1976 Bicentennial Quarter
The bicentennial Washington quarter features a 1776-1976 date on the obverse and a colonial drummer on the reverse of the coin to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States of America. This coin was produced in both years of 1975 through 1976 so there were no 1975 coins. The 1776-1976 quarter with no mint mark and the 1776-1976 D quarter are each worth around $1.25 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. The value is around $6 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1776-1976 S proof quarter is worth around $5 in PR 65 condition. Silver Clad Quarters.
The Washington quarter is the present quarter dollar or 25-cent piece issued by the United States Mint. The coin was first struck in 1932. For other Washington quarters, see this CoinQuest page [Press Here]. We also have a page on special Washington Statehood quarters at this link [Press Here]
In 1973 the mint announced that the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins would be re-designed for the country's bi-centennial by citizen artists via a $5,000 contest. Eventually three designs were chosen and plans to cancel the same three 1975 coins, make silver versions, and issue a new two dollar bill became reality. A victory torch encircled by 13 stars and a colonial drummer along with the typical mandated writing won the quarter design. JLA under the left arm are the initials of Jack L. Ahr, the winning designer. This quarter was issued over a two year period (1975 and 1976) with more than 800 million issued. So these are not rare and even in high grade they are very common and worth very little. All circulated coins made of copper-nickel are worth face value. Some silver proof coins were made especially for collectors and there are worth their weight in silver.
For a copper-nickel coin in brilliant conditions a collector might pay as high as $8 US dollars.
Damaged coins are worth zero. Please see our Important Terminology page found at the top left in order to convert the catalog values used here into actual buy and sales values.
Created (yyyymm): 201407, Last review: 201704
Appearance: Normal round coin Metallic gray Letters: Latin
Years: sort: 1975, filter: 1975 to 1976
Image: us_quarter_1976.jpg
Original inquiry: torch star starburst
The standard 1776-1976 Washington quarters are made of a clad composition that contains copper and nickel. Silver clad quarters and silver clad proof quarters were also minted and they sell for more money. Keep reading to learn more about these coins.
This coin has a special design on the reverse side of the coin to celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States. The reverse side of the coin features a military drummer along with a victory torch encircled by 13 stars. This design is why these coins are called drummer boy quarters. The obverse side of the coin features the same design as other Washington quarters.
The US minted the 1776-1976 quarter with no mint mark and also the 1776-1976 D quarter, 1776-1976 S proof quarter, 1776-1976 S silver quarter, and 1776-1976 S silver proof quarter.
Note: The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse side of the coin.
| Series | Location | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| 1776-1976 | Philadelphia | 809,784,016 |
| 1776-1976 D | Denver | 860,118,839 |
| 1776-1976 S Proof | San Francisco | 7,059,099 |
| 1776-1976 S Silver | San Francisco | 11,000,000 |
| 1776-1976 S Silver Proof | San Francisco | 4,000,000 |
Clad Quarters
The standard 1776-1976 clad quarters in circulated condition are only worth their face value of $0.25. These coins only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition.
The 1776-1976 quarter with no mint mark and the 1776-1976 D quarter are each worth around $1.25 in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade. The value is around $6 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter Rolls
The 1776-1976 S proof quarter is worth around $5 in PR 65 condition.
Silver Clad Quarters
This coin is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $2.01 as of February 09, 2021. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $27.26 per ounce.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter Error List
The 1776-1976 S silver quarter is worth around $4 in uncirculated condition with a grade of MS 63. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $7.
The 1776-1976 S silver proof quarter is worth around $8 in PR 65 condition.
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Grading System
MS 63 choice uncirculated- In the major focal areas there are some blemishes or contact marks. The coin's luster might not be as prominent.
MS 65 gem uncirculated- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks may be present but they are barely noticeable.
PR 65 proof- There are no flaws to this coin. A few blemishes may be present.
Sources:
See also:
1776-1976 Half Dollar
1776-1976 Silver Dollar