The Bicentennial Quarter is one of the most recognizable pieces of currency in American history. Minted in 1975-1976 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence, the coin features the uniquely obscured date of “1776-1976” on the obverse and a Colonial Drummer, as designed by Jack L. Ahr, on the reverse side. The design celebrates and represents the spirit of freedom.
Although the pieces of this coin were manufactured for circulation and general collectors, certain rare mintages and errors make them so valuable that the price can be nearly that of a Harley Davidson bike. Let us take a look at the eight rarest and most expensive Bi-centennial Quarters.
1. Silver Proof PF70 Ultra Cameo
The coins were minted in San Francisco and are comprised of 40% silver. The shine and clarity of the surface of these coins make them extremely special. The PF70 Ultra Cameo grading classifies them in perfect condition, free from any type of defect.
Price: $7,000–$10,000 or more
Characteristics: The coins are a great delight for collectors since they are flawless and have a marvelous shine.
2. MS68 Denver Mint
Mass-produced bicentennial quarters have been minted by the Denver Mint; however, Denver-produced quarters bordering on perfection-dropped into MS68 grade-are collectors’ items.
Price: $6,000–$8,000
Features: Beautiful luster and designs devoid of any defect characterize them rare and pricey items.
3. Double Die Obverse Error
The double die error occurs when part of the coin’s design, like ‘LIBERTY’ or ‘IN GOD WE TRUST,’ appears as a double image.
Price: $2,000 to $10,000
Features: These errors are desired by error coin collectors.
4. Silver Business Strike MS69
These silver coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint for circulation. They are rare to find in this MS69 grade.
Price: $7,500 up
Features: These coins are very attractive to collectors.
5. Off-Center Strike
Off-center strike is where the blank part of a coin (planchet) is not in the right place; accordingly, part of the design is missing.
Price: $1,000 to $5,000
Features: These coins are highly sought for as examples of a mint error.
6. Wrong Planchet Coins
A unique mistake occurs if a Bicentennial quarter is accidentally stamped on the planchet (the metal disk) of another coin.
Price: $5,000-15,000
Characteristics : They might just very well be the Jackpot coins to a collector.
7. Clipped Planchet
Missing from the first part of the coin, it results into a moon-shaped cut.
Price: $500-3,000
Characteristics : These peculiarities are of great importance to collectors.
8. Coins Stuck on Silver Planchets
When accidentally struck on a silver planchet meant for another series, Bicentennial quarters are a very rare error.
Cost: $10,000-$20,000
Characteristics: This is every coin collector’s necklace dream.
Conclusion
These rare and defective Bicentennial quarters not only qualify them historically but also monetarily. Whether you are an experienced collector or a starter, discovering these coins can make a total shift in your collection. Who knows, you may already have one coin sitting quietly in your collection waiting to make you as rich as a Harley Davidson!
FAQs
Q. What makes Bicentennial quarters so valuable?
Ans: Due to their limited mintage, unique attributes, historical backgrounds, and high demand by collectors, Bicentennial quarters have become valuable.
Q. What do you mean by the Bicentennial quarters?
Ans: In 1976, the silver quarters happy in the name of their 200th birthday for the United States, including dual-dating (1776-1976) and a special reverse design featuring a Colonial drummer.
Q. Which are the rare varieties of Bicentennial quarters?
Ans: Most rare bicentennial quarters may be actively sought in top grades (MS68 and up), proofs, or error coins for unique minting anomalies.