1976 Bicentennial Quarter: History, Design, Errors, and Value Guide

.A 1976 quarter is a special U.S. 25-cent coin issued to celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States — the 200th anniversary of American independence (1776–1976).

We’re going to find out all the details about this coin: historical background, error types, identification tips, and, of course, the 1976 quarter value. 

Here’s the coin specifications table:

History

In the early 1970s, Congress began planning commemorative coins for 1976, and the Bicentennial Coinage Act of 1973 authorized new designs for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar. To maintain tradition, the familiar portrait of George Washington remained on the obverse, but the date was changed to “1776–1976” instead of a single year. No quarters dated 1975 were ever struck; all coins produced in both 1975 and 1976 carried the dual date.

A national design competition determined the reverse design. Out of hundreds of submissions, commercial artist Jack L. Ahr’s concept was chosen, depicting a colonial drummer with a torch encircled by 13 stars to represent the original colonies. This imagery symbolized the spirit of the Revolutionary War and the optimism of the Bicentennial celebrations.

Production began in August 1975 at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. The Philadelphia coins had no mint mark, Denver coins carried a “D,” and San Francisco coins bore an “S.” 

While most coins were made from the standard copper–nickel clad composition, San Francisco also produced special 40% silver versions for collectors in both uncirculated and proof formats. These silver pieces became the only circulating U.S. quarters after 1964 to contain silver.

The release of the Bicentennial quarter coincided with a wave of national pride. People across the country saved them as souvenirs, leading to a large number of uncirculated examples still available today.

Design

Obverse (Front)

Designer: John Flanagan (original 1932 Washington quarter design)

Portrait: George Washington, facing left

Date: Dual date “1776–1976” instead of a single year

• Inscriptions:

• LIBERTY (above the portrait)

• IN GOD WE TRUST (to the left of the portrait)

Reverse (Back)

Designer: Jack L. Ahr (winner of the 1973 national design contest)

Central figure: Colonial drummer wearing a tri-corner hat

Symbol: Victory torch with 13 stars (representing the original colonies) to the left of the drummer

• Inscriptions:

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (across the top)

• E PLURIBUS UNUM (to the right of the drummer)

• QUARTER DOLLAR (across the bottom)

1976 Bicentennial Quarter Value

Values are approximate retail prices as of 2025 and may vary with silver prices and collector demand.

The 40% silver versions carry additional silver melt value, currently around $1.40 based on spot silver prices.

Silver Melt Value

It’s the raw bullion value of the silver in a coin, based solely on its precious metal content and the current market (spot) price of silver — without considering any collector premium for rarity, condition, or historical interest.

For a 1976 Bicentennial quarter, only the special collector versions made at the San Francisco Mint in 40% silver have a melt value. Regular copper–nickel quarters have no significant bullion worth.

How to Calculate the Silver Melt Value

The process involves four steps:

1. Find the coin’s total weight. The 40% silver Bicentennial quarter weighs 5.75 grams.

2. Determine the silver content percentage. These special quarters are 40% silver, meaning 0.40 of their weight is pure silver.

Silver weight = 5.75 g × 0.40 = 2.30 g of silver.

3. Convert grams to troy ounces. Precious metals are measured in troy ounces, where 1 troy ounce = 31.1035 grams.

 2.30 g ÷ 31.1035 g/oz = 0.0739 troy ounces of silver.

4. Multiply by the current silver spot price. If silver is $28.50 per troy ounce:

 0.0739 oz × $28.50/oz = $2.11 melt value.

Major Error Types

1. Doubled Die Errors

• Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) – Extra thickness or doubled appearance on the date “1776–1976,” the word “LIBERTY,” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

• Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) – Doubling may appear on the drummer’s details, the torch, or the lettering like “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Value: $50–$500+ depending on strength and coin condition.

2. Off-Center Strikes

Part of the design is missing because the coin was struck outside the center.

Lightly off-center errors (5–10%) are common and worth a small premium, but extreme off-centers (40%+) are rare and can be valuable.

Value: $40–$200+ depending on how much design is visible.

3. Clipped Planchets

A portion of the coin’s edge is missing due to a miscut blank.

These can be straight clips, curved clips, or ragged clips.

Value: $20–$100+ depending on size and severity.

4. Wrong Planchet Strikes

A quarter design struck on a different coin’s blank (for example, a nickel or cent planchet).

These are very rare and highly collectible.

Value: $500–$3,000+ depending on the planchet and condition.

5. Broadstrikes & Missing Reeds

A coin struck without the retaining collar, causing it to spread wider and lose its reeded edge.

Value: $20–$80+ depending on appearance.

Key Identification Points

1. Date

Instead of a single year, the date reads “1776–1976” on the obverse under George Washington’s portrait.

No quarters with the date “1975” exist — all made in 1975 and 1976 carry the dual date.

2. Obverse Design

Portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan, unchanged from earlier Washington quarters.

• Inscriptions:

• LIBERTY at the top.

• IN GOD WE TRUST to the left.

• Dual date 1776–1976 below the bust.

3. Reverse Design

Features a Colonial drummer facing left, holding drumsticks, with a stylized victory torch to the left.

13 stars encircle the torch to represent the original colonies.

• Inscriptions:

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the top.

• E PLURIBUS UNUM to the right of the drummer.

• QUARTER DOLLAR at the bottom.

4. Mint Marks

Found on the obverse to the right of Washington’s ponytail:

• No mint mark = Philadelphia

• “D” = Denver

• “S” = San Francisco (proof and silver versions)

5. Composition

Copper–Nickel Clad for most circulation coins.

40% Silver only in special San Francisco collector issues.

5-Year Price Outlook

The 1976 quarter remains one of the most recognizable modern U.S. commemoratives. Most clad examples will hold only face value unless found in high mint-state grades (MS-65 and above), where they can sell for modest premiums. Proofs and silver collector versions retain steady demand, and high-grade certified coins or unusual errors continue to bring strong interest among specialists.

Over the next five years, copper–nickel circulation coins in average condition are unlikely to see significant appreciation, as supply remains abundant. However, certified gem examples, deep cameo proofs, and scarce mint errors may see gradual price increases due to collector focus on registry sets and the finite number of top-grade survivors. 

The silver issues will track closely with bullion prices, so any surge in silver spot value will directly boost their melt value and overall market price. Error coins—especially dramatic off-centers, double strikes, or strong doubled dies—are expected to appreciate faster than common issues, driven by niche demand.

Estimated Price Range Forecast (2025–2030):

*Dependent on silver price movements

Collectors seeking long-term gains should focus on certified high-grade examples, silver proofs, and well-documented error coins, as these have the strongest potential for steady appreciation.