How to Spot the $150,000 Bicentennial Quarter in Circulation

The Bicentennial Quarter is one of the historical and monetary coin collections that was minted in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate the United States’ 200th anniversary. Most of the coins from this period are worth 25 cents, but a few were sold at auction for up to $150,000. This article will teach you how to identify such rare coins and why they sell for such huge amounts.

What Is a Bicentennial Quarter?

The Bicentennial Quarter was minted with a special design to mark the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. These quarters are easily identifiable by their unique characteristics:

Obverse (front): It features the standard profile of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan.
Reverse (back): It features a colonial drummer with a torch surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original colonies. This design was created by Jack L. Ahr.

Where Were They Minted?

The U.S. Mint made Bicentennial Quarters in three locations:

Philadelphia Mint: No mint mark.
Denver Mint: Marked with a “D.”
San Francisco Mint: Marked with an “S,” including proof and silver-clad varieties.
Why Are Some Bicentennial Quarters Worth $150,000?
Not every Bicentennial Quarter is worth a fortune. Here’s what makes some of them so valuable:

1. Minting Errors
   Unique to any coin, minting errors make it highly sought after. The common errors are:
   Double Die Errors: the impression of the design has been doubled because of an error in minting.
   Off-Center Strikes: The design is not struck correctly.
   Wrong Planchet Errors: the coin has been struck on the wrong kind of metal. 2. High-Grade Condition
   Extremely rare are coins graded as MS-67 or higher by professional grading services such as PCGS or NGC. These coins show no scratches, dings, or discoloration.
2. Silver-Clad Quarters
   San Francisco also produced a small number of Bicentennial Quarters with a 40% silver-clad composition. These coins were often sold as part of special sets and are rarer than the copper-nickel versions.
3. Historical Value
   Historically significant coins are usually more expensive in the market. The Bicentennial Quarter is among the most historic coins in U.S. history, hence being highly valued.

How to Determine a Rare $150,000 Bicentennial Quarter

If you suspect that you have identified a Bicentennial Quarter that may be valuable, check out the following steps to verify your find:

Step 1: Check the Reverse Design
Make sure the coin has the colonial drummer design with the torch and 13 stars.

Step 2: Check the Mint Mark
Quarters with an “S” mint mark are more likely to be valuable, especially if they are silver-clad or proof coins.
Step 3: Inspect the Coin for Errors
Use a magnifying glass to look for anomalies, such as:
Double images (double die errors).
Misaligned or off-center designs.
Odd metal color or texture.
Step 4: Check the Coin’s Condition
Coins in Mint State or Proof condition are highly valued. Never clean the coin, and that damages its value.

Step 5: Weigh The Coin
A standard Bicentennial Quarter has a weight of 5.67 grams. Quarters made out of Silver-clad weighed slightly higher at around 5.75 grams

How To Sell A Rare Bicentennial Quarter

So, if you have got a potentially valuable Bicentennial Quarter, here is how you can go about selling it;

1. Get It Graded
   Submit your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading. A high grade greatly increases the value of the coin.
2. Research Its Value
   Look at recent auction records and online marketplaces like eBay to estimate the value of the coin.
3. Choose a Selling Platform
   Auction Houses: Professional auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers specialize in high-value coins.
   Online Marketplaces: Places like eBay are okay for the less valuable coins. But ensure your listing is very descriptive and includes a picture.
   Local Coin Dealers: They sell it very quickly but not for as much as it could bring on the market.
   Maintaining Your Bicentennial Quarters
   To keep your coin value high:

Store your coin in a protective holder so it will not get scratched.
Never clean or polish the coin as it may damage its surface, reducing its value.
Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent tarnishing.

High-Value Bicentennial Quarters

1. MS-68 Bicentennial Quarter
   A coin graded as an MS-68 near-perfect sold for $19,200 in an auction.
2. Silver Clad Proof Quarter
   A perfect silver-clad proof can bring thousands of dollars depending on its grade and rarity.
3. Error Coins
   A Bicentennial Quarter with double die error or even minted on the wrong metal can cost between $10,000 and $150,000.

Last words for Coin Collectors

Always check your pocket change for rare coins.
Learn the fundamentals of coin grading and mint errors.
Join a numismatic society or online community to learn more.