1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value And Price Chart

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Updated: June 10, 2025 1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value and Price Chart

Gainesville Coins

Published: January 30, 2020

1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value: Complete Collector's Guide

Introduction

If you have a Washington quarter with the date "1776–1976" on it, you're holding a piece of American history. Bicentennial quarters were minted to commemorate America's 200th birthday, featuring a special reverse design and dual date to honor this momentous occasion. These unique commemorative coins represent one of the most widely circulated special-design quarters in U.S. history, with over 1.6 billion pieces produced across two years of minting.

While most Bicentennial quarters you'll find in pocket change are worth their face value of 25 cents, certain varieties—particularly those in mint condition or containing 40% silver—can command significant premiums among collectors. Understanding the different varieties, their values, and what makes some more desirable than others is essential for both casual collectors and serious numismatists.

Table of Contents

• Complete value and price chart for all varieties
• Essential collecting guide and investment tips
• Historical background and production details
• Design analysis and artistic significance
• Market trends and future outlook

Complete Value and Price Chart

Most Bicentennial quarters are worth at least $5 in Mint State condition. Circulated examples are generally only worth face value—25 cents. However, the silver varieties and high-grade specimens can command substantially higher prices.

Mintmark	Composition	Finish	Mintage	MS65/PR65 Value
Philadelphia (none)	Cupronickel clad	Uncirculated	809,784,016	$6
Denver (D)	Cupronickel clad	Uncirculated	860,118,839	$6
San Francisco (S)	Cupronickel clad	Proof	7,059,099	$4
San Francisco (S)	40% Silver	Uncirculated	11,000,000	$7.50
San Francisco (S)	40% Silver	Proof	4,000,000	$9

Grading Impact

The values listed are for coins grading MS65 or PR65. Higher grades can command significant premiums above these base values. For example, an MS67 silver Bicentennial quarter might trade for $15-25, while perfect MS70 examples can reach $50-100 or more.

Silver Content Value

The 40% silver Bicentennial quarters contain approximately 0.148 ounces of pure silver. With current silver spot prices, the melt value alone provides a baseline for these coins' worth.

Rarity Factors

Millions of silver Bicentennial quarters were melted in 1982 and subsequent years, reducing the surviving population and increasing scarcity for serious collectors.

Condition Sensitivity

High-grade examples are particularly scarce due to poor initial storage and handling by the general public who received these as circulating commemoratives.

Essential Collecting Guide and Investment Tips

What makes Bicentennial quarters worth collecting?

Bicentennial quarters represent a unique intersection of accessibility and historical significance. Unlike many commemorative coins that were expensive when issued, these were designed as circulating commemoratives—meaning they were intended for everyday use while celebrating America's bicentennial. This created a fascinating collecting dynamic where common coins can still be found in circulation, yet pristine examples and silver varieties offer substantial collecting potential.

Collection Strategies

• Focus on mint state specimens for better value
• Prioritize 40% silver varieties when possible
• Build type sets with all five major varieties
• Consider certified examples for higher grades

Build Systematically

Investment Considerations

• Silver varieties tied to precious metals prices
• Increasing collector demand for high grades
• Limited supply due to past melting
• Bicentennial nostalgia factor growing

Long-term Potential

Storage and Preservation

• Use proper coin holders or albums
• Avoid cleaning or polishing coins
• Store in climate-controlled environment
• Handle by edges only when necessary

Preserve Value

Getting Started

Begin by searching pocket change for mint state examples that might have been saved and recently spent. Check coin rolls from banks, as these sometimes contain uncirculated pieces. When you're ready to expand beyond found coins, consider purchasing certified examples or silver varieties to build a comprehensive collection.

Market Reality

While Bicentennial quarters aren't the first choice for investors looking to buy silver coins, their historical significance and limited high-grade population make them attractive for collectors focused on American commemoratives. The silver varieties offer dual appeal as both numismatic items and precious metals investments.

Historical Background and Production Details

The Bicentennial quarter represents a fascinating chapter in American coinage history. Production began in 1975, a full year early, to discourage hoarding and ensure the public could enjoy the new designs throughout the bicentennial celebration.

Production Timeline

• 1973: Treasury announces design contest
• 1974: Jack L. Ahr's design selected
• 1975: Production begins early
• 1976: Peak production year

Strategic Decisions

• Circulating commemorative approach
• Early production to prevent hoarding
• Multiple composition varieties
• Coordinated with half dollar and dollar

Special Mint Sets

• 40% silver composition available
• SMS (Special Mint Set) designation
• Collector-focused distribution
• Higher premiums from inception

Coordinated Celebration

The Bicentennial quarter was part of a coordinated effort that included special reverse designs for the Kennedy half dollar and Eisenhower dollar. This comprehensive approach meant no U.S. coins bore the date "1975" in these denominations, as all carried the dual date "1776-1976" to maximize the celebratory impact.

Production Challenges

The massive production run of over 1.6 billion coins created quality control challenges. Much of the initial production didn't result in particularly well-struck coins, and many pieces that were collected weren't properly preserved. This contributes to the relative scarcity of high-grade examples available today.

Design Analysis and Artistic Significance

Jack L. Ahr's winning design replaced the traditional eagle with a revolutionary soldier playing a drum, creating one of the most recognizable and patriotic coin designs in American history. The artistic elements work together to tell the story of American independence and the spirit of 1776.

Reverse Design Elements

• Colonial drummer in military dress
• Thirteen stars representing original colonies
• Torch symbolizing liberty and enlightenment
• "E PLURIBUS UNUM" maintaining tradition

Patriotic Symbolism

Obverse Modifications

• Dual date "1776–1976" replaces "1976"
• Washington portrait unchanged
• Mintmark position remains consistent
• "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY" retained

Subtle Integration

Artistic Impact

• Human figure creates emotional connection
• Dynamic composition suggests movement
• Historical accuracy in military details
• Balanced design works at coin scale

Enduring Appeal

Design Contest Legacy

The Treasury's open design contest for the Bicentennial coins represented a democratic approach to coin design, allowing American artists to contribute to the nation's commemorative coinage. Ahr's winning design beat thousands of submissions, demonstrating the power of accessible artistic competition in creating memorable numismatic art.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

What drives the market for Bicentennial quarters today?

The market for Bicentennial quarters operates on multiple levels. At the base level, silver varieties benefit from precious metals price movements, providing a floor based on current silver values. Beyond this, collector demand drives premiums for high-grade examples, while nostalgic appeal attracts Americans who remember the bicentennial celebration.

Current Market Drivers

• 50th anniversary approaching (2026)
• Increasing collector base
• Limited high-grade supply
• Silver content provides value floor

Future Considerations

• Bicentennial anniversary nostalgia
• Continued precious metals interest
• Registry set competition
• Historical significance recognition

Investment Factors

• Affordable entry point
• Multiple collecting strategies
• Precious metals hedge potential
• American commemorative appeal

Long-term Outlook

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the bicentennial celebration in 2026, interest in these commemorative coins may experience renewed growth. The combination of historical significance, precious metals content in silver varieties, and the natural collector appeal of well-designed American coins suggests stable to increasing demand for premium examples.

Conclusion

Bicentennial quarters offer a unique entry point into American commemorative coin collecting, combining historical significance with accessibility. While most examples remain at face value, the silver varieties and high-grade specimens provide genuine collecting and investment opportunities. Understanding the different types, their relative values, and market dynamics enables collectors to make informed decisions whether they're building a comprehensive type set or focusing on premium examples.

The enduring appeal of these coins stems from their successful integration of commemorative artistry with practical circulation. Jack L. Ahr's drummer design captured the spirit of American independence in a way that resonated with millions of Americans, creating lasting numismatic value beyond simple monetary worth.

Collecting Strategy

Whether you're finding examples in pocket change or seeking certified high-grade specimens, Bicentennial quarters reward patient, informed collecting. Focus on condition quality, understand the premium structure for different varieties, and appreciate these coins as both historical artifacts and potential investments in America's numismatic heritage.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with qualified professionals before making significant collecting or investment decisions.

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