The 1776-1976 Bicentennial Washington Quarter, struck to honor 200 years of American independence, might seem like a common collector’s item. But some of these historic coins, especially those with rare mint errors, have sold for staggering amounts — with some valued at up to $1 million!
With over 1.6 billion bicentennial quarters minted, it’s no surprise that a few slipped through with rare and valuable mistakes. If you’ve got a 1776-1976 quarter tucked away, here are the top errors to watch for.
🧾 List of 1776 Quarter Errors (That Could Be Worth Up to $1M)
1. ⚙️ Strike-Through Error
A strike-through error happens when a foreign object (like grease, cloth, or metal shavings) falls between the die and planchet during minting. This creates an impression of the object on the coin’s surface.
- 🪙 Value: Well-preserved strike-through error quarters have sold for high amounts.
- 💰 Top estimate: Up to $1,000,000 depending on the object, location, and condition.
Example: A collector once paid nearly $900 for a minor strike-through — imagine the value of a dramatic, full-surface one in MS67+!
2. 🔍 Doubled Die Error
Some 1776 quarters show doubled die errors, where parts of the design — such as “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, or the drummer’s features — appear multiple times due to a misalignment during the die-making process.
- 🪙 Where to look: Obvious doubling on the drummer’s hands, face, drumsticks, or lettering.
- 💰 Top estimate: $1,000,000+ for a perfect doubled die in uncirculated condition.
Collectors pay a premium for clean, visible doubling — even more so when the coin is graded MS68 or higher.
3. 🎵 Unclear Drummer (Grease-Filled Die Error)
In some coins, the drummer boy on the reverse appears blurry or faint. This is usually due to a grease-filled die, which dulls or distorts the design during the striking process.
- 🪙 What to spot: A smooth or ghost-like drummer where details should be bold.
- 💰 Top estimate: Up to $250,000+, especially if combined with other minor errors or strong eye appeal.
While subtle, trained collectors love finding these under-the-radar mint flaws — and are willing to pay big for clean examples.
❓ 1776 Quarter FAQs
🏷️ Is a 1776 quarter worth anything?
Yes! While most 1776-1976 quarters are worth $0.25 to $3, those with rare mint errors — such as doubled dies or strike-throughs — have been valued at hundreds of thousands or even up to $1 million, especially in pristine condition.
🏛️ How many 1776-1976 quarters were made?
Over 1.6 billion bicentennial quarters were minted across three U.S. mints:
- Denver (D) — the largest mintage
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- San Francisco (S) — mostly proof coins for collectors
Because of this high production, most are common — but rare errors and mint state coins stand out significantly in value.
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🧠 Final Thought
That old 1776 quarter you tossed in a drawer decades ago might be worth a fortune. Keep an eye out for rare mint errors like strike-throughs, doubled dies, or ghostly designs — and if you find one in mint condition, it could bring in up to $1 million.
🔍 Check your coins. You never know what’s hiding in your change.
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