In 1976, the U.S. Mint released a special coin to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary of independence – the Bicentennial Quarter. While these quarters are commonly found in circulation, recent rumors claim that a rare Bicentennial Quarter has sold for an astonishing $50 million. But is there any truth to this claim?
In this article, we’ll uncover the facts behind the $50 million Bicentennial Quarter, what makes some of these coins valuable, and how to determine if you own a rare treasure.
What Is the Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial Quarter is unique due to its commemorative design and dual date:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse (Front) | Classic portrait of George Washington. |
| Reverse (Back) | Colonial drummer with 13 stars representing the original colonies. |
| Dual Date | “1776-1976” to mark America’s Bicentennial. |
These quarters were produced at three different mints:
| Mint | Mint Mark |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | No mint mark |
| Denver | ‘D’ mint mark |
| San Francisco | ‘S’ mint mark (some in 40% silver) |
Is There Really a $50 Million Bicentennial Quarter?
Despite the viral claim, no credible evidence supports the existence of a $50 million Bicentennial Quarter. Reputable auction houses, such as GreatCollections, have confirmed that no Bicentennial Quarter has sold for anywhere near that amount.
The most valuable Bicentennial Quarter ever sold fetched $19,200 at auction—a far cry from $50 million.
What Makes a Bicentennial Quarter Valuable?
While $50 million is a myth, some Bicentennial Quarters can still be worth thousands due to these factors:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Minting Errors | Coins with double strikes, off-center designs, or struck on the wrong planchet can fetch premium prices. |
| High-Grade Condition | Quarters graded MS67 or higher by professional services like PCGS or NGC are especially valuable. |
| Silver Composition | Bicentennial Quarters minted in San Francisco with 40% silver are worth more than regular copper-nickel versions. |
Notable Bicentennial Quarters That Sold for Big Money
Here are some of the most valuable Bicentennial Quarters sold at auction:
| Coin Description | Grade | Auction Price | Year of Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter (Business Strike) | MS69 | $19,200 | 2019 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (struck on dime planchet) | MS62 | $9,200 | 2020 |
| 1976-D Bicentennial Quarter (Doubled Die Error) | MS66 | $8,400 | 2023 |
How to Check If Your Bicentennial Quarter Is Valuable
If you think you have a valuable Bicentennial Quarter, follow these steps to evaluate it:
- Inspect for Minting Errors: Look for double strikes, off-center designs, or unusual metal compositions.
- Identify the Mint Mark: Quarters with an “S” mint mark (especially silver ones) are more valuable.
- Examine the Condition: Coins in pristine, uncirculated condition with little wear are more valuable.
- Get a Professional Evaluation: Have your coin graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC for an accurate assessment.
Conclusion
The $50 million Bicentennial Quarter is nothing more than an internet myth. However, rare Bicentennial Quarters with mint errors, high grades, or silver content can still command significant prices—sometimes reaching thousands of dollars.
Next time you go through your spare change, take a closer look at your quarters. You might just uncover a hidden treasure!
FAQs
What is the most valuable Bicentennial Quarter ever sold?
The most valuable Bicentennial Quarter sold for $19,200 in 2019. It was a 1976-S Silver Bicentennial Quarter graded MS69.
How can I tell if my Bicentennial Quarter is silver?
Check the edge of the coin. If it’s silver, it will have a solid, shiny edge. Regular copper-nickel quarters have a brownish edge.
What does “MS” mean when grading coins?
“MS” stands for Mint State, referring to a coin in uncirculated condition. Higher MS grades indicate better preservation and higher potential value.
Are Bicentennial Quarters with no mint mark rare?
No, Bicentennial Quarters without a mint mark were made at the Philadelphia Mint and are common. They generally hold little premium value unless in exceptional condition.
Where can I sell a valuable Bicentennial Quarter?
You can sell valuable coins through reputable auction houses (like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections) or consult a certified coin dealer.