The story of a Bicentennial quarter allegedly worth $5.1 million and still in circulation has renewed interest in small-change treasure hunting. This article explains how to check a Bicentennial quarter, what could make one valuable, and practical steps to authenticate and sell a rare piece.
What Is the Bicentennial Quarter?
The Bicentennial quarter was issued for 1975–1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of American independence. The obverse shows Washington with the dual date 1776–1976, and the reverse depicts a colonial drummer design.
Most Bicentennial quarters are common clad coins used in everyday transactions. A few varieties or errors, however, can be more valuable to collectors.
Why Some Bicentennial Quarters Can Be Valuable
Several factors determine a coin’s value. Rarity, condition, minting errors, composition (silver content), and provenance all matter.
Common reasons a Bicentennial quarter could command a high price include:
- Major minting errors (off-center strikes, wrong planchet, double die)
- Surviving coins in extremely high grade (MS67+ or PR70 for proofs)
- Special silver strikes from proof or mint sets (40% silver collector issues)
- Documented provenance linking a coin to an important collection or auction
Understanding the $5.1 Million Claim
Claims that a Bicentennial quarter is worth $5.1 million are exceptional and should be treated cautiously. Such valuations typically come from a combination of extreme rarity and immaculate grading, or from rumors and incorrect appraisals.
If you encounter such a claim, verify it through reputable coin grading services and auction records rather than relying on social media or hearsay.
How to Identify a Potentially Rare Bicentennial Quarter
Start with a careful physical inspection using good light and a magnifier (10x loupe). Focus on date, mint mark, edge, and signs of error or unusual metal.
Key things to look for:
- Clear dual date 1776–1976 on the obverse. Look for doubling or misaligned digits.
- Mint mark location: Most quarters were minted in Philadelphia, Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Check for unexpected marks or missing marks.
- Edge and weight: Standard clad quarters have a reeded edge. A silver Bicentennial quarter from a special set will have a different weight and may lack the outer copper layer.
- Obvious errors: Off-center strikes, broadstrikes, clipped planchets, and die breaks.
Common Errors to Watch For
While rare, these errors appear across many coin series and can increase value:
- Double die obverse or reverse (doubling of letters or numerals)
- Off-center strike (part of the design missing)
- Wrong planchet (a quarter struck on a dime or nickel planchet)
- Die cracks or cud marks that make the coin unique
Bicentennial quarters were minted with the dual date 1776–1976 and many were also produced in special 40% silver proof and uncirculated sets for collectors.
Authenticate and Grade the Coin
If you believe you have a rare Bicentennial quarter, professional authentication is essential. Grading companies like PCGS and NGC will examine and encapsulate the coin, providing a grade and a guarantee of authenticity.
Steps to get a coin graded:
- Take clear photos from multiple angles and note any observed errors.
- Contact a reputable dealer or local coin club for a preliminary opinion.
- Submit the coin to a major grading service following their submission guidelines.
Costs and Timeframes
Grading can cost from tens to hundreds of dollars depending on service level and value estimates. Turnaround can range from days to months, so account for both the fee and wait time when planning a sale.
How to Sell a Rare Bicentennial Quarter
Once authenticated, choose a selling channel based on expected value and visibility. Auction houses, specialist coin dealers, and major online auction platforms are common options.
Tips for selling:
- Use high-resolution images of the encapsulated coin and provide the grading certificate number.
- Get multiple auction estimates if the coin might be worth tens of thousands or more.
- Keep provenance and any previous appraisal documents ready for buyers.
Where to Get Help
Local coin clubs, professional numismatists, and graded coin marketplaces are good resources. Avoid selling to buyers who pressure you for a quick sale without clear credentials.
Real-World Example: A Careful Authentication Story
A collector found a Bicentennial quarter with unusual doubling on the date and slight off-center strike. They did not jump to conclusions about its value. Instead, they took clear photos and visited a local coin club meeting for a preliminary look.
Members suggested submitting the coin to a grading service. The coin was graded as a notable error with a mid-level mint state grade and later sold at a specialist auction for several thousand dollars. The collector avoided scams by following expert advice and getting proper certification.
Final Checklist: What to Do If You Find a Bicentennial Quarter That Looks Special
- Do not clean the coin — cleaning can destroy value.
- Photograph the coin clearly and record where and how you found it.
- Get a preliminary opinion from a reputable dealer or coin club.
- Submit to PCGS, NGC, or another major grading service for authentication.
- Shop multiple auction houses or dealers before accepting offers.
Extraordinary claims, such as a single Bicentennial quarter being worth $5.1 million, require extraordinary evidence. If you think you may have such a coin, follow the verification steps above and rely on professional graders and accredited auction houses before accepting or publicizing a valuation.