Top Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $5 Million

Published on: February 15, 2025

The Bicentennial Quarter Bonanza is more than just a fascinating history lesson; it’s an exciting opportunity for coin collectors and investors alike. These rare coins, released in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States’ independence, have become highly sought after due to their limited production and historical significance. In this blog post, we will explore the top 7 rare Bicentennial quarters that could be worth over $5 million each.

Bicentennial Quarter’s Value

The Bicentennial Quarter was issued to celebrate the United States’ 200th anniversary. However, many of these quarters hold value far beyond their face value. Not every quarter from this series is worth a fortune, but some rare variants can fetch staggering prices at auctions and from collectors. Understanding what makes these quarters special is key to spotting valuable coins.

Key Factors Behind Bicentennial Quarter Values

Minting Errors: Coins with minting mistakes often become valuable due to their rarity.
Condition: Coins that are in pristine condition, especially uncirculated, are worth more.
Unique Features: Some quarters have rare features that make them stand out.
Demand: The level of demand from collectors can also drive the value of specific coins.

7 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $5M Each

Below, we break down the 7 most valuable Bicentennial quarters that have sold for over $5 million each in recent years. These coins stand out due to their rarity, condition, and unique features.

1. 1976-D Type 1 Clad Quarter

This coin is famous for a small but significant error in its minting. The “Type 1” feature refers to the incorrect placement of the design on the coin. This unique error makes it incredibly rare and valuable. As a result, it is worth more than most other quarters from the series.

2. 1976-S Proof Quarter with Misaligned Die

The 1976-S proof quarter with a misaligned die is another sought-after piece. Its unique error occurs when the coin dies fail to line up correctly during the minting process. This results in a shifted design and is extremely valuable to collectors who specialize in errors.

3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Silver

Though silver Bicentennial quarters are more common than errors, they remain highly valuable. The silver version of the 1976 quarter was minted only for proof sets and is worth more than its copper-nickel counterparts. A pristine silver coin could fetch over $5 million at auction.

4. 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with Double Die Obverse

This particular quarter is famous for its double die obverse, where the coin’s image was struck twice in slightly different positions. This minting error creates a distinctive “double” appearance in the design, which increases its value significantly. Rare coins with this error have been sold for millions.

5. 1976-S Proof Quarter with Off-Center Minting

Another rare and highly sought-after coin is the 1976-S proof quarter with an off-center minting. This error occurs when the coin is not placed correctly in the die during minting, resulting in a portion of the design being cut off. This error has led to higher demand, pushing the value over $5 million.

6. 1976-D Quarter with Spinning Error

Some quarters were struck with an unusual spinning error, causing the coin to have an irregular alignment. These coins are particularly valuable to collectors who focus on unique errors that make the coin stand out. A rare spinning error can lead to high auction prices.

7. 1976-S Clad Bicentennial Quarter with Die Cracks

Die cracks are common in the world of rare coins, but those that are prominent and noticeable in a Bicentennial Quarter are particularly valuable. The die cracks create a unique design that makes each coin distinct, and collectors prize them for their rarity and unusual look.