In 1976 a special edition of Bicentennial Washington Quarter was released in circulation. This historically important coin was first minted in 1975, and in two different variations – silver and clad coin. Due to the fact that this coin features a new design, a historical background, and was made with silver, it is no surprise why it became sought-after among collectors.
You’ll easily recognize this coin by its double date imprint and a colonial drummer reverse side. Knowing these facts, we are pretty sure you are interested in learning as much as you can about the 1776 to 1976 Quarter Dollar value. However, the value of this coin depends on so many factors including minting material, condition, grade, mint mark, and errors.
1776-1976 Washington Quarter coins that show significant signs of wear will only be worth$0.25 if they are made from clad composition. While their silver twins will bring you at least $5 thanks to the melt value of silver.
There is a major difference between the prices of uncirculated and circulated coins. For instance, a 1776-1976 Washington Quarters in circulated condition are estimated to be worth between $0.30 and $15, while those in mint state are $75.
However, a lot of circulated coins are still in good condition and suitable as collecting examples. Here is the list of the top 3 common coins worth investing in:
`Keep in mind that fluctuations in prices are very common in the coin market. You must update yourself about the latest market trends regularly. Also, make sure you track if any unique variety or error emerges. For all further in-depth information you need to keep on reading, so what’s the wait?
Why Is The 1776-1976 Washington Quarter Series Special?
There are a lot of reasons why is 1776-1976 Washington Quarter special even though it is not so valuable in terms of money like some other quarter series are.
First, it has a historical value considering it was minted to honor one of the most important moments in the nation’s history – the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Historical background significantly impacts the value of a coin no matter what type of coin we talk about.
The second reason is the silver content in them. Some Bicentennial Quarter coins were made with 40% silver. This means that no matter the condition this coin will always be worth more than its face value, thanks to the melt value of silver.
Finally, this coin features a completely different reverse side design than all other Quarter coins! This is the only quarter with a colonial drummer on the tail side of the coin making this variety very rare!
Price Guide For Common 1776-1976 Quarter Coins Worth Investing
The Jubilee 1776-1976 Washington Quarter coin was minted in a large volume of a total of 1,691,961,954 coins. Due to that large mintage, these coins aren’t extremely valuable, but some specimens stand out. These quarters were minted in two different compositions, clad and silver-clad. Naturally, those that are made from silver are sought-after among collectors.
In the table below we enlisted regular, as well as error varieties, and their current prices on the coin market.
1776-1976 no mint mark Quarter value
In the Philadelphia mint, there were approximately 809,784,016 clad quarters made. These coins were made for circulation so some of these did not survive the tool of time.
The value of a circulated coin is usually a face value($0.25), but on the other hand, a coin in good condition with a grade of at least MS64 can cost from $6 to $10. Only coins in pristine condition and with high grade can sell for the premium price of a few hundred dollars. For instance, the 1976 Quarter with no mint mark and MS67+ grade was sold for $1,821.
1776-1976-D mint mark Quarter value
Copper and nickel 1976 quarters were also minted in the Denver facility in an even larger mintage volume of 860,118,839. You’ll recognize them by the mint mark D on the obverse side.
Circulated 1976-D quarters in average condition will cost their face value, while coins in a good state will go from $6 to $10. Those that are in mint state and with grade MS67+ reach higher prices of a few hundred or even thousands of dollars.
The most valuable 1976-D quarter with grade MS68 was sold on auction for $6,462.
1776-1976-S mint mark silver Quarter value
During this minting year a San Francisco mint produced around 11,000,000 proof as well as regular strike quarters made from 40% silver and 60% copper. Those coins are known as silver-proof coins, and they all carry a mint mark S on the obverse.
Surprisingly, these silver-proof quarters are pretty inexpensive and you can find them for prices that go as low as $3.5. However, the price depends on the grade, those with grades MS67+ will sell for a few hundred dollars at least.
The highest price tag for a 1796-S silver-proof quarter with MS69 grade was $19,200.
1776-1976-S mint mark proof clad Quarter value
Also, the San Francisco mint produced around 7,059,099 clad-proof quarters with an S mint mark. These coins do not have any significant value due to the material they were made of. However, considering they are labeled as proof coins they still achieve higher prices than regular strike coins.
You can find them in the price range between $0.25 and $10. The highest price tag for a 1976-S clad-proof coin with PR 70 grade was $920.
Current prices of collectible 1776-1976 Quarter coins on the coin market
The Main Features Of The 1776-1976 Washington Quarter Coins
A Washington Quarter coin from 1976 is a special series designed to honor 200 years since the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. The jubilee commemoration coins are also known as the Bicentennial Coinage.
This 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter coin appeared in two different compositions – clad and silver. The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced copper-nickel clad coins, while proof coins that were minted from 40% silver and clad proof coins originate from San Francisco. Also, this coin features some major changes in design.
The obverse side features an image of the first President George Washington facing left. The inscription “Liberty” is engraved near the upper rim of the coin, right above his head. In front of his bust the inscription “In God We Trust” is engraved.
Behind his neck, you can find the mint mark, except in coins minted in Philadelphia. Also, on the obverse, you will find the minting year, in this case, 1776-1976 which is characteristic of all bicentennial coins.
The reverse side is completely different from what we used to see on a Quarter coin. On the reverse, you can see an image of a colonial soldier playing drums. To his left side near his head, you can see a victory torch. It is placed inside a ring with 13 stars. Each star represents thirteen original states.
A denomination inscription “Quarter dollar” is engraved on the bottom of the coin. Bellow the victory torch a Latin motto “E pluribus unum” is engraved. While the “United States of America” is placed on top of the coin.
As we said, there are two different varieties of this coin. Regular strike coins were made from 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel and weighed 5.67 grams. This coin has a copper core paired with a layer made of copper and nickel alloy.
On the other hand, the proof coins were also minted from a silver-clad combo made of 40% silver and 60% copper. Due to the minting material, this variety weighs slightly higher, approximately 6.25 grams.
List Of Errors Found On 1776-1976 Washington Quarters
Errors are inevitable in the minting process no matter the fact that technology greatly evolved up to this point. The jubilee minting year is no exception to this, and in fact, there are many different error varieties that impact the end value of all coins minted in the Bicentennial commemorative program.
Here is the list of the most common minting errors found in the 1776-1976 Washington Quarter series. Read on and learn how to recognize them.
- 1976 Washington Quarter doubled die error – A doubled die error occurs when a coin was struck on an improperly made die. The end result is a double inscription that can appear on both sides during minting. Collectors have found several doubled die error coins in the 1776-1976 quarters series. The average price of these coins goes from $800 to $3,300.
- 1976 Washington Quarter overstruck error – When a coin dies press an already fully minted coin, or press over a wrong planchet the overstruck error occurs. There are only a few overstruck coins in the 1976 quarters series making them unique and valuable. The price of these error coins is a few thousand dollars.
- 1976 Washington Quarter struck through error – Sometimes, a strange object can appear in the mining chambers during production. You can see their pattern imprinted over the original coin design. Such an error appeared in a certain number of the 1976 quarters. You’ll notice a fabric imprint on the obverse side. Coins with this unique error cost a few hundred dollars.
- 1976 Washington Quarter colonial drummer error – This is a rare and unique quarter coin error. The coin was struck through the grease in an old and dirty die and came out with an unclear image of the drummer.
- 1976 Washington Quarter off-center obverse error –When a planchet is improperly mounted the die struck the coin inaccurately. This causes the design to move on one side of the coin. The shift can be from 5% to 95%, the price tag is depending on how many design percent you can see – the less you see the higher the value.
Where Can You Trade Valuable 1776-1976 Washington Quarters?
If you want to buy or sell the 1976 Washington Quarter you have two options – do it in person, or do it online. If you decide to do it in person you should visit your local specialized coin or pawn shop, also check the antique stores, as well as coin shows if there are any in your area.
However, most people trade coins on the Internet. The great thing about it is that you have an abundance of web pages as well as coins available to you.
But, there is a downside as well – not all of them are reliable and reputable. Here is our list of auction houses and coin web pages that are proven and reliable – Heritage Auctions, PCGS, Coins For Sale, Stack’s Bowers, or Littleton Coin Company.
For all of you that are selling your coin, yet don’t know how to determine the final price we have great advice. Visit platforms like eBay, Etsy, and LiveAuctioneers, here you can check price ranges, demand, and supply, this will largely help in finalizing the price tag.
When it comes to buying coins on these platforms, we firmly recommend you check the seller first. Make sure you are not wasting your money and look for feedback, comments, or anything else that can help you find out if the seller is reliable.
FAQ
What Bicentennial coins were made in 1976?
Only three coins were chosen for a new design that will celebrate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution. Their production began on July 4, 1975. Those three coins that were chosen are quarter, half-dollar, and one-dollar coins.
Bicentennial Quarters Are A Must-Have
We would expect these coins to be much more valuable than they are (due to their historical importance), but they are still worth a lot of money. To earn a few hundred bucks (and more) for a coin of a 25C face value is a great deal.
In fact, these coins will only gain value as time passes by so if you are new in the coin collecting this might be the best time to invest. If you are already a passionate coin collector, then adding a historically important coin such as the 1776-1976 Washington Quarter to your collection is mandatory for you.
Hopefully, this article answered some of your burning questions about the 1776-1976 quarter dollar value. We have high hopes that it will help you figure out how to handle your precious coins and where you can trade them risk-free.
You can find plenty of Washington-Quarter-coins-relatable articles on our blog so we invite you to explore and read on. We would like to suggest you read the 1977 Washington Quarter value article and see the difference between these two minting series.
In case you know some information that we didn’t mention here, please do not hesitate to share your opinions and advice in the comment section below. Good luck and happy hunting!
