Many people use quarters every day without realizing that some of them could be worth a fortune. One such rare coin is the Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. While most of these quarters are only worth 25 cents, a rare version has been valued at $900,000. The surprising part is that this valuable coin might still be in circulation today.
What is the Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial Quarter was introduced as part of a special commemorative coin series in 1976. Instead of the usual eagle design on the back, this quarter features:
- Obverse (Front): A portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan.
- Reverse (Back): A drummer boy playing his drum, designed by Jack L. Ahr, along with a torch and thirteen stars representing the original 13 American colonies.
- Unique Date: Instead of a single mint year, the coin is marked “1776-1976” to honor the nation’s bicentennial.
Why is This Quarter Worth $900,000?
Not all Bicentennial Quarters are valuable, but some rare versions have unique features that make them extremely valuable. The $900K quarter is special because of these factors:
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- Silver Composition: Some quarters were mistakenly struck on 90% silver planchets instead of the usual copper-nickel material.
- Minting Errors: Quarters with double strikes, off-center prints, or missing mint marks are highly valuable.
- Proof and High-Grade Condition: A quarter graded MS-67 or higher (Mint State) can fetch huge prices in auctions.
How to Identify a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter?
If you come across a Bicentennial Quarter, check for these signs to determine if it is valuable:
- Silver Content: Regular quarters have a copper stripe on the edge, while silver quarters do not.
- Mint Mark: Coins minted in San Francisco (S), Denver (D), or Philadelphia (P) may have variations in rarity.
- Error Marks: Look for double-die errors, misprints, or off-center images.
- Condition: The closer the coin is to its original, uncirculated state, the more valuable it is.
Where to Sell a Rare Bicentennial Quarter?
If you believe you have a valuable Bicentennial Quarter, you can get it appraised and sell it through:
- Coin Dealers – Professional numismatists can verify the coin’s authenticity and offer a fair price.
- Online Auctions – Websites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Stack’s Bowers attract collectors willing to pay high prices.
- Coin Shows & Collectors’ Clubs – Networking with coin enthusiasts can help find the right buyer.
Conclusion
The Bicentennial Quarter is a perfect example of how hidden treasures can be found in everyday transactions. If you come across a 1776-1976 quarter, take a closer look—you might be holding a coin worth $900,000. So, start checking your spare change today!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. Please verify details with trusted sources or experts before making any decisions.