Washington Bicentennial Quarters
During the 1970s, the United States marked its 200th anniversary of independence with a series of national celebrations. The peak of this event occurred on July 4, 1976, commemorating two centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
To celebrate this milestone, the U.S. Mint introduced a special commemorative quarter with the dual date “1776–1976.” These quarters were produced in both copper-nickel and 40% silver varieties. Some carry minting errors, making them highly sought after by collectors. Among the rarest are the Doubled Die errors, whereas grease-filled dies are the most frequently found.
Washington Bicentennial Quarters
These quarters were specially created by the U.S. Mint to honor 200 years of American independence, marking a major milestone in the nation’s timeline.
The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, laid the foundation for what would become the United States. By 1792, Congress had enacted the Coinage Act, officially introducing the U.S. dollar and creating the framework for the national currency system.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Mintages
Mint records show various production quantities from different facilities. Denver struck approximately 860,118,839 clad quarters. Philadelphia produced 809,784,016 of the same type. San Francisco struck 11 million silver quarters and 3,998,621 silver proof coins. It also minted 7,059,099 clad proof coins.
Although the U.S. Mint began operations in 1792, the first quarter-dollar wasn’t introduced until 1796. Two hundred years later, the Mint released five commemorative Bicentennial quarters: clad and silver business strikes, as well as proof versions from San Francisco.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Appearance
Minted in both 1975 and 1976, every Bicentennial quarter bears the dual year “1776–1976” instead of a single date. The obverse shows George Washington’s portrait, accompanied by the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the mint mark to the right.
The reverse side features a colonial drummer, a torch encircled by 13 stars representing the original colonies, and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The outer rim is inscribed with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
John Flanagan designed the obverse, while Jack L. Ahr created the reverse. Due to the drummer imagery, many collectors refer to this commemorative issue as the “Drummer Boy” quarter.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Value
While circulated clad versions typically hold only face value, uncirculated ones may be worth about $6.65. The San Francisco Mint’s three versions each carry distinct values:
A clad proof graded PR 65 generally sells for around $4.52. The 40% silver business strike in MS 65 commands roughly $8.17. A silver proof in uncirculated condition can reach $9.42 or more, depending on collector interest and market demand.
The intrinsic silver melt value is approximately $1.34, based on a spot price of $18.10 per ounce, making silver content a factor for valuation.
The 1975 Washington Bicentennial Quarter
Though production began in 1975, no Bicentennial quarter bears that year. All are marked “1776–1976” due to a law signed by President Gerald Ford that allowed production ahead of the celebration, enabling early release to the public.
These coins were struck over two years but share a unified date to commemorate the bicentennial. This legal provision ensured that all coins released during that time reflected the anniversary of American independence.
Existing Washington Bicentennial Quarter Types
San Francisco Mint produced two main 40% silver types: standard circulation strikes and highly reflective proofs. These were packaged in special collector sets and not intended for everyday use.
The five principal versions include the regular clad strike, the Denver-minted D clad, San Francisco’s silver strike, the clad proof, and the silver proof. Each type offers unique collector appeal based on condition and scarcity.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Errors found in these quarters can dramatically increase their value. Some of the most coveted varieties include Doubled Die errors—visible in both obverse and reverse designs.
Other common issues include grease-filled dies, which obscure parts of the design; strike-through errors that can leave impressions of fabric; and rare cases of overstriking. Collectors are always on the lookout for such anomalies, and they often fetch significant premiums at auctions.
Most Valuable Washington Bicentennial Quarters
These commemorative quarters all measure 24.3 mm in diameter and feature reeded edges. The silver versions weigh 5.75 grams, slightly less than the 5.67 grams of their copper-nickel counterparts.
Some standout sales include a 1976 D MS 68 clad quarter, with only 263 known examples, which sold for $6,462.50. A perfect MS 70 clad piece sold for $1,999.99. One silver MS 69 coin from San Francisco reached $19,200 at auction. Others include a PR 67 clad proof that fetched $6,038 and a silver proof that sold for $13,500.
Denver Washington Bicentennial Quarters
With over 860 million coins struck at the Denver Mint, the clad version is the most common. Identified by the “D” mint mark, these coins are widely collected, especially in uncirculated condition.
While most remain affordable, high-grade examples in MS 68 condition can command substantial prices, with some selling for over $6,000 due to their rarity and pristine condition.
Philadelphia Washington Bicentennial Quarters
The Philadelphia Mint struck over 809 million clad quarters for the bicentennial release. Though mass-produced, many of these coins were pulled from circulation early, especially those with unique or rare minting errors.
As a result, well-preserved examples or those with notable flaws are now considered collectible, with values that vary depending on specific characteristics and grading.
High-Grade Bicentennial Quarters (MS 65–MS 70)
Condition plays a vital role in determining value. Quarters graded MS 65 usually sell for $6–$10. Those rated MS 66 often reach between $15 and $40. An MS 67 coin might bring up to $127.
Coins graded MS 67+ are considered top-tier and may sell for over $1,000. These are especially attractive to collectors seeking near-perfect examples with sharp details and minimal blemishes.
San Francisco Washington Bicentennial Quarters
San Francisco Mint issued three types of bicentennial quarters: regular 40% silver strikes, silver proof coins, and clad proof issues. All were targeted at collectors rather than general circulation.
Their quality and limited production numbers make them attractive to numismatists. Many appear in collector sets and are known for their sharp details and mirrored finishes, particularly in proof form.
Silver Uncirculated Bicentennial Quarters
Only 11 million silver business strike quarters were minted. These coins were often preserved in mint sets and are less common in general circulation.
Graded MS 68, they’re worth between $23 and $144. The rare MS 69 grade versions can exceed $5,000, with one notable example selling for $19,200 in a 2019 auction, making them some of the most valuable bicentennial quarters.
Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarters
Approximately 4 million silver proofs were made. These coins, composed of 40% silver, were sold directly to collectors in special packaging and often remain in excellent condition.
Deep Cameo versions graded PR 69 typically sell between $15 and $40. However, standout pieces can go for over $250. A high-end proof even sold for $13,500 on eBay, reflecting the strong demand for rare and pristine examples.
Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarters
The San Francisco Mint produced over 7 million clad proof quarters. These coins, though not made of silver, offer exceptional detail and mirror-like finishes.
Most PR 69 clad proofs are valued up to $50, with some Deep Cameo variants fetching around $100. A rare error proof from this group once sold for $6,038, underscoring their potential appeal to dedicated collectors.
Valuable Washington Bicentennial Quarter Varieties
Rare error coins are the most lucrative. Doubled Die varieties have sold for between $810 and $3,246, depending on the coin’s grade and visibility of the error.
Strike-through errors, such as those with fabric impressions, have realized $881.25 in sales. Overstruck coins—extremely rare—have brought in up to $12,000. These unique flaws greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and price.
Summary
The 1776–1976 Bicentennial quarters serve as lasting tributes to U.S. history and independence. While many are still worth just their face value, high-grade coins and those with unique mint errors can be quite valuable.
Collectors interested in identifying potential treasures should examine their quarters for silver content, mint marks, condition, and errors. These factors significantly influence a coin’s market value and historical interest.
Q1: Are all 1976 quarters valuable?
A: Most 1976 quarters are only worth face value unless they are in mint condition, silver, or have a rare error.
Q2: How can I tell if my 1976 quarter is silver?
A: Silver quarters were made at the San Francisco Mint and have an “S” mint mark. They also weigh slightly less (5.75g) than clad coins (5.67g) and have a duller, gray edge instead of copper.
Q3: What is the rarest 1976 quarter?
A: The rarest are high-grade silver quarters and those with major mint errors, such as the Doubled Die or overstruck varieties.
Q4: Is there a 1975 quarter?
A: No. All quarters made in 1975 and 1976 for circulation bear the dual date “1776–1976” to commemorate the bicentennial.
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