1976 Quarter Value
The 1976 quarter commemorated America’s 200th anniversary of independence, marking a milestone in U.S. history. To celebrate the bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Mint created special coins, despite having halted commemorative coin production in 1954. Congressional authorization allowed a temporary redesign of the quarter’s reverse, leading to the minting of five distinct bicentennial quarter varieties between 1975 and 1976. These differ significantly in value, depending on factors such as mint location, composition, and type.
1976 Quarter Value Chart
| Condition | 1976 No Mint Mark | 1976 D | 1976 S (Clad Proof) | 1976 S (40% Silver) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS 65 | $6.65 | $6.65 / $8.21 | – | – |
| PR 65 | – | – | $4.52 | $9.46 |
1976 Quarter Value Guides
More than 1.68 billion bicentennial quarters were produced in 1976, spanning three circulating versions and two types of proof strikes. These coins represent a major minting effort across three different facilities.
1776–1976 No Mint Mark Quarter (Copper-Nickel Clad)
The Philadelphia Mint issued 809,784,016 copper-nickel clad quarters without a mint mark. These coins have a solid copper core and an outer layer composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, resulting in an overall copper content of 91.67%. While circulated pieces hold only face value, uncirculated ones range from a few cents to over $60 depending on grade. A pristine MS 70 version once sold for $1,200 on eBay in 2022, showing the high demand for rare top-grade specimens.
1776–1976 D Quarter (Copper-Nickel Clad)
The Denver Mint manufactured 860,118,839 of the clad bicentennial quarters. While standard examples in lower grades trade for around 25 cents to a few dollars, premium specimens can command much higher prices. An MS 68 quarter can bring in between $3,500 and $4,200, with one record-setting example selling for $6,463 in 2017. These high grades are rare, making them especially sought after by collectors.
1776–1976 S Quarter (40% Silver Clad)
San Francisco struck a business strike and two proof versions using a special 40% silver composition. Most examples of this version are valued between $1.41 and $84, depending on condition and strike type. A top-graded MS 69 piece can reach up to $6,000, although fluctuations exist—one sold for just $6 on eBay in 2022, while another fetched $19,200 at Heritage Auctions in 2019, demonstrating the wide range in collector interest and pricing.
1776–1976 S Silver Proof Quarter
With a mintage of four million, silver proof quarters from the San Francisco Mint are among the more collectible types. Typical values range from $8 to $28. Exceptionally graded PR 70 coins are valued at approximately $180. However, uniquely toned or unusually struck versions can fetch significantly more, with a PR 25 quarter surprisingly selling for $13,500 on eBay in 2019, proving that rarity and condition aren’t the only factors in valuation.
1776–1976 S Proof (Copper-Nickel Clad)
The San Francisco Mint also released 7,059,099 clad proof coins, primarily for collectors. These generally sell between $4 and $85, but particularly exceptional pieces can earn significantly more. For example, a PR 69 version went for $6,038 in 2010, and a flawless PR 70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) model reached $920. These coins are notable for their sharp detail and mirror-like finishes, which make them popular among numismatists.
1976 Quarter Errors
Error coins from 1976 are highly collectible and often sell for premium prices. One overstruck quarter, caused by being stamped more than once, sold for an impressive $12,000. A 1976 D quarter with a die cap error, where a misaligned blank affected the coin’s impression, went for $2,880. Doubled die coins, featuring a duplicated image from a misaligned die, have been valued between $800 and $3,250. Struck-through errors—where a foreign object like cloth interfered with the strike—can also fetch high values, such as the one that sold for $881.25. Other minor anomalies like grease-filled dies, off-center strikes, and broad-strike coins can also increase collector interest and value.
History of the 1976 Quarter
To honor the United States’ bicentennial, the Mint resumed commemorative coin production. The quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins received special reverse designs and dual date inscriptions. Production began on July 4, 1975, and continued through 1976, a decision made to prevent hoarding by collectors. Every bicentennial quarter bears the dual date “1776–1976,” emphasizing its historical purpose and significance in celebrating 200 years of American independence.
MintVarietyQuantity Minted
| Mint | Variety | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | No Mint Mark (Clad) | 809,784,016 |
| Denver | D Mint Mark (Clad) | 860,118,839 |
| San Francisco | S Mint (Silver) | 11,000,000 |
| San Francisco | S Clad Proof | 7,059,099 |
| San Francisco | S Silver Proof | 4,000,000 |
| Total | – | 1,687,961,954 |
Though over 1.68 billion quarters were minted, these coins remain popular with collectors due to their symbolic design and patriotic importance.
Identifying the 1976 Quarter
The obverse side, designed by John Flanagan, is based on a sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon and features George Washington’s profile. The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears prominently, along with the dual date “1776–1976.” Coins struck at the Denver or San Francisco mints will bear a “D” or “S” mint mark near Washington’s ponytail, while those from Philadelphia are mark-free.
Coin Specs (Clad Version)
Face Value: $0.25
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 5.67 grams
Diameter: 24.26 mm
Thickness: 1.75 mm
Edge: Reeded
Reverse Design
Jack L. Ahr created the quarter’s reverse design, depicting a Revolutionary War-era drummer with a torch encircled by thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies. This side also includes the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.” The imagery captures the essence of unity and liberty celebrated during the bicentennial.
Coin Specs (Silver Version)
Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper
Silver Content: 0.0739 troy ounces
Weight: 6.25 grams
Diameter & Thickness: Same as clad version
Valuable 1976 Quarters
A few standout examples of the bicentennial quarter have gained substantial value. One 1976 S MS 69 silver version sold for a remarkable $19,200, setting a high bar for collectors. Another example, a 1976 S PR 25 silver quarter, brought in $13,500 on eBay. These coins continue to hold the fascination of collectors for both their rarity and the historical meaning they carry.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1976 quarter is silver?
A: Check for an “S” mint mark and weigh the coin. Silver quarters weigh about 6.25 grams, while regular clad ones weigh 5.67 grams. Silver versions also have a smooth, solid edge—no visible copper stripe.
Q: Are all 1976 quarters valuable?
A: Most 1976 quarters found in circulation are worth face value. However, uncirculated, proof, silver, and error coins can be worth much more—sometimes hundreds or even thousands.
Q: What does the dual date “1776–1976” mean?
A: It commemorates the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, not the coin’s mint year alone.
Q: Should I clean my 1976 quarter before selling it?
A: No. Cleaning a coin can lower its value. Collectors prefer coins in their original, unaltered state.
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