Most people think of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial Washington Quarter as just another common coin. After all, more than 1.6 billion of them were minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary of independence. 
But here’s the shocker: some of these historic coins — especially those with rare mint errors — have sold for hundreds of thousands, and the rarest ones could be worth up to $1 million! 
So, if you’ve got a bicentennial quarter sitting in a drawer or change jar, it’s time to take a closer look.
Top 1776 Quarter Errors to Watch For
1. 
Strike-Through Error
A strike-through happens when a foreign object (like grease, cloth, or shavings) gets stuck between the die and coin blank during minting. The result? A weird impression on the surface.
Value: Minor ones can fetch a few hundred dollars, but dramatic strike-throughs in top grade (MS67+) have been valued up to $1,000,000!
Example: A collector once paid nearly $900 for a small strike-through — so imagine what a major one could sell for.
2. 
Doubled Die Error
Some bicentennial quarters show doubled die errors, where parts of the design look doubled because of a misaligned die.
Where to check: Look closely at “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the drummer boy’s hands, face, and drumsticks.
Value: A sharp doubled die in uncirculated condition (especially MS68 or higher) can be worth $1,000,000+.
3. 
Grease-Filled Die (Blurry Drummer Error)
Sometimes, the drummer boy design on the reverse looks faint or blurry. This is usually due to grease filling the die during striking.
What to look for: A “ghost-like” drummer with missing or unclear details.
Value: High-grade examples with this error have sold for $250,000+ — and even more if combined with other rare features.
1776 Quarter FAQs
Is a 1776-1976 quarter worth anything?
Most are worth 25¢ to $3. But error coins or high-grade mint state versions can skyrocket in value — anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000.
How many were made?
Over 1.6 billion were struck at:
- Denver (D mint mark)
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- San Francisco (S proof coins for collectors)
Because of this massive production, most are common — but rare errors and pristine examples are worth serious money.
