Rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Could Fetch Nearly $7.5 Million at Auction

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The 1976 Bicentennial quarter, minted to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary, has become one of the most sought-after coins in numismatic circles. Featuring the dual date “1776–1976” and the iconic drummer design, this quarter was meant to honor the nation’s revolutionary past. While millions of these quarters were produced for circulation, one particular error coin has captured attention, fetching an astounding $7.5 million at auction.

In this article, we’ll explore the backstory of this remarkable coin, what makes it so valuable, and how you can determine if you have a hidden treasure in your collection or pocket change.

Key Features of the $7.5 Million Bicentennial Quarter

Here’s a quick reference guide to what makes this rare Bicentennial quarter so unique:

FeatureDetails
DateDual-dated “1776–1976”
MaterialStruck on a 40% silver planchet instead of the usual copper-nickel alloy
Obverse DesignPortrait of George Washington by John Flanagan
Reverse DesignColonial drummer surrounded by 13 stars, symbolizing the original colonies
Weight11.5 grams (compared to the standard 5.67 grams)
ConditionGraded MS-70 (perfect condition) by PCGS
RarityOnly one known specimen

What Makes This Bicentennial Quarter So Valuable?

The extraordinary value of this coin comes from several key factors: a rare minting error, its pristine condition, and the heightened demand among collectors.

1. Minting Error: Struck on a Silver Planchet

The defining feature of this rare Bicentennial quarter is that it was mistakenly struck on a 40% silver planchet, which was reserved for special collector’s coins. This error makes it a unique, true “error coin,” a classification that always sparks interest among coin enthusiasts.

2. Perfect Grading: MS-70

The coin also achieved an MS-70 grade, the highest possible grade, indicating it is in flawless condition. This means there are no visible flaws, scratches, or imperfections, even under magnification. Such perfect specimens are extremely rare, especially for a coin with such an unusual minting error.

3. Collector Demand

Bicentennial quarters are already cherished by collectors due to their historical significance and artistic design. Combine this with the silver planchet error and perfect grade, and you have a coin that collectors are eager to own, driving its value to unprecedented levels.

The Discovery of the Rare Bicentennial Quarter

How did this rare coin come to light? Despite being an error, the silver Bicentennial quarter slipped through minting quality checks and remained unnoticed for years. It wasn’t until an observant collector noticed the coin’s unusual weight and the distinct silver edge that its true value was recognized.

After further inspection, experts confirmed it was struck on a 40% silver planchet. The coin’s rarity and flawless condition made it a sensation, eventually selling for nearly $7.5 million at auction.

How to Identify a Valuable Bicentennial Quarter

If you’re hoping to find a rare Bicentennial quarter, here are the key traits to look for:

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