Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) Value
1975–1976 · 25¢ · copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver proof/unc)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.25 |
| Good (G-4) | $0.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.35 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $6.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $30.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1976-S | 40% silver uncirculated — included in special 3-coin sets | $8–$15 |
| 1976-S | 40% silver proof with deep cameo finish | $10–$25 |
| 1976-D | High-grade MS-67+ examples are scarce | $15–$50 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Jack L. Ahr
- Years
- 1975–1976
- Denomination
- 25¢
- Composition
- copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver proof/unc)
- Diameter
- 24.3 mm
- Weight
- 5.67 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976): History & Background
The Bicentennial Quarter was issued to celebrate America's 200th birthday. All 1976-dated quarters bear a special reverse depicting a colonial drummer designed by Jack L. Ahr, who won a national design competition. Both 1975 and 1976-dated coins bear the dual date '1776-1976'. Over 1.6 billion clad versions were struck, making them extremely common in circulation. However, the 40% silver versions produced for collectors in special mint and proof sets carry a premium.
How to Grade a Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)s is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $0.25 in Poor to $2.00 in Uncirculated — a 8× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $6.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) series has 3 notable key dates. The 1976-S is valued at $8–$15, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver proof/unc) and a weight of 5.67g, the Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Jack L. Ahr, the Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) (24.3mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)
The Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) (1975–1976) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Jack L. Ahr, this 25¢ coin was struck in copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver proof/unc) with a diameter of 24.3mm and weight of 5.67 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $0.35 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $6.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976): Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) worth today?
A Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) (1975–1976) is worth between $0.25 in Poor condition and $2.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $0.35. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $6.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)?
The most valuable Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) is the 1976-S — 40% silver uncirculated — included in special 3-coin sets. This date is valued at $8–$15 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)?
Grading a Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$0.35) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$2.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)s?
For common-date Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)s in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)?
Yes. Known Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) is real?
Authentic Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)s weigh 5.67 grams and measure 24.3 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of copper-nickel clad (or 40% silver proof/unc). Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)s are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $1.75 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1976-S command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)s were made?
The Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) was produced from 1975–1976. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1976-S is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)?
Never clean a Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) a good investment?
Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976)s in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Bicentennial Quarter (1776-1976) dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.