STOP! Don’t spend that 1976 Bicentennial quarter just yet. Your pocket change could hide an ultra-rare error variety worth between $5,000 and $10,000+ at auction.
The coin to watch for is the 1776–1976-D Bicentennial Quarter with a Double Die Obverse (DDO), Double Die Reverse (DDR), and a unique filled-in “D” mintmark. Let’s break down the details collectors are paying thousands to own.
Why This Bicentennial Quarter Is So Valuable
Here are the key error features that make this coin a jackpot find:
Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Blurred or doubled letters in “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Doubling visible on Washington’s portrait
Double Die Reverse (DDR)
- Doubling on the drummer boy design
- Extra outlines around the colonial torch
Filled-In “D” Mintmark
- Denver “D” looks smudged, blocked, or solid
- Caused by a grease-filled die error
Double Raised Edge
- Rim appears “stacked” or doubled
- Most noticeable around the #1 position
Current Value Estimates (2024)
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $500 – $2,000 |
| Uncirculated | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| MS65+ (High Grade) | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Record Sale: $11,500 for a PCGS MS66 example
3-Step Identification Guide
Mintmark Check
- Look for the “D” mintmark under the date
- Error shows a filled-in or distorted “D”
Doubling Verification
- Use a 10x magnifier
- Obverse ➝ Doubling on date + “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Reverse ➝ Doubling on drum lines + torch details
Edge Inspection
- Rotate the coin slowly
- Look for a double rim effect near the “1”
Why Collectors Pay Thousands
- Extremely rare die variety
- Combines multiple errors in one coin
- Historic Bicentennial year (1776–1976)
- High demand from error coin specialists
What to Do If You Find One
Handle carefully by the edges only (use cotton gloves)
Take clear photos of all error features
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
Sell at major auctions like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers
Never clean your coin! Cleaning destroys surfaces and can wipe out 90% of its value.
Free Collector Resources
Download: “Bicentennial Quarter Error Guide”
Tools: Recommended 10x Magnifiers for error hunting
Free Verification: Text QUARTER to 555-1976
“I found mine in a laundromat coin machine!” – @CoinHunterMike (Reddit)
