As of December 19, 2025, the 1776–1976 Bicentennial Quarter remains a favorite for collectors. While over 1.6 billionwere minted—meaning most you find in your pocket are worth only 25 cents—there are specific rare varieties and errors that are currently fetching thousands of dollars.
Here is the breakdown of the “Big Money” finds you can still potentially find in circulation or old collections.
The 1976-S 40% Silver “Business Strike”
Most Bicentennial quarters are “clad” (copper-nickel). However, the San Francisco Mint produced a special 40% silverversion. While many were proof coins, a “business strike” (meant for uncirculated sets) in perfect condition is the current record holder.
- Why it’s rare: Finding one in near-perfect, uncirculated condition is extremely difficult.
- Auction Record: An MS69 graded silver quarter sold for $19,200.
- How to spot it: Look for the “S” mint mark and a solid silver edge (no copper stripe). It will also be slightly heavier (6.25g vs. 5.67g).
1976-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
This is the most famous “error” variety. It happened when the coin was stamped twice by a misaligned die, creating a “ghosting” or doubling effect on the details.
- What to look for: Noticeable doubling on the letters in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as well as the date 1776–1976.
- 2025 Value: Circulated finds can fetch $200–$500, but high-grade versions (MS66) have sold for $8,400.
Struck on Wrong Planchet (Dime or Penny)
This is a “major error” where a quarter design was accidentally stamped onto a metal blank (planchet) meant for a different coin.
- On a Dime Planchet: The coin will be silver-colored, much smaller than a quarter, and weigh only 2.27g. Value:$1,500 – $4,000+.
- On a Penny Planchet: The coin will be copper-colored and smaller. Value: $500 – $1,200.
- On a 40% Silver Blank (Clad Error): A regular 1976-P or D quarter accidentally struck on a silver blank intended for the San Francisco Mint. Value: $5,000 – $10,000+.
Off-Center Strikes
If the blank metal was misaligned when the press hit it, the design will be shifted to one side, leaving a blank crescent-shaped area.
- Value: A 5–10% shift is worth $20–$50. A dramatic 50% off-center strike that still shows the date can be worth $500 – $1,000+.
2025 Quick Value Summary Table
| Variety / Error | Mint Mark | Condition | Est. Value (2025) |
| 40% Silver Business Strike | S | MS69 (Perfect) | $19,200 |
| Doubled Die Obverse | D | MS66 (High Grade) | $8,400 |
| Deep Cameo Proof | S | PR69 (Pristine) | $2,760 |
| Struck on Dime Planchet | Any | Mint Error | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Off-Center Strike | Any | Dramatic Error | $500 – $1,000 |
| Pristine Clad (No Error) | P or D | MS68 (Gem) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
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Tips for Finding Treasure
- The “S” Mark: Always keep any quarter with an “S” mint mark. Even if it’s not a record-breaker, it’s worth more than 25 cents.
- The Rim Test: Check the edge of every Bicentennial quarter. If you don’t see a brown copper stripe, you might have found a silver error.
- Check the “D”: Look for “Filled D” errors where the mint mark looks like a solid blob. These can sell for $50–$200.