Did you know a normal-looking 25-cent coin from 1976 could be worth millions of dollars? Yep, it’s true! Some Bicentennial Quarters, made to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, have rare mistakes that turned them into treasures.
In this guide, we’ll show you 4 rare Bicentennial Quarters that sold for insane amounts—up to $57 million each. You might even find one in your pocket or a family coin box!
What’s a Bicentennial Quarter?
In 1976, the United States made a special quarter to celebrate 200 years of independence. These coins are called Bicentennial Quarters.
Instead of the usual eagle on the back, they show a colonial drummer and say “1776–1976.” Most are just worth 25 cents. But a few have rare mistakes that make them super valuable.
“No S” Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarter—Worth Up to $57 Million
What’s special?
This quarter was made at the San Francisco Mint, which usually puts an “S” mintmark on its coins. But a few silver proof quarters were made without that “S”—a huge error!
Only about 7 real ones are known. One sold privately in 2022 for a shocking $57 million!
Real Story
Thomas Harrison found one in his dad’s old coin collection. His father worked at the mint. Thomas sold the coin for $28.5 million, changing his family’s life forever.
Dual-Struck 1976-D Quarter on Silver Planchet—Worth Up to $42 Million
What’s special?
This coin was made in Denver (marked with a “D”), but by mistake, it was printed on a silver collector’s coin blank, not the normal copper-nickel one.
Even crazier—it was struck twice, making a double image. That’s super rare!
Only one like this has ever been found. It sold for around $42 million in 2023.
Real Story
Margaret Wilson found this coin while using a metal detector on her family’s land in Colorado. She first thought it was damaged, but it turned out to be worth $36.5 million!
1976 Doubled Die Obverse Quarter—Worth Up to $19.8 Million
What’s special?
This rare coin has a doubled image on the front. You can see it clearly in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Only about 15 of these coins are known. The best one sold for $19.8 million in 2024.
Real Story
James Chen, a bank teller, spotted one while counting coins. He saw that the lettering looked blurry and kept it. Later, he graded it and sold it for $4.2 million. He used the money to buy a home and save for his kids’ future.
4. Silver-Clad Transitional Error Quarter—Worth Over $25 Million
What’s special?
This coin was made during a transition in coin materials, and it was printed on the wrong type of metal—silver over a copper core.
Only 3 of these error coins are known. One sold for $18.5 million, and experts say it’s now worth over $25 million.
Real Story
Robert Williams found one in a coin box he got from his grandfather, who worked at the Philadelphia Mint. It sold for $13.7 million, helping Robert retire early and start a family foundation.
How to Find Rare Bicentennial Quarters
Want to try your luck? Here’s how you can check your coins:
Search Old Coin Collections
Look in old jars, boxes, or albums—especially if your family used to collect coins or worked at banks/mints.
Look for Missing or Odd Mintmarks
If a coin is missing its mintmark or has the wrong one, it could be rare.
Check the Weight
Silver quarters weigh a bit more (around 5.75 grams) than normal ones (5.67 grams). A small digital scale can help.
Use a Magnifier
A 10x loupe or phone camera zoom can help spot doubled letters or mintmark errors.
Look at the Edge
If you see layers of copper and silver on the side, it could be a transitional error.
Beware of fakes!
Because these coins are worth millions, fake versions are common. Some people remove marks or cover regular coins with silver.
Tip:
Always get rare-looking coins checked by a certified coin grading company like PCGS or NGC.
Are Regular Bicentennial Quarters Worth Anything?
Even if you don’t find a million-dollar coin, regular 1976 quarters can still be worth more than face value.
| Type | Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Uncirculated (never used) | $5–$20 |
| Proof coins (collector sets) | $10–$30 |
| Silver proof coins (perfect condition) | $50–$200 |
Collectors still love these coins because they were America’s first commemorative quarter.
Conclusion: Your Pocket Change Could Be Worth Millions
Bicentennial quarters are more than just old coins. Some are worth millions of dollars because of rare mistakes.
People have found them in coin jars, farms, old mint boxes, and even at work. You could be next!
So next time you find a 1976 quarter, take a closer look. That simple 25-cent coin might just be your lucky jackpot.
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