1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value and Price Chart
1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value Guide
Complete price chart, collecting tips, and expert analysis for America's commemorative quarters celebrating 200 years of independence
Introduction
If you have a Washington quarter with the date "1776–1976" on it, you're holding a piece of American history. Bicentennial quarters were minted to commemorate America's 200th birthday, featuring a special reverse design and dual date to honor this momentous occasion. These unique commemorative coins represent one of the most widely circulated special-design quarters in U.S. history, with over 1.6 billion pieces produced across two years of minting.
While most Bicentennial quarters you'll find in pocket change are worth their face value of 25 cents, certain varieties—particularly those in mint condition or containing 40% silver—can command significant premiums among collectors. Understanding the different varieties, their values, and what makes some more desirable than others is essential for both casual collectors and serious numismatists.
Table of Contents
Complete Value and Price Chart
Most Bicentennial quarters are worth at least $5 in Mint State condition. Circulated examples are generally only worth face value—25 cents. However, the silver varieties and high-grade specimens can command substantially higher prices.
| Mintmark | Composition | Finish | Mintage | MS65/PR65 Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (none) | Cupronickel clad | Uncirculated | 809,784,016 | $6 |
| Denver (D) | Cupronickel clad | Uncirculated | 860,118,839 | $6 |
| San Francisco (S) | Cupronickel clad | Proof | 7,059,099 | $4 |
| San Francisco (S) | 40% Silver | Uncirculated | 11,000,000 | $7.50 |
| San Francisco (S) | 40% Silver | Proof | 4,000,000 | $9 |
Grading Impact
The values listed are for coins grading MS65 or PR65. Higher grades can command significant premiums above these base values. For example, an MS67 silver Bicentennial quarter might trade for $15-25, while perfect MS70 examples can reach $50-100 or more.
Silver Content Value
The 40% silver Bicentennial quarters contain approximately 0.148 ounces of pure silver. With current silver spot prices, the melt value alone provides a baseline for these coins' worth.
Rarity Factors
Millions of silver Bicentennial quarters were melted in 1982 and subsequent years, reducing the surviving population and increasing scarcity for serious collectors.
Condition Sensitivity
High-grade examples are particularly scarce due to poor initial storage and handling by the general public who received these as circulating commemoratives.
Essential Collecting Guide and Investment Tips
Bicentennial quarters represent a unique intersection of accessibility and historical significance. Unlike many commemorative coins that were expensive when issued, these were designed as circulating commemoratives—meaning they were intended for everyday use while celebrating America's bicentennial. This created a fascinating collecting dynamic where common coins can still be found in circulation, yet pristine examples and silver varieties offer substantial collecting potential.
Collection Strategies
- Focus on mint state specimens for better value
- Prioritize 40% silver varieties when possible
- Build type sets with all five major varieties
- Consider certified examples for higher grades
Investment Considerations
- Silver varieties tied to precious metals prices
- Increasing collector demand for high grades
- Limited supply due to past melting
- Bicentennial nostalgia factor growing
Storage and Preservation
- Use proper coin holders or albums
- Avoid cleaning or polishing coins
- Store in climate-controlled environment
- Handle by edges only when necessary
Getting Started
Begin by searching pocket change for mint state examples that might have been saved and recently spent. Check coin rolls from banks, as these sometimes contain uncirculated pieces. When you're ready to expand beyond found coins, consider purchasing certified examples or silver varieties to build a comprehensive collection.
Market Reality
While Bicentennial quarters aren't the first choice for investors looking to buy silver coins, their historical significance and limited high-grade population make them attractive for collectors focused on American commemoratives. The silver varieties offer dual appeal as both numismatic items and precious metals investments.
Historical Background and Production Details
The Bicentennial quarter represents a fascinating chapter in American coinage history. Production began in 1975, a full year early, to discourage hoarding and ensure the public could enjoy the new designs throughout the bicentennial celebration.
Production Timeline
- 1973: Treasury announces design contest
- 1974: Jack L. Ahr's design selected
- 1975: Production begins early
- 1976: Peak production year
Strategic Decisions
- Circulating commemorative approach
- Early production to prevent hoarding
- Multiple composition varieties
- Coordinated with half dollar and dollar
Special Mint Sets
- 40% silver composition available
- SMS (Special Mint Set) designation
- Collector-focused distribution
- Higher premiums from inception
Coordinated Celebration
The Bicentennial quarter was part of a coordinated effort that included special reverse designs for the Kennedy half dollar and Eisenhower dollar. This comprehensive approach meant no U.S. coins bore the date "1975" in these denominations, as all carried the dual date "1776-1976" to maximize the celebratory impact.
Production Challenges
The massive production run of over 1.6 billion coins created quality control challenges. Much of the initial production didn't result in particularly well-struck coins, and many pieces that were collected weren't properly preserved. This contributes to the relative scarcity of high-grade examples available today.
Design Analysis and Artistic Significance
Jack L. Ahr's winning design replaced the traditional eagle with a revolutionary soldier playing a drum, creating one of the most recognizable and patriotic coin designs in American history. The artistic elements work together to tell the story of American independence and the spirit of 1776.
Reverse Design Elements
- Colonial drummer in military dress
- Thirteen stars representing original colonies
- Torch symbolizing liberty and enlightenment
- "E PLURIBUS UNUM" maintaining tradition
Obverse Modifications
- Dual date "1776–1976" replaces "1976"
- Washington portrait unchanged
- Mintmark position remains consistent
- "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY" retained
Artistic Impact
- Human figure creates emotional connection
- Dynamic composition suggests movement
- Historical accuracy in military details
- Balanced design works at coin scale
Design Contest Legacy
The Treasury's open design contest for the Bicentennial coins represented a democratic approach to coin design, allowing American artists to contribute to the nation's commemorative coinage. Ahr's winning design beat thousands of submissions, demonstrating the power of accessible artistic competition in creating memorable numismatic art.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The market for Bicentennial quarters operates on multiple levels. At the base level, silver varieties benefit from precious metals price movements, providing a floor based on current silver values. Beyond this, collector demand drives premiums for high-grade examples, while nostalgic appeal attracts Americans who remember the bicentennial celebration.
Current Market Drivers
- 50th anniversary approaching (2026)
- Increasing collector base
- Limited high-grade supply
- Silver content provides value floor
Future Considerations
- Bicentennial anniversary nostalgia
- Continued precious metals interest
- Registry set competition
- Historical significance recognition
Investment Factors
- Affordable entry point
- Multiple collecting strategies
- Precious metals hedge potential
- American commemorative appeal
Long-term Outlook
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the bicentennial celebration in 2026, interest in these commemorative coins may experience renewed growth. The combination of historical significance, precious metals content in silver varieties, and the natural collector appeal of well-designed American coins suggests stable to increasing demand for premium examples.
Conclusion
Bicentennial quarters offer a unique entry point into American commemorative coin collecting, combining historical significance with accessibility. While most examples remain at face value, the silver varieties and high-grade specimens provide genuine collecting and investment opportunities. Understanding the different types, their relative values, and market dynamics enables collectors to make informed decisions whether they're building a comprehensive type set or focusing on premium examples.
The enduring appeal of these coins stems from their successful integration of commemorative artistry with practical circulation. Jack L. Ahr's drummer design captured the spirit of American independence in a way that resonated with millions of Americans, creating lasting numismatic value beyond simple monetary worth.
Collecting Strategy
Whether you're finding examples in pocket change or seeking certified high-grade specimens, Bicentennial quarters reward patient, informed collecting. Focus on condition quality, understand the premium structure for different varieties, and appreciate these coins as both historical artifacts and potential investments in America's numismatic heritage.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult with qualified professionals before making significant collecting or investment decisions.