Most people think of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Washington Quarter as just another common coin. After all, more than 1.6 billion of them were minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary of independence. 🇺🇸
But here’s the shocker: some of these historic coins — especially those with rare mint errors — have sold for hundreds of thousands, and the rarest ones could be worth up to $1 million! 😱
So, if you’ve got a bicentennial quarter sitting in a drawer or change jar, it’s time to take a closer look.
🧾 Top 1776 Quarter Errors to Watch For
1. ⚙️ Strike-Through Error
A strike-through happens when a foreign object (like grease, cloth, or shavings) gets stuck between the die and coin blank during minting. The result? A weird impression on the surface.
💰 Value: Minor ones can fetch a few hundred dollars, but dramatic strike-throughs in top grade (MS67+) have been valued up to $1,000,000!
👉 Example: A collector once paid nearly $900 for a small strike-through — so imagine what a major one could sell for.
2. 🔍 Doubled Die Error
Some bicentennial quarters show doubled die errors, where parts of the design look doubled because of a misaligned die.
🪙 Where to check: Look closely at “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the drummer boy’s hands, face, and drumsticks.
💰 Value: A sharp doubled die in uncirculated condition (especially MS68 or higher) can be worth $1,000,000+.
3. 🎵 Grease-Filled Die (Blurry Drummer Error)
Sometimes, the drummer boy design on the reverse looks faint or blurry. This is usually due to grease filling the die during striking.
🪙 What to look for: A “ghost-like” drummer with missing or unclear details.
💰 Value: High-grade examples with this error have sold for $250,000+ — and even more if combined with other rare features.
❓ 1776 Quarter FAQs
🏷️ Is a 1776-1976 quarter worth anything?
➡️ Most are worth 25¢ to $3. But error coins or high-grade mint state versions can skyrocket in value — anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000.
🏛️ How many were made?
➡️ Over 1.6 billion were struck at:
- Denver (D mint mark)
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- San Francisco (S proof coins for collectors)
Because of this massive production, most are common — but rare errors and pristine examples are worth serious money.
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