The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter was minted to honor America’s 200th birthday, and over 1.6 billion were produced. With such a large mintage, most are only worth face value—but a rare few have become extremely valuable due to mint errors. These mistakes turned common quarters into collector’s gold, with some examples worth thousands of dollars. While millions have been spent, spent, and forgotten, a handful of error coins remain hidden in collections, drawers, or even circulation.
If you’ve got a 1976 quarter, it’s time to take a closer look—you could be holding a small fortune.
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Struck on a Silver Planchet
Most Bicentennial quarters were made of copper-nickel clad, but a small number were mistakenly struck on 40% silver planchets, which were only intended for special collector sets. These silver quarters weigh more and have a brighter edge without the copper strip. Though they weren’t supposed to enter circulation, a few did. If you find one, you could be looking at a value of $1,000 to $3,000, depending on condition and verification.
2. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Double Die Obverse (DDO)
The Double Die Obverse error is caused when the coin die shifts slightly between strikes, causing the design elements—especially the date, motto, or Liberty—to appear doubled. Some Bicentennial quarters with this error show noticeable doubling in the inscriptions or on Washington’s profile. These error coins are highly collectible, and a clean, sharply doubled example can sell for $500 to over $1,500, depending on clarity and grading.
3. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Off-Center Strike
Off-center strikes occur when a coin is not properly aligned in the press, causing the design to be printed off to one side. In some cases, a portion of the coin’s design is completely missing. While minor off-center strikes are common, those that are 15% to 60% off-center and still show the date clearly are rare and more valuable. Bicentennial quarters with major off-center strikes can fetch between $250 and $800 at auctions.
Bicentennial quarters are more than just historical keepsakes—they can also be valuable assets, especially when mint errors are involved. Whether it’s a silver planchet, a double die, or an off-center strike, these mistakes transform ordinary coins into high-value collectibles. So before you spend that 1976 quarter, take a second look. With the right error, you might be holding a piece of American history—and a small fortune in your hand.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1976 quarter is silver?
Silver quarters weigh 5.75 grams, while clad ones weigh about 5.67 grams. A silver coin also lacks the orange-colored edge.
2. What is a Double Die Obverse (DDO)?
It’s a mint error where design elements like letters or numbers appear doubled due to die misalignment during striking.
3. Are off-center errors common on Bicentennial quarters?
Minor off-centers are more common, but major off-center errors with visible dates are rare and valuable.
4. Can these error quarters still be found in circulation?
It’s rare, but possible. Many people don’t recognize error coins and spend them unknowingly.
5. Should I get my quarter authenticated?
Yes, grading and certification from services like PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity and increase its resale value.
