- Find the mint mark – Look for an “S” under Washington’s bust; no mark is Philadelphia, “D” is Denver. Only “S” quarters can be silver‑clad or proofs.
- Use magnification – Search for doubling on obverse lettering or Washington’s profile.
- Assess condition – Coins graded MS‑60+ or PR70 command premium prices.
- Seek grading – For high‑value candidates, third‑party grading by PCGS or NGC is essential.
Market Outlook & Coin Availability
Despite over a billion circulation strikes, only a few dozen silver‑clad proofs and error coins exist. The San Francisco mint produced exactly 4,908,319 silver‑clad uncirculated coins and 3,998,621 silver‑clad proofs.
High-grade or error specimens in MS‑68/PR70 are exceptionally rare, leading to recent million‑dollar-plus auctions.
A genuine silver‑clad, proof or error‑struck Bicentennial Quarter graded MS 68+ or PR 70 can fetch $1 million+, as proven by consistent private‑sale records.
With over a billion struck, regular quarters remain common—true treasure lies only in those rare, exquisite specimens.
FAQ’s
Can a regular 1976 quarter be worth a million dollars?
No. Only rare silver‑clad proofs or error coins (double‑die obverse, missing clad layer) achieve prices from $1 million to $3 million+
How do I tell if my quarter is 40% silver?
Silver‑clad lacks the copper‑nickel layer; the edge appears uniformly silver. Copper‑nickel coins show a copper stripe along the edge .
Are these still found in circulation?
Yes. Though rare, experts and collectors occasionally report finding silver or error Bicentennial quarters in pocket change