Washington Bicentennial Quarters
In the 1970s, the United States commemorated 200 years since its founding as an independent nation. The highlight of this celebration took place on July 4, 1976—marking the bicentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing.
To honor this milestone, the U.S. Mint released a special edition of the quarter, dated 1776–1976. These quarters came in both 40% silver and copper-nickel clad versions. A number of these coins feature minting errors, making some of them highly collectible. Among the rarest are the Doubled Die varieties, while grease-filled die errors are the most common.
Washington Bicentennial Quarters
The U.S. Mint produced these special coins to commemorate 200 years of independence, a significant historical event for the nation.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, laying the groundwork for the new republic. Less than two decades later, in 1792, Congress passed the Coinage Act, officially creating the U.S. dollar.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Mintages
| Mint | Date | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 1776–1976 D | 860,118,839 |
| Philadelphia | 1776–1976 | 809,784,016 |
| San Francisco | 1776–1976 S (silver) | 11,000,000 |
| San Francisco | 1776–1976 S (clad proof) | 7,059,099 |
| San Francisco | 1776–1976 S (silver proof) | 3,998,621 |
The first quarters were introduced in 1796 after the establishment of the Mint in Philadelphia. Two centuries later, five types of bicentennial quarters were issued:
- 1776–1976 clad quarter
- 1776–1976 D clad quarter
- 1776–1976 S silver quarter
- 1776–1976 S clad proof quarter
- 1776–1976 S silver proof quarter
These coins often carry premium value, especially those with high grades or unique errors.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Appearance
Produced in 1975 and 1976, these coins feature a dual date, “1776–1976,” instead of a single year. On the front, you’ll find George Washington’s bust and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The mint mark appears on the right side.
The reverse shows a colonial drummer with a torch surrounded by thirteen stars and the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The rim features the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
The obverse was designed by John Flanagan, while the drummer reverse was created by Jack L. Ahr. Due to the design, collectors often refer to this coin as the “Drummer Boy” quarter.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Value
Circulated clad versions typically have face value, but uncirculated coins can be worth around $6.65.
San Francisco produced three versions:
- A clad proof in PR 65 is worth around $4.52.
- A regular 40% silver strike in MS 65 fetches about $8.17.
- An uncirculated silver proof can go for $9.42 or more.
Silver melt value alone is approximately $1.34, based on current silver prices ($18.10/oz).
The 1975 Washington Bicentennial Quarter
Even though these coins were minted in 1975 and 1976, none have a 1975 date. All feature the dual year 1776–1976 due to a law signed by President Gerald Ford that allowed early production of bicentennial coins.
Existing Washington Bicentennial Quarter Types
Two main 40% silver versions from the San Francisco Mint include:
- Business strikes with standard surfaces
- Proofs with mirrored finishes
High-grade examples include:
- 1976 MS 67+ (regular)
- 1976 D MS 68
- 1976 S silver MS 69
Some ultra-rare coins, such as a silver proof with no mint mark made for President Ford, are rumored to exist and would be extremely valuable.
Washington Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Error varieties increase value significantly:
- Doubled Die obverse/reverse
- Grease-filled dies
- Struck-through fabric patterns
- Overstruck coins
Collectors are willing to pay a premium for these unique pieces.
Most Valuable Washington Bicentennial Quarters
These quarters share a diameter of 24.3 mm and reeded edges. Silver versions weigh 5.75 g, while clad types weigh slightly more at 5.67 g.
| Coin Type | Quantity Found | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 D MS 68 (clad) | 263 | $6,462.50 |
| 1976 MS 70 (clad) | 178 | $1,999.99 |
| 1976 S MS 69 (silver) | 2035 | $19,200 |
| 1976 S PR 67 (clad) | 2324 | $6,038 |
| 1976 S PR (clad, 1975) | 2 | $342 |
| 1976 S PR (silver) | 3284 | $13,500 |
1. Denver Washington Bicentennial Quarters
Over 860 million quarters were struck in Denver with a copper-nickel composition. The D mint mark appears on the obverse. Some high-quality MS 68 examples have sold for more than $6,000.
2. Philadelphia Washington Bicentennial Quarters
This mint produced over 809 million quarters. Although quality varied, many coins with errors were removed from circulation early and now hold collectible value.
3. High-Grade Bicentennial Quarters (MS 65–MS 70)
- MS 65: Typically worth $6–$10
- MS 66: Valued between $15–$40
- MS 67: Can reach $127
- MS 67+: May go for over $1,000
4. San Francisco Washington Bicentennial Quarters
This mint released three quarter types:
- Regular 40% silver strikes
- Silver proof quarters
- Clad proof quarters
5. Silver Uncirculated Bicentennial Quarters
Only 11 million were made. An MS 68 is worth $23–$144, while MS 69 versions can sell for over $5,000. One record-breaking coin reached $19,200 in 2019.
6. Silver Proof Bicentennial Quarters
Around 4 million were made with a 40% silver content. PR 69 Deep Cameos often fetch $15–$40, with top examples exceeding $250. A rare coin sold for $13,500 on eBay.
7. Clad Proof Bicentennial Quarters
Over 7 million clad proofs were struck. PR 69 examples sell for up to $50, while rare Deep Cameos in higher grades have sold for nearly $100. One error proof fetched $6,038 at auction.
8. Valuable Washington Bicentennial Quarter Varieties
Special error coins greatly increase in value:
- Doubled Die: Can be worth $810–$3,246
- Struck Through: Fabric-imprinted errors sold for $881.25
- Overstruck: May bring in as much as $12,000
Summary
Bicentennial quarters are a meaningful tribute to American history. While most are only worth face value, certain errors and high grades make some highly valuable. Checking for silver content, mint marks, condition, and errors can help identify which coins might be worth more.
Q1: Are all 1976 quarters valuable?
A: Most 1976 quarters are only worth face value unless they are in mint condition, silver, or have a rare error.
Q2: How can I tell if my 1976 quarter is silver?
A: Silver quarters were made at the San Francisco Mint and have an “S” mint mark. They also weigh slightly less (5.75g) than clad coins (5.67g) and have a duller, gray edge instead of copper.
Q3: What is the rarest 1976 quarter?
A: The rarest are high-grade silver quarters and those with major mint errors, such as the Doubled Die or overstruck varieties.
Q4: Is there a 1975 quarter?
A: No. All quarters made in 1975 and 1976 for circulation bear the dual date “1776–1976” to commemorate the bicentennial.