WASHINGTON – Nearly 50 years after their release, bicentennial commemorative quarters still are found in circulation.
But check your pockets. If you have the right one it could be worth thousands of dollars. One topped $19,000 at auction, and at least seven others have sold for more than $1,000.
The quarters were issued in 1975 and 1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Bicentennial versions of the John F. Kennedy half-dollar coin and the Dwight Eisenhower dollar coin also were issued.
Regardless of where and when they were made, the coins bore the date 1776-1976.
Previously
- U.S. commemorative state quarters all from just one year now worth a small mint; Do you have one?
- Your quarter could be worth thousands; See which coins can fetch big money
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The front side of the quarter carried the familiar portrait of George Washington. The reverse side featured a colonial drummer facing left and a victory torch encircled by 13 stars at the upper left.
The coins were all minted in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. Factors that affect the value of these quarters include their composition and their condition.
Most of the bicentennial quarters were made of multiple metals layered together like a sandwich, according to the U.S. Mint. Since 1965, these “clad” coins have had a core of pure copper coated with a thin copper-nickel alloy outer layer.
But some of the bicentennial quarters were composed of 40% silver, and those coins are more valuable.
Coin condition also is critical for establishing value. Ratings for uncirculated and mint state coins are designated by an abbreviation MS and a number ranging from 60 to 70. Those rated as MS-70 are considered close to perfect. The higher the coin is rated, the greater its potential value.
A 40% silver bicentennial quarter minted in San Francisco that came in rated at MS-68 drew $19,200 at auction in 2019, according to Dallas-based Chronicle Collectibles.
Here’s seven others that sold for more than $1,000.
- San Francisco Silver Proof: Sold for $13,500 in 2019.
- Double Denomination Struck on a Dime: $9,200 in 2020.
- Denver Clad Double Die Obverse Business Strike: $8,400 in 2023.
- Denver Clad Regular Strike: $6,463 in 2017.
- San Francisco Clad Proof: $6,038 in 2010.
- San Francisco Silver Proof Deep Cameo: $2,760 in 2007.
- Clad Quarter Regular Strike: $1,821 in 2023.
Coin and collectible dealers note that values can fluctuate over time, particularly depending on supply and demand. They recommend that people thoroughly research items to gauge current market value before buying or selling.