What if that 1776–1976 “Drummer Boy” Quarter in your drawer was worth $28,000? Believe it or not, certain Bicentennial quarters contain rare minting errors that turn them into life-changing finds.
Here’s everything you need to know about spotting these valuable coins.
Key Error Types to Look For
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Check the word “LIBERTY” on the front of the coin.
- Look for doubling in the letters L, B, E, R, and TY under magnification.
- Official designation: FS-101 Doubled Die.
Wrong Planchet Errors
- Struck on a Dime Planchet
- Much smaller than a normal quarter
- Weight: ~2.3g
- Value: $9,000+
- Struck on an Eisenhower Dollar Planchet
- Oversized with “ghost image” of Ike dollar rim
- Weight: ~22.7g
- Auction record: $28,200
What Makes Bicentennial Quarters Special
Year: 1976 (U.S. Bicentennial)
Reverse design: Drummer Boy by Jack L. Ahr
Celebrated 200 years of independence
Mintmarks: No mintmark = Philadelphia; “D” = Denver; “S” = San Francisco
2025 Market Value Breakdown
| Error Type | Certified Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| Doubled Die Obverse | $600–$900 | $820 |
| Dime Planchet Strike | $7,000–$9,500 | $9,200 |
| Eisenhower Planchet Strike | $25,000–$28,000 | $28,200  |
How to Authenticate Your Bicentennial Quarter
Check LIBERTY for Doubling – focus on edges of the letters.
Weigh the Coin – normal = 5.67g; dime error = 2.3g; Ike error = 22.7g.
Look at Size & Rim – dime = smaller; Ike = oversized with ghost rim.
Metal Test – XRF scan to confirm clad metal type.
Certification – send to PCGS or NGC for official grading.
Why These Quarters Reach $28K
Special Bicentennial limited run
Unique commemorative “Drummer Boy” design
Multiple error varieties possible in 1976
Huge demand from patriotic collectors & error specialists
Best Ways to Sell a Rare Bicentennial Error
Top Auctions:
- Stack’s Bowers – Commemorative Errors
- Heritage Auctions – Specialty Planchet Showcase
Private Sales:
- Elite U.S. error coin collectors
- Registry set investors (Red Book Error Sets)
Tip: Always get your coin authenticated first. Certification boosts value by thousands.
